After-School Snacks Your Kids Can Make

Hey kids — this one’s for you! If you’re looking for something tasty to eat after school, then check out these snacks! They’re so easy to make that you don’t need your parents’ help. This lineup has the perfect combination of sweet, savory and healthy options that you will go crazy for.

Pizzadilla

A fun mashup between — you guessed it — a pizza and a quesadilla! Take a whole-wheat or plain-flour tortilla, toss on your choice of sauce, cheese and toppings, fold over and pop in the microwave or toaster oven.

Ingredients

1 tortilla
2 tablespoons of marinara/pizza sauce
1 cup of mozzarella cheese
4 pepperonis

Optional toppings:

bacon
sausage
spinach
basil

Directions

For microwave use:
1. Place a tortilla on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Using the back of a spoon, cover the tortilla in pizza sauce.
3. Sprinkle the cheese over the sauce until covered evenly.
4. Place each pepperoni on one side of your tortilla, then fold your pizzadilla in half and press down.
5. Put your pizzadilla in the microwave for 1 minute, if the cheese isn’t melted enough, put it back in the microwave for another minute. Be careful it will be hot. Eat and enjoy!

For toaster oven use:
1. Place a tortilla on an oven-safe tray or foil.
2. Using the back of a spoon, cover the tortilla in pizza sauce.
3. Sprinkle the cheese over the sauce until covered evenly.
4. Place each pepperoni on one side of your tortilla, then fold your pizzadilla in half and press down.
5. Place your pizzadilla in the oven and set your toaster oven to 350 degrees on toast. Let it cook for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla starts to brown a little.
6. Turn the toaster oven off and carefully remove your pizzadilla from the oven. Eat and enjoy!

Notes: If you feel comfortable using a knife, you can slice your pizzadilla in half before eating.

Mac-rowave Mac

One bowl to rule them all! All you need is a microwave to make this perfect homemade mac and cheese. Get creative and toss some ham or bacon into the mix.

Ingredients

1/2 cup dried macaroni
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded cheese, such as mild cheddar or Colby Jack

Optional toppings:

black pepper
diced vegetables
bacon
ham
breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Combine the pasta, water and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir to combine.
2. Microwave the pasta for 3 minutes. Microwave on high power for 3 minutes, then stir. Watch to see if the water is foaming over the side of the bowl and stir earlier if needed. Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel if you need to move the bowl out of the microwave to do so.
3. Continue microwaving for 2 minutes until the pasta is cooked.
4. Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to remove the bowl from the microwave. Stir in the milk, cheese and any extra add-ins.
5. Microwave on high power for 1 minute, then stir.
6. This mac and cheese is best when hot from the microwave. Be careful when eating, the bowl may be very hot.

Bagel Bites

Mini bagels can be more than a savory snack. Spread an organic chocolate-hazelnut sauce on your bagel and top with strawberries, bananas or another fruit for a sweet snack.

Ingredients

mini bagels

Optional toppings:

chocolate-hazelnut spread
peanut butter
almond butter
banana
strawberry
chocolate chips

Directions

1. Warm up your bagel(s) in the microwave or toaster.
2. Cover your bagel(s) in your choice of spread.
3. (Optional) Slice your choice of fruit or top with chocolate chips on top of your bagel(s), eat and enjoy.

No-Bake Granola

This is easily customizable to include your favorite add-ins, like chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, coconut or peanut butter. You can put this in the fridge and cut into bars, or if you’re not comfortable with a knife, you can easily microwave and eat out of the bowl!

Ingredients

2 2/3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
pinch of salt

Optional toppings:

chocolate chips
raisins
chia seeds
almonds

Directions

1. Place peanut butter and honey in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 10 second increments until the peanut butter and honey can be easily combined, but are not hot (this should happen quickly). Stir well. Add oats and salt and stir until well combined, use your hands if you have to.
2. (Optional) Dump into a greased 8×8 baking dish, pack and flatten into an even layer. Cover and refrigerate until firm and slice into bars or squares. Or eat out the bowl (refrigeration optional).

Yogurt Parfait

Take your choice of plain or Greek yogurt and toss in your favorite fruit and other add-ins for a refreshing snack.

Ingredients

Plain or Greek yogurt 
Fresh or thawed berries
granola

Optional toppings:

chopped nuts such as walnuts
chia seeds
almonds
crushed graham crackers
honey
fruit preserves

Directions

1. Layer each ingredient in a small bowl or cup (depending on whether you want the yogurt on the bottom or granola).
2. Eat and enjoy!

Note: There are no rules with this recipe. This recipe is very versatile and can go along with any ingredients you have in your kitchen (almost anything).

 

Health Journal: Health Journal's mission is to educate and empower our readers to achieve optimum health. Health care professionals, together with seasoned journalists, partner with us to produce consumer-friendly content on a wide variety of health topics to boost wellness and lead a fulfilling life, including advances in medical technology, ways to manage healthy relationships and recipes to encourage healthy eating.