The kids are hungry, and you’re pressed for time. A bag of chips or a candy bar is convenient, but you want a better option for their growing bodies and minds. What’s a busy parent to do?
With a little bit of planning — and not a lot of money — you can whip up a week’s worth of quick and healthy kids’ snacks over the weekend. Older kids can take on some of these easy recipes for themselves and their siblings after school.
HONEYED CHICKPEAS
These are salty and sweet — just as a snack should be.
Canned Chickpeas + Olive Oil + Salt + Pepper + Honey
Drain canned chickpeas. Drizzle chickpeas with olive oil. Toss with salt and pepper. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes, tossing a couple of times, or until they get a bit crispy. Remove from oven and toss with a couple of tablespoons of honey.
BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES
An excellent source of vitamin A, sweet potatoes make better-for-you fries than regular russets.
Sweet Potato + Olive Oil + Salt + Pepper
Slice sweet potato into thick sticks. Drizzle with olive oil. Toss with salt and pepper. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
APPLE “DONUTS”
Kids who crave something sweet after school are sure to love these. They will never look at apples the same way again!
Apple + Cream Cheese + Chopped Nuts + Mini Chocolate Chips
Slice an apple into 1/2-inch-thick slides. Use a melon baller or sharp knife to carve out the cores of the slices. Spread with a thin layer of cream cheese. Sprinkle with chopped nuts of your choice and chocolate chips.
FRO-YO GRAPES
Grapes are a great snack on their own. But they become something special when dressed up with yogurt and sprinkles.
Grapes + Yogurt + Sprinkles
Stick toothpicks in grapes. Dip grapes in yogurt and then sprinkles. Freeze for at least 10 minutes.
TURKEY AND CHEESE SWIRLS
Buy pre-sliced turkey and your kids’ favorite cheese for these easy-to-eat roll-ups.
Sliced Turkey + Sliced Cheese + Pretzel Sticks
Stack turkey on cheese and carefully roll. Skewer with a pretzel stick.
Bonus: In addition to these five recipes, we have a video for making homemade granola bars, which also make delicious and nutritious after-school snacks.