17 Quick 5-Minute Snacks That Practically Make Themselves

These quick snacks come together in just five minutes with hardly any effort, which is perfect for when hunger strikes. Some are ready to grab straight from the pantry or fridge, while others need a tiny bit of prep or to be microwaved.

So next time you’re craving something to get you through until your next meal, reach for one of these no-hassle, delicious snacks like trail mix, microwave nachos, and parmesan popcorn.

1. Peanut Butter Banana Rice Cakes

Rice cakes topped with peanut butter and banana slices are easy to throw together quickly.

This snack can easily be tailored to your tastes; use any nut or seed butter you’d like, add dates, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of honey.

2. Microwave Nachos

Put some tortilla chips on a plate, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and microwave for 30-40 seconds or until the cheese is melted.

Top with salsa, sliced jalapeños, or your favorite nacho toppings. You could also add some rotisserie chicken if you had some on hand.

3. Cottage Cheese and Pineapple On Crackers

Cottage cheese and pineapple on crackers is one of my favorite snacks. You can cut the pineapple beforehand or use canned crushed pineapple so you don’t have to do any prep. You can also switch it up by adding fresh berries or some honey.

4. Hummus and Veggies

Scoop some hummus into a small bowl and pair it with sliced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or your favorite veggie.

Most retailers have individual hummus cups with pretzels or veggie sticks for on-the-go convenience. This quick snack also sneaks in some extra veggies without any effort.

5. Avocado Toast

Avocado toast isn’t just for breakfast; it also makes a tasty afternoon snack. Add a little hot sauce for a bit of heat or your favorite seasonings.

6. Cheese and Crackers

Pair your favorite cheese with whole-grain crackers for a quick, satisfying snack. Mix things up by adding slices of salami, mustard, or even some jam if you want a sweet snack. It’s simple, tasty, and endlessly customizable.

7. Parmesan Popcorn

Pop a quick bag of popcorn or try air-popped if you want a healthier alternative. It’s so yummy sprinkled with some Parmesan cheese and fresh or dried herbs.

If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you could always add everything bagel seasoning or a dash of chili powder for some heat.

8. Egg Mug Scramble

Whisk an egg with one tablespoon of water or milk in a mug and microwave for about a minute until the egg is fully cooked. Add a sprinkle of cheese, some seasoning, and spinach if you want to get in some extra greens for the day.

9. Lazy Caprese Salad Snack

Toss a handful of cherry tomatoes with a few mozzarella balls and drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. You can either halve the cherry tomatoes or just throw them in without cutting. Add some fresh or dried basil for even more flavor.

10. Trail Mix

Keep a bag of trail mix on hand for a grab-and-go option. You could always make a big batch of trail mix beforehand to have ready when you want something quick.

11. Microwave Soft Pretzels with Mustard

Frozen soft pretzels can be microwaved in no time and are delicious dipped in mustard or other dipping sauces. They’re perfect when you’re craving something salty.

12. Sliced Cucumber with Ranch Dip

Sliced cucumber and ranch are perfect anytime of year, but they especially make a refreshing snack in the spring or summer months. For variety, you could also cut up different types of veggies for dipping.

13. String Cheese and Nuts

String cheese and a handful of nuts are a simple, high-protein snack. This combo keeps you full without being too heavy. You can pair it with an apple for an even more filling snack.

14. Peanut Butter and Crackers

Peanut butter on crackers is a classic snack that’s so yummy. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can use your favorite nut or seed butter.

15. Microwave Quesadillas

When you need something more hearty, a microwave quesadilla does the trick. Add salsa or guacamole for dipping to make it even better.

16. Instant Oatmeal Packets

Instant oatmeal packets cook fast in the microwave and are already sweetened, so you don’t need to add anything to them. If you want a less processed snack, you could always microwave plain oatmeal and add fruit or nuts to it.

17. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter and Toppings

Add peanut butter and your favorite toppings to apple slices. Some of our favorite additions include granola, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips. It’s sweet, crunchy, and easily customizable.