Studying for class, participating in team sports, hiking from classroom to classroom – your little one is always active, so it’s no surprise they’re hungry. Instead of reaching for those pre-packaged snacks, curb hunger with fun-to-make, better-for-you treats that’ll keep your youngsters satisfied until their next meal. These snack options are perfect for post-school hunger or even for packing as part of their lunch!
What are Good Snacks to Make at Home?
You can prep some quick and easy options in advance, or, even better, lay out some easy snacks for kids to get creative and make themselves. They’ll have a blast building mini pizzas out of crackers, sauce and cheese, using pre-cut fruit to design their smoothie bowl or dipping and decorating slices of fruit. Even simple ideas can be a lot of fun for the whole family. Choose age-appropriate foods and try including one to two food groups per snack for a good balance of nutrients.
Fun & Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids
You don’t have to be a gourmet baker or culinary wizard to make cute, delicious snacks for kids. When your little one starts eyeing the fridge, consider these fun and healthy ideas.
Banana and Apple Pops
We’re not sure which is more fun: decorating these fruit slices or eating them. For a school-friendly version, swap the peanut butter for a nut butter of your choice.
Total time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 wooden craft sticks with rounded ends
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and sliced into 1”-thick slices
- 2 bananas, peeled and sliced into 1”-thick slices
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal, slightly crushed
- 1 cup honey nut cereal, slightly crushed
Directions:
- Spread each slice of apple and banana with a light layer of peanut butter.
- Roll half of the apple and banana slices in crushed crispy rice cereal. Roll the other half in honey nut cereal.
- Insert craft sticks into apple and banana slices.
- Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Spicy Cheddar Cheese Crackers
Kids will love being able to roll their own dough, and everyone will love the crunchy, spicy end result.
Total time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 oz.) shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 Tbsp. butter, softened
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp. ice water
Directions:
- In bowl of stand mixer, mix cheese, butter, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and flour on low until crumbled. Slowly add 1 tablespoon water at a time until dough clumps together.
- Divide dough into two flat disks. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Roll each dough ball into a ⅛”-thick, 10”x12” rectangle. Use fluted pastry wheel to cut dough into 1” squares; arrange on prepared baking sheets.
- Using a toothpick, poke a hole in center of each square.
- Bake 15-17 minutes, until puffed and lightly browned. Let cool.
For more kid-friendly food inspiration, check out these school lunch ideas and delicious bento lunch box arrangements.