24 Homemade Snacks Kids Will Love (When You Have a Little Extra Time and Energy)

These hearty muffins are studded with thick slices of ham and gooey cheddar, with a little cornmeal to give them structure. Not only are they a protein-filled snack, as the name implies, they’re also a great addition to lunch boxes, and a recipe makes a dozen at a time. Store extras in the fridge for a few days or the freezer for up to 3 months.

With a combination of protein and fiber, hummus with pita chips or veggies, is a smart afterschool snack that will keep your kids full and satisfied until dinner.

Something about the pinwheel format seems to mesmerize my kids (and convince them to eat something other than potato chips). Maybe it’s the fact that they can see exactly what’s inside — turkey, spinach, and a cream cheese spread flavored with sundried tomatoes — so there are no scary surprises, just happy snacking.

I have to admit, I got caught up in the energy ball craze, and now my fridge is loaded with these little pick-me-ups, which are the perfect low-effort snack to take to school pick-up or nibble on the way to soccer practice. Heads-up that this recipe calls for honey, and children younger than 1 year old should never be given honey.

We always have a bunch of bananas hanging in a basket over the sink, which means we always have a few extra brown bananas for making muffins. My 7-year-old likes to help me make these (and she usually lobbies for adding chocolate chips), which means she will reliably eat them for a quick breakfast or a sweet treat after school.

Whether it’s dolloped on a buttery cracker or loaded between two slices of white bread, pimento cheese is a quintessential Southern snack that both my kids love, especially when I serve it with some dill pickles to cut through that rich, cheesy goodness.

Once you add yogurt powder to your pantry, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. The shelf-stable wonder can add tanginess and protein to smoothies, dips, and marinades. Here, it lends both to a yogurt pretzel bark (think yogurt covered pretzels) that kids will love.

I’m a believer in the idea that putting food on a stick makes it infinitely more appealing to kids, and these fruit kebabs prove my point. If your kids like the tangy, slightly piquant blend of Tajin, sprinkle it on to add fun contrast to the sweet fruit; if not, serve them plain or with a squeeze of lime juice.

This classic game day crowd-pleaser is also a great idea for a kid-friendly snack. Serve them at playdates with your kids’ favorite dips (ahem, ketchup), and watch them disappear.

Another smart way to make fruit a little more fun is to freeze it. These frozen grapes are super simple to make, so it’s easy to get the kids involved with making their own frosty snack. Of course, this snack is for older kids who can handle whole grapes.

A tube of crescent dough gives these simple ham and cheese sandwiches a fancy upgrade. Customize with optional apricot preserves for a touch of sweetness or some sliced pepperoncini peppers for a little kick, depending on your child’s preference.

Another good example of how putting food on a stick makes it way more fun, these skewers combine balls of fresh mozzarella and fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.

Cool, creamy, and sweet, this dip is another way to make fruit a fun snack for after school or playdates. Serve with your kids favorite fruit — whole strawberries, sliced pineapple, mango, or whatever they love.

They’re not just for parties — deviled eggs make a great, protein-rich snack that’s good for any time of day. Add a little crunch with the optional breadcrumb topping.

Millennial parents and caregivers know the jingle well — when pizza’s on a bagel, you can eat pizza any time! This recipe allows you to choose your own ingredients and customize the toppings to make a filling afterschool snack that will get kids totally stoked.

Inspired by her favorite poolside treat, strawberry smoothies are probably my 7-year-old’s most requested snack. And since they’re easy to make and filled with fruit and yogurt, it’s easy to say yes. Reminder that kids younger than 1 year old should never be given honey.

A perfect hands-on project for Sunday afternoons with your kids, these muffin tin pizzas are easy to love and can be stored in the fridge for a few days or the freezer for a couple weeks so you always have a hot, toasty pizza muffin whenever hanger strikes.

Toasty, crunchy, savory Chex Mix is one of my 14-year-old’s favorite snacks to enjoy while gaming or watching YouTube, and I feel good knowing he has a homemade snack, made with love, to enjoy solo or with friends. The ranch version is another family favorite.

The classic afterschool combo of apples and peanut butter gets a fun makeover in these cute sandwiches, which include a touch of honey plus oats and raisins. Dip the apple slices in a little water with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown, and feel free to use the nut butter of your choice if you’re avoiding peanuts. (Raw apples and honey make these a no-no for snackers under 1 year old.)

Mango and banana team up to make a creamy, dreamy smoothie that’s giving mango lassi vibes (especially if you add the optional pinch of cardamom). It’s great as a cool treat after a long day of school.

Making your own KIND-style bars is actually brilliant because it’s typically more affordable than buying them pre-made, and you have the flexibility to make them with whatever ingredients your kids prefer — Not a fan of almonds? Skip them! Peanuts forbidden at school? Leave them out!

My kids are gaga for guacamole, so that makes it a smart, any-time snack that they actually appreciate. Serve with their favorite tortilla chips or even some veggies, and feel free to skip the jalapenos for a milder version.

Known online as ‘healthy Snickers,’ date bark combines chewy, fiber-rich dates, peanut butter (I use sugar-free pb, and no one is the wiser!), and bittersweet chocolate chips to make these frozen favorites. I love to share them with my second grader when she’s telling me about her day at school.

When it comes to refueling after a day of school, protein is key, so these egg bites (aka frittata cups) are an excellent option. A blend of ricotta, parmesan, and fontina give them a delightful cheesiness, plus, you can even sneak in some veggies, like broccoli or bell peppers, if your kids are into it.