Ward off cravings with these spot-on homemade junk food snacks.
40 Junk Food Snacks to Indulge In
Updated on Jul. 31, 2024
Puppy Chow
This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there’s less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Bonus: Here’s how you can make puppy chow without peanut butter.
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Homemade Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this classic treat from childhood! Homemade Pop-Tarts are, of course, awesome for breakfast, but they are also a satisfying desserts since they are really similar to hand pies. These pastries are worth the extra effort. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 475 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Need breakfast on the go? We tried off-brand Pop-Tarts to find out how well these morning treats stacked up against the original.
Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Golden, gooey and perfectly seasoned, you’ll fall in love with this fail-proof recipe for homemade mozzarella sticks. —Lauren Habermehl, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Cosmic Brownies
These moist and fudgy squares are bursting with such rich chocolate flavor, you’d never know they’re low in fat. They’re ideal for taking to bake sales and family gatherings. —Deb Anderson, Joplin, Missouri
Check out these healthy snacks when your cravings hit.
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Corn Dogs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you’d get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn dog: 316 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
Copycat Lofthouse Cookies
It’s easy to buy a package of cookies at the grocery store, but I think this Lofthouse cookie recipe might be even better than store-bought!
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Homemade Honey Grahams
Total Time
25 min
Servings
32 crackers
From the Recipe Creator:
The way my boys eat them, I would spend a fortune on honey graham crackers at the grocery store. So I decided to make a homemade version that is less processed—and less expensive. These are wonderful, although they still don’t last long. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cracker: 60 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Bear Claw
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This bear claw pastry recipe is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It’s impossible to resist the delicate dough, rich almond filling and pretty fanned tops sprinkled with sugar and almonds. I made yummy treats like this when I worked in a bakery years ago. —Aneta Kish, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 claw: 352 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Oatmeal Cream Pie Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy cookies use only five ingredients and taste very similar to a store-bought cookie. Of course, everything's better from your own kitchen! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 296 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Giant Pretzels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 pretzels
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 pretzel: 193 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Jalapeno Popper Dip
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a fantastic way to deliver all that blazing jalapeno popper taste without the work. Whenever I bring this jalapeno popper dip to a party, I’m always asked for the recipe. Serve with corn chips, tortilla chips or butter crackers. —Jennifer Wilke, Collinsville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 238 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Chewy Honey Granola Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, hints of chocolate and cinnamon, and a bit of crunch. To save a few for later, wrap individual bars and place in a resealable freezer container. When you want a satisfying treat on short notice, just grab one and let it thaw for a few minutes. —Tasha Lehman, Williston, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 178 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Pizza Egg Rolls
Total Time
55 min
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family just loves my husband's version of store-bought pizza rolls. They take some time to make, but they freeze well so we get to enjoy the fruits of our labor for a long time! —Julie Gaines, Normal, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 297 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
Krispy Kreme Doughnut Copycat
Learn how to re-create the magic of your favorite glazed doughnuts in your very own kitchen with this simple copycat Krispy Kreme doughnut recipe. —Lauren Habermehl, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Teriyaki Beef Jerky
Total Time
3 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Jerky is a fun and portable snack. The meat has a savory flavor and just a bit of heat. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce cooked beef: 132 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat.
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Spicy Peanuts
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Liven up plain peanuts with a sweet-and-spicy blend of flavors from sugar, cumin and cayenne pepper. You'll want to double...or triple...this spicy peanuts recipe! —Holly Kunkle, Walton, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 335 calories, 28g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
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Garlic-Chive Baked Fries
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Yes, you do want fries with that—especially these crispy, golden fries, full of garlic flavor and just a little bit of heat. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 200 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 308mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
Homemade french fries are so much better than the bags in the frozen section at the grocery store!
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Chewy Soft Pretzels
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These homemade pretzels never last long around our house. My kids love to make them…and eat them! I serve them to company with a variety of dips, such as pizza sauce, ranch dressing, spinach dip or hot mustard. —Elvira Martens, Aldergrove, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 pretzel: 164 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Air-Fryer Corn Dogs
It’s not hard to find corn dogs at the state fair or on the boardwalk. But making corn dogs at home is easy, too, thanks to air fryers and frozen corn dogs.
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Almost It's-It Ice Cream Sandwiches
Total Time
55 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll discover why this treat is so popular in San Francisco. It's snack heaven—ice cream, delicious oatmeal cookies and a touch of chocolate. Swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite flavor. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 ice cream sandwich: 580 calories, 29g fat (16g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
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Caramelized Onion Dip
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you taste this fabulous caramelized onion dip, you'll never go back to store-bought french onion dip. While it takes a little longer to make, I promise it's worth every minute. —Kelly Gardner, Alton, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips and vegetables): 117 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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White Chocolate Cereal Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend shared with me this fresh take on traditional crispy treats. My husband loves them, and I feel so efficient with their quick prep time. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 79 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Mini Bagelizzas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic powder gives these speedy mini pizzas extra pizzazz. Not only are they a snap to put together, but best of all, the ingredient list is easy on your pocketbook. My husband loves them. And my toddler will soon enjoy them as an after-school treat. -Stephanie Klos-Kohr, Moline, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 214 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
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Peanut Butter Cups
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these homemade peanut butter cups with colored sprinkles to coordinate with the holiday we're celebrating. People can't believe how simple it is to make this irresistible candy with gooey peanut butter centers. This is how to make homemade peanut butter cups. —LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 123 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Baked Crab Rangoon
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm dining out, crab rangoons are one of my go-to dishes. I decided to create a better-for-you version at home. —Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York
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Poutine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The ultimate in French-Canadian junk food, poutine commonly features warm fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. This side dish is quick to fix with frozen potatoes and packaged gravy but has all the traditional greasy spoon comfort. —Shelisa Terry, Henderson, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 244 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
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Easy Mint Thins
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends often try to guess the ingredients, but I never tell them how simple they are to make. They taste just like the Girl Scout cookie, and they're perfect for Christmas and bake sales. —Jennifer Setser, Morgantown, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 89 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 34mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Caramel Corn
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 5-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
My guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 230 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Dill Pickle Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My love for pickles led me to create this dill pickle dip. It’s so easy to whip together. But be warned…it’s addicting! —April Anderson, Forest Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 108 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My soft, not-too-sweet chocolate cookies are filled with a heavenly cream filling. Kids of all ages devour them! Whenever my family comes to visit, these are the treats they always request. —Salvatore Bertolino, Indiana, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 185 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Slow Cooker Party Mix
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
about 3 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
This mildly seasoned snack mix is always a party favorite. Served warm from a slow cooker, the munchable mixture is very satisfying. —Dana Hughes, Gresham, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 237 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
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Kettle Corn
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
If you go to a fair looking to satisfy your craving for popcorn, you’ll get the same wonderful salty-sweet taste at home with my kettle corn recipe. Now you can indulge whenever the mood strikes you. —Jenn Martin, Sebago, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are one of our favorite appetizers. I figured out how to make them at home without having to haul out the deep fryer. Make sure to double-bread each one so these air-fryer mozzarella sticks get nice and crunchy, and to keep the cheese from oozing out as they get warm. —Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 148 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
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Nacho Dip
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
7 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty nacho dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 143 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 484mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
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Chocolate Eclair
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With creamy filling and fudgy frosting, this chocolate eclair recipe is extra special. —Jessica Campbell, Viola, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 eclair: 483 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
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Confetti Snack Mix
Total Time
10 min
Servings
7 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve made this party mix for many years, and I usually double the recipe. It makes a delightful gift, and everyone always asks how I make it. —Jane Bray, Temple Terrace, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 125 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Pecan Sandies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever Mother made this pecan sandies recipe, there never seemed to be enough! Even now when I make it, the cookies disappear quickly. These melt-in-your mouth treats are great with a cold glass of milk or a steaming mug of hot chocolate. —Debbie Carlson, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 118 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Chocolate-Dipped Phyllo Sticks
Total Time
35 min
Servings
20 sticks
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a little something special to share with friends or family? Try these crunchy treats. They’re wonderful with coffee or a glass of milk. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 phyllo stick: 42 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Hostess Cupcake Recipe
We love this copycat Hostess Cupcake recipe because of its short ingredient list and simple method.
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Jalapeno Poppers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These creamy stuffed jalapeno poppers have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 popper: 94 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
