43 After-School Snacks Your Kids Will Love

Whether they're in preschool or senior year, they'll love nibbling on these delicious dishes.

hummus with vegetables and pita chips

After a long day at school, kids can't wait to unwind and enjoy an afternoon snack. After all, it's been hours since lunchtime—but it's still too early for dinner. While this hunger witching hour might seem like it'll make dinner a lost cause, the right healthy after-school snack can serve as a nutritious and satisfying appetizer that'll help them power through homework and afternoon activities. We're sharing some of our favorite easy, quick, and delicious foods for your young ones to munch on; they'll make your afternoons simpler and theirs fuller.

From lip-smacking salty snacks to scrumptious sweet bites, you'll find the perfect after-school snack for your little (or not-so-little) ones here.

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Homemade Guacamole

Classic Guacamole

For a no-cook appetizer that's healthy to boot, you can't go wrong with homemade guacamole. Spread it on toast or serve with tortilla chips, sliced vegetables, or pita bread.

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Baked Sweet-Potato Chips

Krause, Johansen

Made with just four ingredients, this crunchy snack will satisfy kids and adults alike. Our version is flavored with salt and lime juice, but you can switch it up with other dried herbs and spices.

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English Muffin Pizza Snacks

english muffin pizza snacks topped with fresh basil — Frank Frances

Who says pizza can't be a snack? Our take on the beloved bagel-based classic starts with an English muffin instead. It's a snack that will handle their hunger—and yours!—until the homework's done.

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Chocolate-Covered Bananas

Various chocolate covered bananas — Rachel Marek

These pops will quickly turn into warm-weather favorites.

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Apple-Oatmeal Muffins

Apple Oatmeal Muffins — Mike Krautter

Here's a healthy, hearty, and satisfying snack your kids are sure to love. Prepare these yummy muffins ahead of time, and you'll be able to appease any little ones scouring the pantry before dinner.

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Cucumber-Blueberry Smoothie

This antioxidant-packed smoothie will give your kids the boost they need after a long day of learning.

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Crunchy Caramel Popcorn

José Manuel Picayo Rivera

Indulge your kids' popcorn cravings—this extra-crunchy version (with some sweetness) will make them applaud after school. If you have some adventurous eaters at your table, try our Spiced Cashew-Coconut Brittle.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

martha-bakes-peanut-butter-jelly-bars-214-d110936-0414.jpg — Bryan Gardner

Soothe after-school hunger with easy and delicious PB&J bars. Even if they already had the sandwich version for lunch, these sweet treats are sure to delight.

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Crispy Cereal Treats

full grid of crispy rice cereal treats — Kirsten Francis

Put a decadent spin on their favorite breakfast with these updated takes on classic cereal bars. We're sharing four rich recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Creamy Artichoke Ranch Dip

Creamy artichoke Ranch — Petrina Tinslay

This five-ingredient dip is great with chips, crackers, or veggies. It includes Greek yogurt, too, so it's healthier than a mayo- or sour cream-based dip.

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Sweet Potato-Parmesan Fries

Sweet Potato Parmesan Fries

These "fries" aren't fried; rather, you roast them in a hot oven until crisp.

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Basic Granola

basic granola on baking sheet — Frank Frances

Enjoy this granola with milk or yogurt, or just eat it plain.

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Granola Bark

Granola Bark — Lennart Weibull

Made with almonds and egg whites as the main ingredients, these afternoon treats sneak a little nutrition into homework time.

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Elote-Style Popcorn

elote-style popcorn — Sidney Bensimon

Inspired by Mexican street corn, this yummy snack includes Pecorino Romano, Tajín Clásico seasoning, salt, and cayenne pepper.

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Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

John Kernick

It takes just ten minutes to prepare the dough for these sweet, crunchy treats, and you can feel good about serving them to your kids since they're made with whole-wheat flour.

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Dried-Fruit-and-Nut Health Bars

martha-bakes-dried-fruit-nut-health-bars-303-d110936-0414.jpg — Bryan Gardner

These granola bars are filled with nutritious ingredients and don't include any refined sugar. They're tasty and portable, too.

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Valentine's Day Cinnamon Toast

XO cinnamon toast and yogurt — Pernille Loof

No need to save this delicious toast for February 14. You can stencil a heart onto it or not; either way, it's a tasty and fun snack.

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Ranch Salad Dressing

Petrina Tinslay

Made with buttermilk and sour cream, this dressing makes for the perfect after-school dip when paired with crunchy carrots and fresh red peppers.

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Tropical-Fruit Juice Salad

tropical fruit juice salad with pineapple and kiwi — Kate Mathis

Kiwi, pineapple, orange, or grapefruit and a ginger-lemon dressing make for a zippy and unexpected fruit salad.

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Guacamole Hummus

Con Poulos

This snack is a delicious combination of two favorite dips. With loads of avocado and chickpeas, this flavorful bite packs a punch. Serve it with tortilla chips for a crunchy taste that's sure to be a hit.

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Spicy-Sweet Maple Snack Mix

spicy sweet maple snack mix — John Dolan

As the name of this snack entails, it's the perfect combination of spicy and sweet. It gets its kick from cayenne pepper and pepitas, while its sweetness comes from maple syrup.

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Graham Crackers

graham crackers and milk — Bryan Gardner

Homemade graham crackers are a real treat, and this version does not disappoint. It includes all-purpose and whole wheat flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and honey.

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Kettle Chip Nachos

CHELSEA CAVANAUGH

Older kids will love this easy snack because it packs a kick. Featuring jalapeños, two types of cheese, and the perfect crunch from kettle chips, this twist on classic nachos will quickly become a new favorite.

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Peanut-Popcorn Balls

Peanut-Popcorn Balls — Justin Walker

These homemade caramel-coated peanut-popcorn balls are a fun indulgence, and a nostalgic one, to boot.

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Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket

Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket — Kirsten Francis

This party favorite is sure to be a hit with your kids after school. Flaky dough is wrapped around bite-size hot dogs for a savory snack.

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Savory Crepe Rollups

asparagus prosciutto salmon rollups — Lennart Weibull

You can use homemade or store-bought crepes for these eye-catching snacks. And there are two variations here: one with asparagus and prosciutto, and one with smoked salmon and scallions.

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Toasted-Coconut Granola

Chelsea Cavanaugh

Toasted coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and pecans in this granola make for a delicious and filling breakfast or afternoon treat.

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Nuts and Bolts Snack Mix

Raymond Hom

This version of the classic mix features pretzels and wholesome cereals, plus the grown-up flavors of fresh rosemary and cayenne.

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Frozen Yogurt and Fruit Pops

Yogurt Pops — Lennart Weibull

Give yogurt and fruit a special twist by serving them in a blended frozen pop.

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Lemony White-Bean Hummus

Dana Gallagher

Everyone will love this dip, which includes white beans, tahini, and the juice of two lemons. It will keep refrigerated for two days.

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Mashed-Avocado and Egg Toast

Mashed-Avocado and Egg Toast — Ngoc Minh Ngo

This delicious, open-faced sandwich is a quick and satisfying meal for hungry kids just off the bus.

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Zucchini Quesadillas

These crispy, cheesy quesadillas let you slip some veggies into an afternoon snack.

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Creamy Edamame Dip

This protein-packed spread is sure to delight, especially when paired with salty crackers.

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Easy Any-Juice Ice Pops

Con Poulos

Try this refreshing pop to energize your kids after a long day at school.

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Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

This crunchy snack is so perfect, your kids will ask for it in their packed lunches, too.

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Chickpea and Tuna Dip

Con Poulos

This bean and tuna dip is great with crackers and filled with protein, too.

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Banana-Oat Smoothie

Banana Oat Smoothie — Jason Donnelly

From the school bus to a tropical island, kids will love this fruity snack after a long day of school. Featuring banana, honey, cinnamon, and oats, it comes together in only five minutes but will tide them over for hours.

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Peanut Butter Berry Smoothie

peanut butter banana smoothie in glass with paper straw — Mike Krautter

Here's another great smoothie, this one inspired by the classic sandwich.

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Zucchini Nut Bread

zucchini nut bread

This ideal recipe that incorporates cinnamon, walnuts, and almond extract. Plus, it makes two loaves. Eat one now and freeze one for later.

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Classic Applesauce

bird haven farm applesauce — Mikkel Vang

With only 10 minutes of prep, this sweet and classic applesauce is just the snack to tide kids over until dinner is ready.

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Zucchini, Banana, and Flaxseed Muffins

John Kernick

The zucchini and banana help create a soft and tender muffin while keeping it low in fat.

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Open Face Sandwiches

Open Face Sandwiches

Have a little fun with snack time with these creative sandwiches, sure to get a giggle out of young eaters.

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Mozzarella Sticks

homemade mozzarella sticks on round platter — Bryan Gardner

A few protein-packed mozzarella sticks will hold kids (and adults) of any age till dinner. Ditch the frozen boxed version and make this healthier option using fresh mozzarella cheese.

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