After-school snacks made in minutes give you fresh ideas for everyday cooking. Each recipe is easy to follow and uses ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these dishes will fit right in.

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites

Apple pie bites cut open to show the apple filling inside.
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These delightful air fryer apple pie bites are an easy dessert idea. Cinnamon apple filling is wrapped in a flaky biscuit crust. Only 5 ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites

Bacon Herbed Cream Cheese Bites

A wooden cutting board with cucumbers and bacon on it.
Bacon Herbed Cream Cheese Bites. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

These cucumber bites are a refreshing and healthy keto-friendly snack. They combine crisp cucumber slices with a flavorful filling of cream cheese, herbs, and bacon. This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for a light lunch, snack, or as an appetizer at parties. Its versatility allows it to fit various dietary needs, including and gluten-free lifestyles.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Herbed Cream Cheese Bites

Chocolate Chip Granola

A white bowl filled with mixed nuts and chocolate chips sits on a wooden board—perfect for easy snacks—with a jar of more nuts and a glass of milk in the background.
Chocolate Chip Granola. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A delightful mix for a nutritious start to the day or a healthy snack, this granola is a blend of nuts and seeds, offering a satisfying crunch. It’s sweetened with low-carb substitutes and has a hint of cinnamon, making it a great topping for yogurt or enjoyed by itself. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for those seeking a granola alternative that fits into a ketogenic lifestyle.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Granola

Halloween Monster Chex Mix

Glass bowl of monster chex mix next to a yellow bowl.
Halloween Monster Chex Mix. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

This Halloween Monster Chex Mix Recipe is quick and easy to make and the family will love it!
Get the Recipe: Halloween Monster Chex Mix

Snack Mix

Close up of snack mix made up of Chex, pretzels, peanuts, and Cheerios.
Snack Mix. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This snack mix is from my Great Grandma’s kitchen. It is savory and delicious – great for a road trip or a fun gift at Christmas!
Get the Recipe: Snack Mix

Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers

A stack of homemade cheddar cheese crackers.
Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

You will love these homemade cheddar cheese crackers that are easy to prepare and takes just six ingredients. These crackers are cheesy, crunchy, salty, and perfect for a snack or adding to a cheese tray.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers

Baked Sweet Potato Chips

A stack of sweet potato chips next to a glass of milk.
Baked Sweet Potato Chips. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A healthier alternative to traditional chips, these baked sweet potato chips are low carb, paleo, and gluten-free. They’re crispy, easy to make, and can be enjoyed with a variety of dips or on their own. The recipe involves slicing sweet potatoes thinly and baking them to perfection. This is a great snack for those looking for a tasty yet healthy option.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Chips

A plate of protein cookie dough balls.
Protein Cookie Dough Balls. Photo credit: The Honour System.

These healthy Protein Cookie Dough Balls are soft, sweet, and ready in under 30 minutes! They are nutritious bite-sized treats that combine the yummy flavors of cookie dough with the benefits of protein-packed ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Protein Cookie Dough Balls

Loaded Peanut Butter Chex Party Mix

Teal bowl of chex party mix next to a cereal box and casserole dish.
Loaded Peanut Butter Chex Party Mix. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Easy, delicious snack that is no bake!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Peanut Butter Chex Party Mix

Almond Butter Energy Balls

Three energy balls made with oats, chocolate chips, and nuts are stacked in a bowl, with whole almonds and chocolate chips scattered around—perfect for quick snacks or after-school snacks.
Almond Butter Energy Balls. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Looking for a quick and effortless healthy snack option? Look no further than Almond Butter Energy Balls! These delectable treats are no-bake, made with gluten-free oats and dark chocolate chips, making them a perfect vegan indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Almond Butter Energy Balls

Cinnamon Apple Snacks

A plate of cinnamon apple snacks.
Cinnamon Apple Snacks. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Savor the goodness of this wholesome Cinnamon Apple Snacks recipe! Super easy to make and they are a tasty, healthy snack for both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Snacks

Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers – Goldfish Copycat

A glass jar filled with small, goldfish-shaped cheese crackers—one of the best easy snacks—sits on a table, with more crackers scattered around it.
Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers – Goldfish Copycat. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers are a great kid-friendly. Homemade Goldfish Crackers with the tang of sourdough! Kid approved!
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers – Goldfish Copycat

Peanut Butter Cookies

Gluten free peanut butter cookie leaning against a stack of cookies in the background.
Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This simple recipe for gluten free peanut butter cookies is full of peanut butter flavor and made in the classic criss-cross style. A soft and chewy cookie peanut butter lovers will swoon for!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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