15 Sweet and Savory Snacks for Lunch Boxes
Packing snacks that are both fun to eat and easy to make can make school days run much smoother. These recipes work for slipping into lunch boxes or serving after school for a quick bite. They range from sweet muffins and cookies to savory chips, crackers, and cheesy nibbles. Many can be made ahead of time so you’re ready for the week.
Baked Sweet Potato Chips
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Thin slices of sweet potato are seasoned and baked until crisp. They offer a natural sweetness with a satisfying crunch. You can season them with salt or spices for extra flavor. A great alternative to store bought chips.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Cinnamon Roll Muffins
These muffins capture the warm, spiced flavor of a cinnamon roll in a portable form. A swirl of cinnamon sugar runs through the soft batter. They can be topped with a light glaze for extra sweetness. Perfect for lunch boxes or a cozy after school treat.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets
Mini tart shells are filled with a savory mixture of bacon, cheese, and spinach. They’re bite-sized but packed with flavor. Easy to make ahead and store in the fridge. Ideal for adding variety to school snacks.
Get the Recipe: Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars
These no bake bars combine oats, peanut butter, and chocolate for a chewy, rich snack. The top chocolate layer hardens for a nice bite. They store well in the fridge for grab and go snacks. Great for lunch boxes or after school treats.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars
Graham Crackers
Lightly sweet crackers with a toasty flavor that works well on their own or with spreads. They’re easy to cut into fun shapes for kids. Crisp yet tender for easy snacking. Great to pair with fruit or cheese.
Get the Recipe: Graham Crackers
3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
Oats, mashed bananas, and chocolate chips come together in these simple cookies. They’re soft, naturally sweet, and easy to make in one bowl. No mixer is needed, making them a quick prep option. Great for using up ripe bananas.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
Banana Protein Muffins
Moist and flavorful, these muffins blend ripe bananas with protein powder for a filling snack. They’re easy to bake in batches and store well for a few days. The natural sweetness from the bananas means no need for lots of added sugar. Great for a quick snack between school and activities.
Get the Recipe: Banana Protein Muffins
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups
Chocolate, peanut butter, and a sweetener create these rich layered treats. The peanut butter filling is smooth and creamy. They can be made in mini cups for portion control. Store chilled until ready to pack.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups
Cheese Puffs Air Fryer
Light and airy, these cheese puffs are cooked in the air fryer for a crispy finish. They’re cheesy, snackable, and ready in minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch box filler. Best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer
Chocolate Chip Granola
This homemade granola combines oats, honey, and chocolate chips. It bakes to a golden crisp and forms clusters perfect for snacking. Can be eaten alone or sprinkled over yogurt. Pack in small containers for easy lunch box storage.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Granola
Cheesy Pickle Chips
Pickle slices are topped with cheese and baked until the cheese turns golden and crisp. The tangy pickle flavor pairs perfectly with melted cheese. They’re simple to make in small batches. Great for a unique savory snack.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pickle Chips
Pretzel Bites
Small pieces of soft pretzel dough are boiled, salted, and baked until golden. They have a chewy inside and a crisp, salty exterior. Perfect for dipping in cheese sauce or mustard. Store in airtight containers to keep fresh.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Bites
Gluten-Free Cheez-Its
These crispy crackers are cheesy and flavorful without gluten. Made from a simple dough, they bake to a satisfying crunch. The bold cheddar taste makes them a hit with kids. Store in a sealed container to keep them crisp.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Cheez-Its
Cinnamon Apple Snacks
Thin apple slices are dusted with cinnamon and baked until crisp. They’re sweet, fragrant, and easy to pack. A fun way to serve fruit in a new form. Perfect for a light, crunchy snack.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Snacks
Cheese Curds
Mild, squeaky cheese curds make for a fun lunch box addition. They’re naturally bite sized and mess free. Can be enjoyed cold or slightly warmed. A protein-rich snack that kids love.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Curds
Gluten Free Pretzels
Soft, chewy pretzels made without gluten still deliver the classic taste. They can be shaped into twists or bites and sprinkled with salt. Bake until golden for a warm, fresh snack. Great with a small side of mustard or cheese dip.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Pretzels
Chocolate Muffins
Soft, rich muffins made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a double hit of chocolate. They stay moist for days and are simple to pack. Ideal for chocolate lovers who want a handheld snack. Bake extra to freeze for later.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Muffins
