In my family, we are big believers in the power of a family meal to bring us together. But as the mom, I take our snacking pretty seriously too. After all, what is more likely to bring everyone out of their own rooms than the sound of popcorn popping or the timer going off on a batch of cookies?
What’s more fun than sharing a bowl of dip or diving into a pan of brownies with the people you love? And what adds a little fun to the day more than indulging together in a favorite treat?
When you have kids snacks are crucial for sustenance and harmony. That’s why I’m constantly looking for new snacks to feed my hungry crew. If you are looking to take your family’s snacking game up a notch, give some of these goodies a try.
Take your snack game up a notch or two
By the Bowlful
These recipes are perfect for movie night. They are also great to munch on while reading or studying or even to bag up and take along on a hike or walk.
- These garlic ranch pretzels are a zesty twist on this traditional snack and perfect with any beverage. And these caramel pretzels are just the right blend of sweet and salty.
- Your family will go nuts for these spicy cashews, cinnamon toasted almonds, rosemary walnuts, or these spicy mixed nuts.
- When it comes to munching, nothing beats popcorn. For starters, I highly recommend this microwave popcorn popper. I admit it takes several batches from this popper to feed my family, but I love the healthier, more eco-friendly option, and it’s easier than popping popcorn on the stove.
- However you make your popcorn, you can’t go wrong with this peanut butter popcorn recipe–you can also add M&Ms or peanuts!
- For another super simple crunchy sweet treat, simply melt a 10 oz bag of chocolate chips and stir in a box of Crunch and Munch. Spoon the chocolate-coated mixture onto waxed paper and allow it to harden. Break it apart and viola! Easy peasy moose mix.
- But if you are looking for something less sweet, try one of these savory popcorn ideas.
Dips to Die For
Who doesn’t love a good dip? Dips are fun and delicious. And there are so many different dips–chip dips, cracker dips, veggie dips. I think a person could try a dip a day for a year and still not come close to exploring them all. I’d like to try, and I’d probably start with these.
- If, like my family, yours could eat cheese dip three meals a day, make them Neiman Marcus Cheese Dip or Million Dollar Dip, whatever you want to call it, it’s delicious (because, bacon), and it can be served with chips or crackers, or even eaten by the spoonful.
- Or try this tradition Rotel dip with sausage or spicy chicken ranch dip.
- If you’re feeling extra festive consider renowned Mexican cuisine chef, Rick Bayless’s queso fundido al tequila.
- Can’t decide? You can always go with this sure-to-please recipe for four different cheese dips on one sheet pan.
- I guess a bread dip could be considered an appetizer rather than a snack, but who cares?
- This super easy hummus recipe is yummy with bread, pita chips, or veggies.
- This spinach artichoke dip served in a bread bowl is great with bread or chips.
- This balsamic bread dip is unique and flavorful.
- And this olive oil dip is simple and comforting.
If you are potato chip people (and who isn’t) you must try one of these dips
- Ina Garten’s pan-fried onion dip, this loaded potato chip dip, and cilantro dip served with sweet potato chips all look amazing
- If you really want to go all out, try making your own chips.
Sweet Snacks
What do you do when you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, but it’s not time for dessert. Easy! You nibble on one of these sweet snacks.
- No-bake peanut butter balls or buckeyes are a delicious pop-in-your mouth snack–and super easy.
- Ritz Bitz churros make a fun and unique sweet treat.
- You could also try one of these 35 easy mug cake recipes.
- And hello salted caramel cracker bites! So glad to eat you!
Healthy Snacks
It is a sad fact of life, at least for my family, that we cannot eat cheese dips and sugary snacks every day of the world. The good news is that there are plenty of healthy snack options that are also yummy.
- For years I have been keeping these healthy peanut butter balls on hand for my kids. They eat them for breakfast, for a snack, or for a quick pick-me-up before practice. Even now, I’m not sure they know they are healthy.
- Dip or no dip, these sweet potato everything bagel chips are sure to satisfy, but they are probably even better with this simple and versatile cucumber dip.
- Luckily even sweet treats can be healthy like this low carb chocolate chip cookie dough or one of these “ice-cream” recipes made using bananas.
- Or you could always try one of these other 44 healthy snack ideas.
Store Bought Snacks
Serving your family delicious snacks doesn’t have to be complicated. If you don’t have the time or inclination to make snacks, there are plenty of great options from the grocery store that are tasty and ready to go.
- For a delicious cheese spread for bread or crackers, my family loves Boursin and Alouette, both of which can be found in our local supermarket.
- Queso Salpico and Tostitos Salsa con Queso are considered among the best store bought quesos. But I’ve always found that our best option, when we can’t make queso or salsa at home, is to buy these as takeout items from our favorite local Mexican restaurant.
- According to Real Simple magazine, these are the best chips you can buy.
- Eat This, Not That ranks these as the best cookies on the market.
- And Delish names these the best microwave popcorns.
Hungry yet? If not, you can be sure your kids are. What snacks will you be serving your crew over the winter break?
More to Read:
