Hungry for an adult type of snack? We’ve got you covered.

We all need an evening snack now and then. But instead of reaching for a handful of goldfish crackers, how about whipping up something a little more satisfying? Odds are you probably have what you need for some of the following ideas on hand – the only missing ingredient is inspiration, so read on!

Wrap it Up

You can tuck just about any combination of leftovers into a whole grain wrap and call it a snack, but these 3 options are guaranteed to please.

Satisfy your sweet tooth: Spread with peanut butter (or cashew butter), top with sliced fresh strawberries and/or banana, and drizzle with agave syrup.

Make it spicy: Spread with your favorite hummus, sprinkle on some dukkah seasoning or smoked paprika, and top with baby spinach and roasted red peppers.

Try it crunchy: Spread with whole berry cranberry sauce (add a pinch of ground allspice for extra flavor) and top with roasted chicken or turkey, field greens, and toasted walnuts.

Elevate Your Oats

Oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast. A serving of cooked oats provides 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein that you can dress up with all kinds of healthy toppings.

Satisfy your sweet tooth: Stir in a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger and top with a spoonful of honey, fresh blueberries and chopped, toasted cashews.

Try it savory: Stir in some shredded extra-sharp Cheddar, add a dash of smoked paprika, and top with toasted pepita and a little infused olive oil.

Make the Perfect Parfait

Create tantalizing layers of flavor with a base of Greek yogurt (try a full-fat brand if you can afford the calories).

Satisfy your sweet tooth: Try a combination of pineapple (fresh, canned or dried will all work well) and toasted coconut for a decadent, tropical twist.

Or go sour: Consider boosting the natural tangy flavor of yogurt with a sour fruit like shredded Granny Smith apples or pomegranate arils. Create balance by adding some other textures to your parfait (a layer of granola works nicely) and a drizzle of honey or agave.

Put Together a Fruit and Cheese Pairing

This combination works when you crave a variety of flavors, and the textural possibilities are endless.

Start with a high-quality cheese: a little goes a long way if it’s good quality. If you’re including more than one type of cheese on your plate, include contrasting textures by pairing a soft cheese like Boursin with a hard cheese like aged gouda or Cheddar.

Add something sweet: Most fresh seasonal or dried fruits will work nicely, but think of the density of the cheese when choosing the right fruit for your pairing. Perfect combinations may be dense (think apples and Cheddar), slightly watery (like melons and feta), or soft (strawberries and brie).

Spice it up: To add extra flavor to some toasted nuts, mix a handful of nuts with a spoonful of honey and about half as much water, and then add a pinch of salt and one of your favorite spices (cumin, cayenne, or coriander work nicely). Warm a teaspoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and toast for 3-4 minutes until brown and fragrant. 

Dress Up a Piece of Toast!

A good slice of bread, rendered golden brown by a few minutes in a toaster or on a griddle, becomes the perfect platform for a variety of late-night snacks. Of course, whole-grain crackers will also work just as well. Here are two ideas that always work:

Transform a classic: sure you can spread mashed avocado on a slice of toasted whole grain bread, but why stop there? Try adding another layer of flavor with pickled onions, smoked salmon, a cooked egg, fresh herbs, or a sprinkling of your favorite seasoning (dukkah, smoked paprika, or everything bagel blends work nicely).

Satisfy your pizza cravings. Yes, there is a healthier way to enjoy the flavor of a good slice. Spread whipped ricotta on a slice of toast and top with slow-roasted grape tomatoes and a dash of dried oregano and chili flakes.