Photo by Kyle Roxas: pexels
Craving some delicious evening snacks? Fortunately, there are various snacks you can whip up at home with items you may already have in your pantry or fridge. The best thing about these snacks is that they require minimal cooking knowledge. All you will need are a few ingredients and utensils to get started. With that in mind, here are a few evening snack ideas that you can make to impress your family. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
1. Cheese Straws
Cheese straws are a traditional Southern party snack that will be popular amongst your family, especially your kids. To make this recipe, you need some ingredients that you will probably find lying around in your pantry: spices, cheese, flour, and butter.
All you need to do is blend sharp cheddar cheese with salt, peppers, cayenne peppers, paprika, flour, and butter. Just let the mixture rest for about 10-15 minutes, then pipe it into “straws” on a baking tray and put it into a preheated oven for 10 minutes. Voila! Your cheese straws are ready.
2. Microwave-Baked Potatoes
Waiting a couple of hours for oven-baked potatoes may seem frustrating when you are pressed for time or have little to no patience. The reason that this microwaved baked potato recipe is so fantastic is that it takes less than half an hour to make. You first need to wash, dry, and peel the potatoes or leave the skin on if you like. Then, pierce holes into the potatoes using a fork and brush them with olive oil. Sprinkle the potatoes with salt and pepper and place them on a paper towel. Microwave for 15 minutes (7.5 minutes per side). Take out the potatoes (be careful as they will be piping hot) and cut them into wedges. Lastly, add your favorite toppings and serve.
3. Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a staple in Mediterranean and Indian cuisines because they are full of protein and healthy nutrients. So, why not turn them into a healthy evening snack for your family? The best thing about this protein is that it is relatively cheap, and you probably already have it in your kitchen pantry. But if you don’t, just make a quick trip to your nearest grocery store and buy a couple of cans of chickpeas.
Open the can and discard all the water. Rinse the chickpeas with cold water and set aside for a few minutes to dry. Then, toss the chickpeas in some Mediterranean or Indian all-spice, salt, pepper, and olive oil, and spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast them in a preheated oven for 15-25 minutes or until golden brown, and you are done!
4. Salsa, Queso, and Guacamole
Good evening snacks usually contain some type of crispy bread or chips and a tasty dip to accompany it. So, why not embrace the vibrant flavors of the Southwest the next time you need to serve a hungry family during the evening?
For an appealing and tasty evening snack that your family will dig into immediately, set some bowls and whip out that store-bought jar of queso cheese, guacamole, and salsa you got from the grocery store. Trust us; your family will adore you for serving them this delicious snack!
5. Stuffed Mushrooms
If your family loves cheese, go for some mouthwatering cheesy stuffed mushrooms. This yummy snack is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser when it comes to feeding a hungry family. This recipe is extremely easy to make and only requires a couple of ingredients.
Firstly, start off by taking two pounds of fresh button mushrooms and gently removing the stems, leaving a cavity in the center of each mushroom cap to be filled with creamy goodness.
Combine cream cheese, grated cheddar, mozzarella cheese, and some fresh herbs. To add more flavor to your stuffing, you can incorporate different herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Once the stuffing is prepared, generously fill each mushroom cap.
After that, place your stuffed mushrooms on a baking tray, making sure they are evenly spaced. Then, put them in a preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Keep a close eye on the oven, as the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the mushrooms. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is beautifully melted. Take them out when cooked, and serve them with a side of mashed potatoes or on their own!
6. Crispy Chicken Wings
How about some mouthwatering, crispy, and flavorful chicken wings? This recipe is a must-try if you’re looking to impress your guests or simply satisfy your own cravings.
To start, marinate the wings in an irresistible mixture of barbecue sauce, garlic, and an array of aromatic spices. This combination will infuse the chicken with a burst of smoky and savory flavors. Allow the wings to soak in the marinade for a few hours, giving the flavors ample time to penetrate the meat.
Once you have marinated the wings for 30 minutes to an hour, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and put them in the preheated oven. Cook them for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. After your wings reach your desired level of crispiness, serve them hot and fresh. You can also pair them with a tangy dipping sauce that complements the smoky flavors of the wings.
Final Words
Keeping the right ingredients at hand means that you can whip up healthy, quick snacks for yourself and the family any time of the day. The evening snack ideas covered in this article will help you satisfy your family’s cravings while providing them with the extra nutrients and energy they need to maintain a balanced diet. So, the next time you feel like going on a snack-shopping spree, feel free to give these simple yet mouthwatering ideas a try instead. It will be worth it!
