I can’t count the number of times I’ve been up studying past the time the dining hall closes, only to realize I am in desperate need of a snack. Sometimes it’s from missing dinner, sometimes it’s just from the stress of homework.
Whatever it is, the late-night or very very early-morning need to munch on something is very very real. You need nothing more than a mini-fridge, a couple of plastic utensils, and basic ingredients to make these eight delicious and easy snacks.
1. Peanut Butter and Jelly Roll-Ups
For a twist on the lunchtime classic, grab some wraps (I reach for whole wheat as a healthy alternative) and your favorite brands of nut butter and jelly. First, a layer of peanut butter, then fill with as much jelly as you’d like and roll it up! Cut it into slices for a bite-sized snack you’ll love.
2. Veggies and Ranch Dip
This can’t get any easier. Take your favorite vegetable (carrots, celery, peppers) and pull out some of your preferred ranch dressing. The dip is to help the pickier eaters disguise the fact that you’re about to put something green into your body, and those greens will provide your body with some nutrients that dining hall food may not have given you.
3. Make-Your-Own Pizza
You’ll need a jar of red sauce, some shredded cheese, and some English muffins. Split the muffins in half, coat the top with red sauce, and sprinkle some cheese over top. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds OR until the cheese has melted. Don’t forget to use microwave safe plates! The perfect snack for when you can no longer order Domino's at 1 am.
4. Cheesy Popcorn
All it takes is a bag of microwavable popcorn and a small container of shakeable parmesan cheese. Pop your popcorn until it’s how you want it, and open the bag up after it’s cooled a bit. Sprinkle as much or as little cheese over your popcorn, close the bag, and shake it all up. You can really do anything with popcorn, including adding salt and pepper, or salt and vinegar powder - whatever your heart desires. It can help spice up your favorite snack to try new flavors!
5. Frozen Yogurt Banana Slices
For this hangover-friendly treat, you’ll need one or two bananas and a cup of your favorite flavor of Greek yogurt. Bananas have magnesium and potassium, which can both be depleted when your body is subjected to drinking alcoholic beverages.
Slice up the amount of banana you’ve chosen, and dip each slice in the yogurt of your choice. Lay out the slices on a plate and let them freeze for at least an hour before consuming. Delicious and good for you!
6. Omelet In A Mug
Perfect for busy mornings and late nights alike. You’ll need two eggs, a little bit of butter, salt and pepper, shredded cheese, and any chopped up veggie you’d like. Add one pat of butter to the mug along with the two eggs, mix with a fork until smooth. Add in any salt/pepper, cheese, and veggies you want. Microwave for 30-60 seconds OR until the egg is completely cooked through.
7. Dipped Strawberries
Grocery stores often have sections of pre-made dips; including chocolate, caramel, and various fruit flavors. My preference is chocolate, which goes great with strawberry. This snack is easy because you don’t have to prepare anything. All you need is a pack of strawberries and whatever flavor of dip you’d like.
8. Avocado Toast
Because really, what kind of millennials would we be if we couldn’t make some off-brand avocado toast in our rooms? For this, you’ll need an English muffin, an avocado (preferably pre-cut, or even just get guacamole if you’re really lazy), and some salt and pepper.
Split the English muffin in half and warm it up in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Spread the avocado on the warmed English muffin and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Not exactly toast, but it should solve an avocado craving in a fix!
I hope you enjoy any or all of the snacks you make from this list this semester! When all else fails, a pack of granola bars or fruit snacks tucked in your desk drawer can be a lifesaver for late nights. Best of luck this semester, and happy snacking!