When you’re racing out the door or chasing kids between school drop-offs, after-work activities, or homework time, it helps to have snacks that are quick, delicious, and work with the ingredients you have. These five-minute treats use real dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt because sometimes simple is best. Here are some of our favorite ideas for easy snacks that come together in a flash.
Yogurt and Fruit Parfait Cups
Ingredients
- Plain or vanilla dairy yogurt
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) or sliced banana
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- Optional sprinkle of granola
Grab a small cup, layer yogurt, then fruit, then yogurt again. Top with a little honey and/or granola if you have it. Creamy, sweet, fruity—and easily eaten on the go.
Cheesy Apple Slices
Ingredients
- A crisp apple, sliced
- A mild cheese like mozzarella or cheddar
Slice the apple, cut cheese into thin slices or small cubes, and alternate on a plate. The sweet crunch of the apple with melty richness of cheese makes it feel gourmet, but it takes almost no time. To elevate this snack, place the cheese on top of the apple and place in the broiler for five minutes.
Quick Milkshake in a Glass
Ingredients
- Whole or 2% milk
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A teaspoon of cocoa powder or a spoonful of fruit jam
Pour milk in a blender (or use an immersion blender), add the ice cream, pick your flavor (cocoa or jam), blend until smooth. Pour, sip, smile. Bonus: top with whipped cream if you really want to treat yourself.
Cheese and Crackers with a Twist
Ingredients
- Your favorite cheese (cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, etc.)
- Whole‐grain crackers
- A spreadable cheese like cream cheese or cottage cheese
Slice or cube the harder cheese, spread a dollop of cream cheese on a cracker, add a slice of cheddar (or whatever’s in the fridge) on top. These bite-size combos are portable and loved by kids and grown-ups alike.
Cottage Cheese with Cinnamon and Fruit
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Slices of peaches, pineapple, or pineapple tidbits
Spoon cottage cheese into a bowl, add fruit, sprinkle with cinnamon. The cottage cheese gives a creamy texture, and with fruit and spice it feels like dessert but gives protein to power you through the afternoon.
Having several snack options that are quick and easy is a must during the busy back-to-school time. When picking the perfect snack, be flexible: swap cheeses, fruits, or yogurt flavors depending on what’s in the fridge. Each of these snacks include dairy foods to ensure an added boost of protein (keeping you full longer) and delicious taste. Snack on!