If you’re a mom (or a dad or a nanny or a babysitter or a grandparent or any other sort of caregiver), you’re probably familiar with this sentence: “I’m hungry.” Maybe in your experience it’s not usually stated with the brevity that appears here. Probably it’s infused with some whine, some urgency, and/or some demand. You have your classic snacks to offer: a piece of fruit—maybe an apple with peanut butter. Chips, pretzels, or popcorn. Granola bars, cookies, or even *gasp* candy. But everyone gets bored with the same ‘ole same ‘ole snacks, right? This school year, resolve to mix up your after school snack routine with a few of these fun, easy (and mostly healthy) recipes!
The best part? Most of these snacks are perfect to not just make FOR your kiddos but to make WITH your kiddos! My son isn’t old enough to cook with me yet (he’s just mastered standing), but in my experience with babysitting and with friends’ children, kids love to cook! They especially love to eat what they cook. So, if you’re trying to broaden little Johnny’s culinary horizons, maybe try letting him help you in the kitchen and see where that goes. 🙂 Growing up, I loved cooking with my mom. I still do!
And now, without further ado . . . here are some fun snacks you can make with your kids after school, on the weekends, or anytime! I can’t wait to introduce these to my son.
Mini Tortilla Pizza Bites
All you need for this delicious treat is tortillas, pizza sauce, cheese, and any desired pizza toppings. Simply use a cookie cutter to cut the tortilla into small circles. Place in a muffin tin (or on a baking sheet), top with sauce, cheese, and anything else you like! Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.
Sushi
There are tons of sushi and “sushi” recipes out there that kids would love. Many do have peanut or other nut butters, so they’re probably best to enjoy at home. From peanut butter and banana sushi to frushi, these would be so fun to make and enjoy together.
Savory Roasted Morsels of Deliciousness
There are so many things you can roast and enjoy for an easy, tasty, healthy snack. We love to roast chickpeas, nuts, and edamame. The best part about all of this is that the variations are endless! Mix and match your favorite herbs and spices for a different flavor every time. Plus, kids will be so proud to help measure the seasonings and enjoy their creations!
- Dry Roasted Edamame with Cranberries – what a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies!
- Roasted Chickpeas – six flavor options!
- Crispy Chickpea and Edamame Oven Snack – I am so trying this over the weekend!
- Cocoa Cinnamon Almonds – perfect for a healthy chocolate fix.
- Weasleys’ Dragon Roasted Nuts – Harry Potter inspired!
- Maple Cinnamon Roasted Nuts – these just scream fall to me.
- Healthy Sweet Potato Chips – in the microwave! Genius!
No Bake Treats
From sweet to savory, no bake treats are the best. They won’t heat up your kitchen on a hot day AND your kiddos can “cook” and “bake” without any worries about the oven. I could also see many of these treats as great lunchbox additions too.
- 8 No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls – the ubiquitous energy balls—with a variety of flavor options to suit every family!
- Apple Slice “Cookies” – not cookies for real, but oh so cute! Mom can cut the apples and the kids can decorate.
- 3 Ingredient Frozen Banana Bites – I make these all. the. time. in the summer, but there’s no reason they can’t be a back to school snack too!
- Owl Rice Cake Snacks – I am totally not the “make clever and decorative food for your kids” mom. But even I have to admit that these are just precious! 🙂
- Pickle Rollups – for the pregnant mamas out there… But even if you aren’t, these sound so good!
- Trail Mix – this master list is wonderful!
What are your kids’ favorite snacks?
 in the kitchen after school with your kiddos.){kind=link}