As parents, we’re always on the lookout for ways to get our kiddos to eat their veggies and love healthy snacks. But let’s be real – sometimes it can be tough to come up with creative ideas that they’ll actually enjoy. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 20 easy snack recipes that are both fun and nutritious! From cheesy quesadilla dippers to rainbow veggie wraps, these tasty treats are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. And the best part? They’re all super easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these 20 recipes, sharing tips and tricks for making them a hit with your little ones. Whether you’re looking for a quick after-school snack or a healthy alternative to store-bought treats, we’ve got you covered.
Cheesy Quesadilla Dippers
Satisfy your cravings with these crispy, cheesy, and deliciously easy-to-make dippers that are perfect for snacking or as a fun appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut each tortilla into quarters.
3. Place a quarter of the tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling, then press gently to seal.
5. Repeat with remaining tortillas and cheese.
6. Brush the tops of the quesadillas with olive oil and season with salt.
7. Place the quesadillas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Start your day with a sweet and healthy treat that’s perfect for any time of the year! Layered fruit, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola come together to create a delightful parfait.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 cup vanilla yogurt
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the mixed berries and honey until well combined.
2. Spoon half of the berry mixture into a glass or jar.
3. Top with half of the vanilla yogurt.
4. Sprinkle with half of the chopped almonds and granola.
5. Repeat the layers (berries, yogurt, almonds/granola).
6. Drizzle with lemon juice.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes ( assembly only)
Ants on a Log with Peanut Butter
A sweet and simple snack that’s perfect for kids of all ages! This recipe is a fun twist on the classic marshmallow treat, adding creamy peanut butter to the mix.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Ritz crackers
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup marshmallows
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
– Honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by spreading a small amount of peanut butter onto each Ritz cracker.
2. Place a marshmallow on top of the peanut butter.
3. If desired, sprinkle some chopped nuts or drizzle with honey over the marshmallow.
4. Repeat for each ant on its log!
5. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Mini Pizza Bagels
Mini Pizza Bagels Recipe
Get ready to bite into a flavorful and fun twist on traditional pizza! Mini Pizza Bagels are perfect for parties, snacks, or even a quick dinner option that’s easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of mini bagels
– 1 cup of pizza sauce
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of pepperoni slices
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread a small amount of pizza sauce on each mini bagel.
3. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
4. Top with pepperoni slices and chopped parsley.
5. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Apple Sandwiches with Almond Butter
A classic combination of crunchy apples and creamy almond butter, sandwiched between soft bread for a satisfying snack or dessert. This recipe is perfect for the fall season, using fresh apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices whole wheat bread
– 2 large apples, cored and sliced
– 1/4 cup almond butter
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Spread one side of each bread slice with almond butter.
2. Arrange apple slices on top of the almond butter.
3. Drizzle with honey, if using.
4. Place another bread slice, spread-side down, to create a sandwich.
5. Cut into halves or quarters, depending on desired size.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assemble and serve)
Homemade Granola Bars
Satisfy your snacking cravings with these crunchy and delicious homemade granola bars, perfect for a quick energy boost or as a healthy addition to your lunchbox.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, nuts, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Stir until well combined.
4. Add vanilla extract to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
5. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
6. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rainbow Veggie Wraps
Rainbow Veggie Wraps Recipe
Summary: These vibrant wraps are filled with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, crunchy greens, and creamy hummus, all wrapped up in a whole wheat tortilla. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or snack!
Ingredients:
– 1 large whole wheat tortilla
– 1 cup mixed roasted vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and onions)
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
– 1/4 cup hummus
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the roasted vegetables down the center of the tortilla.
3. Top with mixed greens, hummus, and feta cheese (if using).
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roll up the wrap tightly and slice in half.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These soft-baked cookies are perfect for a sweet treat or as a healthy breakfast option. With mashed bananas and rolled oats, they’re packed with nutritious ingredients to fuel your day.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– Optional: chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Beat in the egg until well combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Popcorn Trail Mix
Get ready to take a delicious adventure with this sweet and salty popcorn trail mix recipe! With its perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, and savory elements, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup popped popcorn
– 1/4 cup mixed nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews)
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup M&M’s or other colorful candy pieces
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the popcorn, mixed nuts, and dried cranberries.
2. Pour in the honey and sprinkle with salt. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
3. Add the M&M’s or candy pieces and toss gently to distribute.
4. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and enjoy.
Pita Bread Pizzas
Transform ordinary pita bread into a delicious pizza in just a few minutes! This recipe is perfect for a quick snack or as an appetizer for a party.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 pita breads
– 1 cup pizza sauce
– 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
– Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers)
– Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Split each pita bread in half and place on a baking sheet.
3. Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each pita half.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Add your desired toppings.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cucumber and Hummus Bites
These bite-sized snacks are perfect for hot summer days or as a light lunch. Crisp cucumber slices paired with creamy hummus make for a delightful combination.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup store-bought or homemade hummus
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together hummus and lemon juice until well combined.
2. Arrange cucumber slices on a serving plate or platter.
3. Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of the hummus mixture onto each cucumber slice.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Mini Pancake Skewers with Berries
Start your day off right with these adorable mini pancake skewers topped with sweet and tangy berries!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– Wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter onto the prepared baking sheet in small mounds.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Thread a few pancake pieces onto each skewer with fresh berries.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Sweet Potato Fries with Yogurt Dip
Get ready to indulge your senses with this deliciously simple recipe that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the tanginess of a refreshing yogurt dip. Perfect for a quick snack or as a side dish for your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 minced garlic clove
– Chopped fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the sweet potatoes into long, thin strips.
3. Place the sweet potato strips in a bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sweet potato strips in a single layer.
5. Sprinkle salt to taste over the fries.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
7. Meanwhile, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic clove in a bowl.
8. Serve the sweet potato fries warm with the yogurt dip on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheese and Crackers Snack Stacks
A simple yet satisfying snack that’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as an addition to your favorite party platter. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty and visually appealing treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup assorted crackers (e.g., Wheat Thins, Ritz, saltines)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Arrange the crackers in a stack on a serving plate or platter.
2. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the crackers, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Top with slices of red bell pepper and cucumber, creating a visually appealing pattern.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Smoothie Popsicles
Beat the heat with a refreshing twist on traditional popsicles! This recipe combines your favorite smoothie flavors with a fun and easy-to-make popsicle.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries)
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the mixed berries, Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or small cups.
3. Add an ice cube to each mold to help the mixture freeze faster.
4. Insert popsicle sticks and place in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Enjoy your smoothie popsicles as a sweet and healthy treat!
Cooking Time: 4 hours or overnight
Avocado Chocolate Pudding
Elevate your dessert game with this unique and delicious recipe that combines the creaminess of avocados with the richness of dark chocolate. This pudding is not only decadent but also healthier than traditional chocolate puddings due to the nutritious benefits of avocados.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Peel and pit the avocados, then blend them in a food processor until smooth.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the heavy cream to the dry ingredients and whisk until well combined.
4. Fold in the melted dark chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Add the blended avocado to the mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a chilled dessert.
Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
These tasty roll-ups are perfect for a quick snack or lunchbox addition. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying treat that’s easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sliced turkey breast
– 4-6 slices of cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 whole wheat tortilla (about 8 inches in diameter)
Instructions:
1. Lay the tortilla flat on a surface.
2. Place two slices of turkey breast at one end of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Place one slice of cheese on top of the turkey.
4. Spread a small amount of mayonnaise over the cheese.
5. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top of the mayonnaise.
6. Roll up the tortilla tightly but gently, starting from the end with the filling.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Oatmeal Banana Muffins
Start your day with a delicious and healthy twist on traditional muffins, packed with the natural sweetness of bananas and the heartiness of oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
7. Let cool in tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Peanut Butter and Banana Sushi Rolls
A unique twist on traditional sushi rolls, this recipe combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweetness of ripe bananas. Perfect as a snack or dessert!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed (dried)
– Optional: sesame seeds and chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, mix together peanut butter and a pinch of salt until smooth.
3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a surface. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter mixture onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Place a few slices of banana in the middle of the peanut butter layer.
5. Roll the sushi using a bamboo mat or a clean tea towel, applying gentle pressure to compress the filling.
6. Slice into individual rolls and serve immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped nuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time included)
Trail Mix Energy Balls
Boost your energy levels with these no-bake, healthy bites made with trail mix and natural ingredients. Perfect for a quick snack or pre-workout fuel.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon peanut butter
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine oats, dried fruit, and nuts.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the honey and peanut butter over low heat until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the honey-peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into 12-15 energy balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! No baking required.
Summary
Get creative with these 20 easy snack recipes that are perfect for kids! From classic combinations like ants on a log and apple sandwiches, to fun twists like peanut butter banana sushi rolls and avocado chocolate pudding, there’s something for every taste bud. These healthy snacks are not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. Try making mini pizza bagels, cheesy quesadilla dippers, or homemade granola bars for a snack that’s sure to please.