Packing snacks for school can be just as important as the main lunch, and having a variety of tasty, portable treats makes it easy to keep things interesting. This list includes crunchy bites, chocolatey treats, savory nibbles, and quick no-bake recipes. Many can be made ahead of time and stored, making mornings less hectic. From cheesy to sweet, there’s something here for every craving.
Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups
Tortillas are filled with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, then rolled up and crisped in the air fryer. The outside turns golden while the cheese melts inside. They’re quick to make and fun to eat. Serve with a small cup of marinara for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups
Gluten Free Pretzels
Soft, chewy pretzels are made without gluten but still deliver the classic pretzel taste and texture. They’re shaped into twists or bites and baked until golden brown. Sprinkle with coarse salt for a traditional finish. Perfect for packing in a lunch box with mustard or cheese dip.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Pretzels
Chewy Vegan Granola Bars
These bars combine oats, nut butter, and sweetener for a chewy, plant-based snack. They hold together well and can be made with any mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips. No baking required for a quick prep. They store well for grab-and-go snacks.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Vegan Granola Bars
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups
A simple combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and a sweetener creates a rich, layered treat. The peanut butter is sandwiched between two layers of melted chocolate. They’re easy to make in batches. Store them in the fridge to keep them firm until lunchtime.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups
Gluten-Free Cheez-Its
These homemade crackers are crispy, cheesy, and gluten free. They’re made by mixing cheese, gluten free flour, and butter into a dough, then baking until crisp. The flavor is bold and cheesy in every bite. Great for kids who love crunchy snacks.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Cheez-Its
Chocolate Muffins
Soft and fluffy muffins are packed with chocolate flavor. They can be made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips for double the richness. Bake a batch and store in an airtight container for easy school snacks. They’re just the right size for lunch boxes.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Muffins
Ground Beef Jerky
Ground beef is seasoned, shaped into strips, and dried until chewy and flavorful. It’s a protein-packed snack that stores well. The seasoning can be adjusted from mild to spicy. Great for a filling, on-the-go lunch box addition.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Jerky
Chocolate Chip Granola
Oats, honey, and chocolate chips are mixed and baked until golden. The clusters are crunchy yet slightly chewy. They can be eaten alone or sprinkled over yogurt. Pack in a small container for a sweet, wholesome snack.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Granola
Cheesy Pickle Chips
Pickle slices are topped with shredded cheese and baked until crisp. The tangy pickle and melty cheese make a unique flavor combination. They’re low-mess and easy to pack. A fun alternative to regular chips.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pickle Chips
Pretzel Bites
Bite-sized pretzel pieces are boiled, salted, and baked until golden brown. They’re soft on the inside and chewy on the outside. Serve with a small container of cheese sauce or mustard. Perfect for lunch boxes or after-school snacks.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Bites
Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are baked until crisp. They have a natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Season with salt or cinnamon for a different flavor. They’re a healthier chip option for snack time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Chips
3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies are made with oats, mashed bananas, and chocolate chips. They’re soft, chewy, and quick to prepare. No mixer is required—just stir and bake. A great way to use overripe bananas.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
Protein Cookie Dough Balls
Made with nut butter, protein powder, and chocolate chips, these no-bake balls taste like cookie dough. They’re quick to roll and refrigerate. Great for a protein boost in the middle of the day. Keep chilled until ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Protein Cookie Dough Balls
Sausage Rolls
Flaky pastry wraps around seasoned sausage filling, then bakes until golden brown. They’re savory, filling, and easy to pack. Cut into smaller pieces for lunch boxes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars
These layered bars combine oats, peanut butter, and chocolate into a chewy treat. The chocolate topping hardens for a nice snap. They’re rich but simple to make. Store in the fridge until ready to pack.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars
Graham Crackers
Homemade graham crackers are lightly sweet and have a toasty flavor. They’re crisp but not too hard, making them ideal for snacking. You can cut them into fun shapes for kids. Great on their own or paired with fruit.
Get the Recipe: Graham Crackers
Cheesy Breadsticks
Soft breadsticks are topped with melted cheese and baked until bubbly. They’re flavorful and easy to dip into marinara sauce. Cut into smaller strips for lunch boxes. Best served slightly warm but still tasty at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Breadsticks
