There are sweet and salty recipes to satisfy kids of all ages!
By Kara Zauberman and Georgia Goode Updated: Aug 2, 2024 Save Article
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Being a kid isn't all fun and games! With school, sports, and homework keeping them busy, snacks are a must to stave off those pre-dinner cravings. Given that, we've put together a list of after-school snacks that'll please kids of all ages!
Ree Drummond is no stranger to her kids' snacking habits, especially at the end of a school day when "hungry doesn't begin to describe it!" she says. "Aside from the typical teenage snacks (hello, sour cream and onion potato chips!), they loved fresh mandarin oranges (they would eat five or six in one sitting), granola bars, carrot sticks with ranch dressing, and pepperoni slices. There isn't much they wouldn't snack on!" If your kiddos are anything like Ree’s, they're probably scrounging for snacks of any variety to curb their hunger, so why not have some tasty and satisfying options on hand?
Here, you'll find easy snacks that are both sweet and savory. Try pepperoni pizza rolls or melty ham and cheese sliders for feeding a whole crew of hungry children. You can leave off the jalapeño if the kids don't love spice! There's also air fryer recipes like restaurant-worthy mozzarella sticks and the easiest homemade sweet potato fries. But if it's make-ahead snacks you're hunting for, we've got those too. Whip up salty snack mixes and no-bake desserts, or treat the kiddos to something a little on the healthier side. Think avocado dip with fresh cut veggies, zucchini bread, or a cool and refreshing smoothie. It's a long school year ahead, so go ahead and pick a few of these after-school snacks. They're guaranteed to hold the kids over until family dinner and they'll thank you, too!
Caitlin Bensel
This creamy dip is so easy to make and picky-eater-approved thanks to its smooth texture. Just throw avocados, Greek yogurt, basil, green onion, and a few spices in the blender and serve with pita chips and cut vegetables!
Will Dickey
Everything tastes better in pinwheel form, including the classic combo of ham and cheese! In this recipe, salty ham and gooey cheese are wrapped in buttery, puffy crescent rolls and baked to golden brown perfection.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
These colorful skewers are a great way to get a serving of fruit in their diet! Plus, they're complete with a doughnut hole surprise at the end for an incentive.
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Will Dickey
These bite-sized balls of mac and cheese will disappear in mere moments! They feature a gooey, cheesy filling and a crunchy potato chip crust that turns golden brown in the oven. Pair them with ranch, marinara, or any other dipping sauce!
Will Dickey
Crispy, golden, and delightfully crunchy, these taquitos are a simple, savory answer to your after-school snack prayers! The air fryer makes them quick and healthier than traditional frying, so you get all the indulgence without the extra oil. Plus, they’re ready in just about 15 minutes!
Caitlin Bensel
Studded with chocolate chips and sprinkled with crunchy coarse sugar, these muffins taste like they're fresh from your favorite bakery! Plus, they'll double as breakfast for the next morning, and who doesn't love chocolate for breakfast?
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Will Dickey
These mini sandwiches are seriously addictive! Filled with ham, cheddar, swiss, and a tasty mustard sauce for a punch of flavor, they're easy and quick to pull together.
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Caitlin Bensel
This cookie is like the nostalgic store-bought treat you grew up eating but meltingly soft and chock full of warm spices. Kids of every age will adore 'em!
Caitlin Bensel
Bring everyone's favorite campfire treat indoors with these fun bars. They have all the flavors of traditional s'mores with a graham cracker crust, rich chocolate filling, and toasted marshmallows on top.
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Will Dickey
Give the kiddos a snack you can feel good about! These fries cook up in the air fryer with ease. Just add everyone's favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ketchup, or barbecue sauce.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
For a sneaky way to get your kids to eat more vegetables, bake a loaf of this quick bread for an after-school bite. Thanks to cinnamon, vanilla, and a handful of chocolate chips, they won't even know they're eating zucchini!
Danielle Daly
This super simple snack doesn't require turning on the oven so it couldn't be easier. Keep a stash in the fridge for a quick after-school snack.
