5-Minute After-School Snacks!
Photo Credit: Food Network
After a long school day, a good snack can be just what you need to help fuel you for upcoming homework, sports, and extracurriculars. In this article, you’ll find five simple recipes anyone can make. We recommend using our recipes as a foundation for the variations we have shown — you can also always add your own unique twists to these snacks. From healthy fruit salads to buttery popcorn, there’s a snack catered to everyone’s personal tastes! Forget your measuring cup; estimation will do for all of these easy recipes. For modifications, check the bottom of each recipe. Happy snacking!
Cheesy Nachos
Ingredients:
Cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack works best)
Tortilla chips
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or any other sauce is optional
Materials: Plate, microwave/toaster oven
Instructions:
1. Place a layer of tortilla chips on the plate.
2. Add a layer of cheese.
3. Repeat these steps until you have the desired amount of chips and cheese.
4. Place in the microwave/toaster oven until the cheese is fully melted.
4. Top with your desired sauce to complete the dish.
Variations:
Crispy Chili Cheese Nachos: Following the instructions on your favorite chili recipe, prepare the chili sauce. Drizzle the sauce on top of the nachos for a heartier snack!
Fruit Salad
Ingredients: Any fruit! Here are some suggestions:
Apples
Oranges
Bananas
Pears
Grapes
Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc.)
Materials: A bowl, small knife, cutting board, spoon
Instructions:
Wash the fruits with water.
Cut them into cubes on the cutting board and place them in the bowl.
Enjoy!
Variations:
Fruit Kabobs: After cubing the fruit, slide them on a skewer.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melt chocolate in a medium pot until it becomes a liquid, stirring evenly throughout to prevent clumping. Let cool, then transfer the mixture into a bowl before using it as a dipping sauce.
Popcorn
Ingredients:
Popcorn kernels
Salted Butter
OR
Bagged popcorn
Materials: Microwave, Microwave-safe bowl, Cling wrap
Instructions:
Place the popcorn into the bowl and put the cling wrap over it.
Microwave for around 4 minutes or until most kernels are popped.
Put the salted butter in a separate bowl and microwave for 30 seconds or until fully melted.
Pour the butter over the popcorn and eat away.
(For the bagged popcorn, follow the instructions on the bag.)
Variations:
Caramel Corn: Put soft caramels in a bowl and microwave until liquid. Then drizzle over the popcorn for a sweeter treat!
Spiced Popcorn: Experiment with different spices. Some tasty seasonings are cinnamon sugar, paprika, tajin, or curry powder.
English Muffin Pizzas
Ingredients:
Cheese (Mozzarella works best)
English muffins, cut in halves
Pizza Sauce
Toppings of choice (deli meat, vegetables, etc.)
Materials: Toaster oven, plate, knife, spoon
Instructions:
Place the English muffin halves on the plate and spread the pizza sauce liberally on the flatter side of the muffin.
Sprinkle on as much cheese as desired.
Add the toppings of choice, and spread evenly on the pizza.
Put the English muffin halves in the toaster for approximately 4 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted. Enjoy!
Variations:
Pizza Naan: Substitute the English muffin for naan if you want a thicker “dough” option.
Pizza Rolls: Substitute the English muffin for dinner rolls.
Trail Mix
Ingredients:
Nuts (cashews, peanuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.)
Seeds (pumpkin or sunflower)
Dried Fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries, dates, mangoes, etc.)
Chocolate (chocolate chips or M&M’s)
Materials: Bowl, spoon
Instructions:
Gather all ingredients and place all into a bowl.
Mix together with a spoon or shake the bowl until all ingredients are evenly dispersed.
Enjoy by itself or as a variation!
Variations:
Smoothie/Yogurt Bowl: Add the trail mix to any smoothie or yogurt with honey, granola, or fresh fruit.
Nut-Free: If allergic to nuts, a delicious alternative is to replace the nuts with pretzels and cereal.
Granola Bars: Add oats, room temperature peanut butter, and honey to the trail mix and press it into any greased baking pan. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour, cut into bars, and eat.