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Back to School Snack Recipes

Various snacks on table with text 'Back to School Snack Recipes.'

Back to School Snack Recipes

Back-to-school season is here, and that means busy mornings, packed lunches, and hungry kids looking for an after-school snack! These fun, kid-friendly recipes are easy to make and packed with flavors kids will love. From sweet and satisfying Polka-Dot Date Protein Balls to savory Tiny Bean & Cheese Tacos with Seasoned Sour Cream, these snacks are perfect for lunchboxes, after-school bites, or making together in the kitchen.

Polka-Dot Date Protein Balls

Colorful sprinkle-coated snack balls on a tray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Makes Approximately 20 Protein Balls

Ingredients 

  • 1½ cups packed, pitted soft dates
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  •  ½ cup sunflower-seed butter
  • ⅓ cup vanilla protein powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons water, if needed
  • ½ cup colorful nonpareil sprinkles

Directions

Place the oats in a food processor and pulse until finely ground.

Add the dates, sunflower-seed butter, protein powder, vanilla and salt. Process until the mixture is finely chopped and begins to stick together. If the mixture seems dry or crumbly, add water 1 teaspoon at a time and continue processing until it holds together when pressed.

Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Place the nonpareil sprinkles in a shallow bowl. Roll each protein ball in the sprinkles, gently pressing so they stick and create a colorful polka-dot coating.

Refrigerate the protein balls for at least 20 minutes before serving. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tiny Bean and Cheese Tacos

Mini tacos with dip on a white plate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Makes About 24 Tiny Tacos

Ingredients 

  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • Cooking spray or a small amount of oil
  • Salsa, for serving
  • Seasoned sour cream, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut circles from the flour tortillas.

Place approximately 2 teaspoons of refried beans in the center of each tortilla circle. Sprinkle with approximately 2 teaspoons of shredded cheese.

Fold each tortilla circle in half, gently pressing the edges together to form a tiny taco. Arrange the tacos on the prepared baking sheet. Place them close together so they stay folded while baking. Lightly spray or brush the tops of the tacos with oil.

Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and toasted and the cheese is melted.

Serve warm with your favorite salsa and seasoned sour cream.

Seasoned Sour Cream

Makes 1 Cup 

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Directions

Stir all the ingredients together until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Check Out Chef Mary on Fox 9 Good Day Making These Recipes!

Episode Air Date: September 14th, 2026

Three women posing in a TV studio kitchen with dessert trays.

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