Tasty Bites After Dark
We've all been there: it's the wee hours after dark, and your stomach is rumbling. You know you shouldn't get out of bed, but the cravings just won't quit. Instead of reaching for your phone to order greasy takeout from a 24-hour chain, we've got just the list of tasty options to satisfy your hunger without the regret. Here are 20 late-night snack ideas to munch on to curb your after-dark cravings.
1. Popcorn
Delicious and easy to make, popcorn makes a great midnight treat when you just can't fall asleep. It's the perfect savory option, too, and one you can spice up (with seasonings), sweeten, or enjoy plain. While you're at it, why not put on an episode of your favorite TV show?
2. Avocado Toast
We know—avocado toast is usually a breakfast dish. But who says you can't have your morning snack in the quiet hours after midnight? You can dress this one up or down as well, depending on the ingredients you add, and it'll keep you satisfied until you're ready for another slice at dawn.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Apples
Mm-mmm, who doesn't love chocolate-dipped apples? Scratch that—who doesn't love chocolate-dipped anything? To prepare this sweet, satisfying treat, simply melt some chocolate and scoop it up with sliced apples. (Or, if you're really lazy, stick 'em in whole.)
4. Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is one of those comfort dishes you just can't get enough of, and you'll want to eat it during normal hours (breakfast and lunch) or when you're supposed to be deep asleep (2-3AM). So, why not give in and make yourself one whenever you're craving it, then?
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5. Sunny Side Up Waffles
Yup, you read that right: waffles and eggs. When you can't decide whether you're craving sweet or savory, sometimes the best answer is to have both. Fry up a yolk while your waffles crisp in the toaster, and don't forget the syrup.
6. Dumpling Salad
This one might sound odd (dumplings and salad as a late-night snack?), but trust us, it's sure to satisfy those insatiable cravings you get when you can't fall asleep without feeding your rumbling tummy. To make, simply pan-fry some gyozas in the wok, then toss with dressed greens.
7. Chips & Guacamole
Ah, chips and guac. This is another classic snack we can't get enough of. If you have a bag of tortilla chips ready in the pantry, all you'll need to do is whip up a bowl of delicious guacamole. Then dip, chew, crunch, and fall asleep happy.
8. Chicken Tenders
Crispy chicken tenders, anyone? Whether you bake them in the oven or air fryer, this delicious snack is sure to satisfy your late-night cravings. Pair with your favorite sauce on the side to give this treat some extra zing.
9. Spicy Air-Fried Cauliflower Bites
If you're looking for something a little healthier than—but just as crispy as—chicken tenders, though, look no further than cauliflower bites. Season them up with gochujang for a spicy kick (or mix with maple syrup to tone it down), then air-fry until you get that perfect crunch.
10. Edible Cookie Dough
As tasty as regular cookie dough looks, you probably don't want to be licking up the spatula after stirring in raw eggs and flour. The solution? Make an edible version, which has almost all the same ingredients sans eggs, and flour pre-baked to ensure it's safe to consume.
11. Chocolate-Dipped Frozen Bananas
Remember when we said who doesn't love chocolate-dipped anything? Well, if apples aren't your fruit of choice, bananas make a great alternative. You can simply peel and dunk if you're lazy, but we recommend making these into popsicles and freezing them up.
12. Three-Ingredient PB&J Cookies
The best part about this three-ingredient snack isn't that it requires only three ingredients, but that it can be made in just 30 minutes. All you need is peanut butter, jam, and two large eggs. Then mix together and scoop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, sprinkling salt if you'd like. Place in the oven until browned on the bottom, cracked on top, and bouncy to the touch, and voilà, you've got your PB&J cookies!
13. Cornflake Clusters
If you've never had cornflake clusters before, you're missing out sorely. The good thing? They're easy to make at home. You'll just need butter, honey, salt, and—of course—your cornflakes. Make the buttery mixture, toss in the flakes, then scoop into tiny clusters onto a baking sheet.
14. Trail Mix
Homemade trail mix always beats store-bought varieties, in our opinion. Why? Because you get to decide on which ingredients to toss in, and you get to manage the sodium levels to make sure you're not consuming heaping amounts of salt. Assorted nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate chunks are just some of the things you can add, and this snack mix is sure to curb your cravings so you can get a good night's rest.
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15. Chia Seed Pudding
The great thing about chia seed pudding is that it requires overnight prep, which means you can make it ahead of time and simply swipe one from the fridge when you're craving a midnight snack. Dress it up with berries, honey, and almond milk if you're looking to pack in extra oomph.
16. Greek Yogurt with Honey & Berries
Got Greek yogurt in the fridge? Scoop some up into a bowl, drizzle over with honey, then toss in some berries. Sure, it might sound like your average breakfast snack, but we promise that this treat tastes even more delicious at midnight.
17. Cheese and Crackers
You can never go wrong with cheese and crackers, so if you've got both ingredients lying around, why not make a midnight charcuterie board? Cube up your choice of cheese, then pair it with whole-grain, lightly salted biscuits.
18. Veggie Sticks with Hummus
If you're looking for a healthy snack that provides a satisfying crunch, veggie sticks with hummus are always a good choice. From cucumbers to carrots, celery to bell peppers, there are so many different veggies you can munch on.
19. Brownie in a Mug
Craving brownies? Well, if you have cocoa powder (or hot chocolate mix) lying around, you can make this quick no-bake dessert in a mug! Simply mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and oil in a large mug, then microwave until set.
20. Edamame
Salty and delicious, edamame makes a perfect midnight snack. Plus, it's so easy to prepare that you'll be satisfied and back in bed in no time. If you're looking for something more gourmet, though, you can also peel the beans out, then spice and roast them.
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