10 Way-Better-Than-Store-Bought Homemade Snack Recipes

By Jenn Segal

There’s something to be said for convenience when it comes to snacks. But since all of these homemade snack recipes are super easy to prepare, making versus buying is a no-brainer.

Quick and Easy Refrigerator Pickles

Homemade refrigerator pickles are easy to make. All you do is slice the cucumbers into spears, cover them with a brine, tuck them in the fridge, and they’re ready to eat the next day.
Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats

Thought Rice Krispies Treats couldn’t get any better? Wrong! These are made with browned butter, extra salt, and a secret ingredient that makes them taste toasty and caramel-y. I’ll give you a clue: it starts with “golden” and ends with “grahams.”
No-Bake Energy Bites

Made with oats and nuts, these energy bites are the type of wholesome treat that you can feel good about giving to your family. I find them quite addictive, particularly as an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee.
Crazy Good Spicy Italian Popcorn

This fun snack — homemade popcorn tossed with garlic butter, Parmesan, oregano and red pepper flakes — is adapted from Crazy Good Italian by D.C. Chef and Top Chef All-Stars runner-up Mike Isabella. It’s insanely addictive (yes, crazy good).
Crispy Kale Chips with Lemon and Parmesan

AKA “kale crack” because they are so addictive, these crispy chips are made from one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet. That means you can enjoy them guilt-free!
Applesauce

Homemade applesauce is richly flavored, tart and sweet — almost like apple pie filling — and a world apart from store-bought. Traditionally it’s made on the stovetop but I prefer to bake it for a more intense apple flavor.
Almond, Blueberry & Date Homemade Granola Bars

These bars are crispy, chewy, and rich: a mishmash of nuts, cereal, coconut, and dried blueberries held together with a sweet almond butter-date paste. Unlike most homemade granola bars, they hold together as well as store-bought bars.
Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Rich and creamy fudge squares make a perfect one-bite chocolate fix. This recipe is a gem from Cook’s Illustrated — the fudge is not only foolproof, it’s finished in 15 minutes!
Salsa Verde

Made from tomatillos, this salsa is tangy, fiery, chunky, smoky — and 100% good enough to eat with a spoon. There are endless ways to use it: serve it with tortilla chips; use it as enchilada, quesadilla or taco sauce; or drizzle it over steak, rice, potatoes or eggs.
Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts

Sweet, salty, spicy, and rosemary-infused, they are the perfect nibbling food. And they’re so easy to make! Serve them with cocktails, enjoy them as a snack or give them as a gift. But don’t say I didn’t warn you: they are crazy addictive!