20 Late-Night Snacks for Easy Munching

Even after a day of power-packed breakfasts and tasty dinners, sometimes you might still find your stomach grumbling late at night. Instead of reaching for a bag of chips, why not whip up a quick meal that will actually satisfy you. Sweet, salty, spicy or a combination of all three can probably be made in just a few minutes (without much work) with a few key staple ingredients. Whether its a melty sandwich, a warm egg dish, or a sweet treat (no baking required!), after-hours cravings are no match for a little creativity and a well-stocked kitchen.

Ree Drummond’s favorite late-night bite is a jazzed up avocado toast served on a crisp ciabatta roll. The avocado is topped with bacon, pickled peppers, and a dash of spicy Sriracha to give the toast equal hits of hot and sweet.

Forget about boiling a pot of water — this mac and cheese cooks in a mug in the microwave. Cook the pasta until tender, then fold in chopped deli meat, cream and some shredded cheese. After a quick return to the microwave, mix and voila! You’re ready to dig in to cheesy heaven.

Salty and sweet, this quick snack is ready in just 5 minutes. Spread a mixture of butter and yogurt on toasted cinnamon raisin bread, then add a few slices of crisp apple. Fish it off with crumbled bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup.

A can of beans and a slice of sourdough bread can be transformed into a warm and tasty snack no matter what time of day. Toast your bread in butter and garlic until crispy and golden, then top with brothy simmered white beans. Dress the beans with some chopped fresh herbs, crushed pepper and crumbled feta cheese for extra deliciousness.

Open-faced toasts with proscuitto, apples and melty brie are like a cheeseboard without all the fuss. This snack only needs a quick trip in the oven to become ready to enjoy. Dare we suggest pairing it with a glass of crisp white wine?

Buttering the outside of the bread is the secret to getting that perfectly golden and crisp texture. Use a few slices of American cheese (the best for melting) and soft white sandwich bread to complete the ultimate grilled cheese, or switch it up with your favorite bread and cheese options. Either way, this classic is ready quick and never fails to satisfy.

Fiber-rich avocado can fill your belly without weighing you down. Instead of simply toasting the bread, rub it with a piece of cut garlic and dress with a touch of extra-virgin olive oil. Top it with flaky sea salt or crushed chili flakes if you like it spicy.

Try mixing up a sweet and fruity parfait to curb hunger pangs at night. Opt for a mixture of fresh berries or use defrosted frozen ones to get a juicier texture. Top with crunchy granola and dig in!

A cheesy quesadilla is never a bad option for a late-night snack, especially when you go for a blend of sharp Monterey Jack and spicy pepper Jack cheese. Roasting green poblanos takes the recipe to the next level but you can skip this step and save time by swapping in some jarred chopped chilies. Fry them up in butter in a cast iron skillet until browned and melty.

The most time-consuming part of making a classic Croque Monsieur is whisking the béchamel. Once the creamy sauce is combined with Gruyere, it’s ready to spoon over open-faced ham and cheese sandwiches. The final step is a trip under the broiler for everything to turn golden brown and bubbly.

This hearty frittata is a quick way to get a warm, satisfying meal in just minutes. It’s stuffed with tasty bites that you probably have kicking around your fridge—like leftover fries, deli ham and frozen peas. Mix it all together and back until set and deliciously golden brown.

You hardly need a recipe to throw together a plate of deliciously cheesy nachos. Layer your favorite bag of white corn chips with grated Monterey Jack cheese and jalapeño slices, if you like a bit of kick. A few minutes in the oven will melt the cheese to gooey perfection.

A classic Egg-in-a-Hole is simple, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying. A slice of crispy, golden toast cradles a perfectly runny egg to give the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. Not a yolk fan? Just mix the egg up with a fork before pouring it into the bread.

Popcorn always makes for a crunchy and addictive snack. Add a drizzle of fiery sriracha and you get a bold, punchy dish that’s ready in a flash. Mix the hot sauce with melted butter to coat ever kernel in spicy, savory goodness.

A simple mixture of cream cheese, chopped walnuts and finely chopped chives becomes the filling for this quick sandwich. Spread it on cinnamon-raisin bread and top with thinly sliced apples to complete. Toast the bread first to add a crunchy element to this easy snack.

Not looking to heat up the stove? This bowl of fruit salad is sweet and fresh, with no fry pan required. Toss the fruit in a touch of orange juice and spoon it over honey and vanilla infused yogurt. The yogurt has plenty of protein to keep you full until breakfast.

Bananas and chocolate hazelnut spread are a match made in heaven. Sturdy whole-wheat bread is the best option for sandwiching the two and grilling to golden perfection. Finish it off with a dust of powdered sugar if you wish, or just dig straight in.

Snacks don’t need to be fancy to be fulfilling. Use your microwave to create a fluffy baked potato in just 10 minutes. After cooling slightly, it’s ready to be topped with butter, sour cream or whatever your preferred toppings are.

This warm, crispy peanut butter, banana and jelly panini takes the childhood favorite into dessert territory by griddling it until golden and crispy. Heating the sandwich slightly caramelizes the bananas and melts the peanut butter to a nicely gooey consistency. One bite and you’ll find out why it’s worth heating up the panini press.