The Lean Green Bean

20+ High Protein After School Snacks For Kids

Lindsay — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:33:44 +0000

These high protein after school snacks for kids are perfect for keeping kids full and satisfied until dinner time!

Hi friends!

Today we’re chatting high protein after school snacks for kids. I’ve written several snack posts over the years, including 10 Healthy After School Snacks, High Protein Kid Lunches, After School Healthy Snacks and Kid-Friendly Protein Energy Balls, but none that focus specifically on high protein after school snacks.

As parents, we know how critical the after school snack can be. It needs to be hearty enough to keep them from asking for a million more snacks and ruining their dinner! Pairing protein with carbs and fiber will help kids stay full and prevent constant snacking. This post has lots of good options that are good for active kiddos who are constantly on the move, playing sports etc.

And if you’re looking for high protein snacks for adults, check out:

How much protein do kids need each day?

Protein needs vary by age but are typically 0.5g per pound body weight:

1-3 years: 13 grams of protein
4-8 years: 19 grams of protein
9-13 years: 34 grams of protein
14-18 years: 46 grams (girls) or 52 grams (boys)

Active kids may have slightly increased needs. Here’s a more detailed article about how much protein your child needs.

What is a high protein snack for kids?

For older kids, I tend to aim for 10+ grams of protein for a high protein snack. Remember that most kids are already getting enough protein throughout the day and not every snack needs to be high protein.

More important than total protein, I encourage you to aim for balanced snacks- snacks that have at least some protein and fiber, not just empty carbs. This will help kids feel full and satisfied longer.

Why are high protein snacks for kids important?

Not every snack needs to be high protein, however, many kids tend to eat better at snack time than meal time. If that’s the case, aiming for high protein snacks can be important and beneficial to help meet total daily needs.

For athletes, it’s important to ensure they’re getting enough protein to help with muscle repair and recovery.

If you’re looking for real life examples about how I combine some of these ideas (like the photo above) and serve them to my kids, scroll down!

Here’s a list of some high protein after school snack ideas that will actually keep kids full until dinner:

After School Snacks with Eggs

Egg wraps – These can be filled with cheese, pepperoni, turkey, avocado etc or just eaten plain. There is 6g of protein per egg and if you add a few slices of turkey (10g protein) and a slice of cheese (6g protein) you have a snack with 20+ grams of protein.
Hard Boiled eggs – Super easy to make in big batches, especially in the Instant pot. Most kids will eat at least 2 hard boiled eggs which is 12g protein.
Microwave egg sandwich – Easy enough that kids can make one themselves! The egg has 6g protein, two slices of bread gave give you 6-8g protein and a slice of cheese is 6g protein.
Egg muffins – Fill them with chopped veggies, cheese, bacon, etc.

After School Snacks with Dairy

Yogurt bark – Let the kids choose their favorite mix-ins like fruit, mini chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds and more! Use Greek yogurt for more protein- most have at least 15g protein in a 3/4 cup serving. Cut the sugar by using half plain yogurt/half flavored. And mixing in pumpkin seeds adds even more protein.
Yogurt parfait – Layer yogurt with fresh fruit and cereal for an easy snack that feels fancy. If you use Greek yogurt you’ll get 15g protein, and you can add more by choosing a higher protein cereal.
Overnight oats – Another option that’s easy to customize and can be made ahead of time. 1/2 cup oats has approximately 5g protein, plus 3/4 cup milk has 6 grams. Adding chia seeds and a bit of Greek yogurt adds even more protein.
Smoothies – Use your favorite frozen fruit and combine with milk or yogurt to add protein.
Kefir – Lots of flavors to try. Mix half plain, half flavored to cut the sugar. An 8oz glass of Lifeway Kefir has 10g protein.

*Photo credit: Hummusapien*

Kid-Friendly Snacks with Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese egg bites – Make them in mini muffin tins to make them more kid-friendly
Cottage cheese pancakes – Make a double batch and freeze some! A serving should have about 15 grams of protein.
Cottage cheese cookie dough bites – Easy to make and keep in the freezer. Each bite has approximately 3g of protein.
Cottage Cheese Smoothie – A fun change from regular yogurt or milk in your smoothie. Adding 1/2 cup cottage cheese to a smoothie adds at least 12g protein.

Kid-Friendly Snacks with Nuts & Seeds

Energy balls – Form them into balls or press into a pan and cut into bars
Trail mix – Grab some from the store or make your own with roasted edamame and roasted chickpeas for protein. 1/3 cup roasted edamame has 14g of protein.
Steamed edamame – Quick to microwave and top with a little salt. Has 14g protein per serving.
Frozen bananas – Top with peanut butter and hemp seeds and freeze! 2 Tbsp peanut butter adds 8g protein and 3 Tbsp hemp seeds adds another 10g to your batch of frozen bananas.

*Photo credit: Yummy Toddler Food*

After School Snacks with Meat

Chicken salad – Kids tend to like chicken better than tuna. Use canned chicken to make it easy. Serve with their favorite crackers. 3oz of canned chicken has 15g protein.
Mini meatballs – Can be eaten cold or serve with some pasta! 6 small meatballs can add 13g protein.
Half a sandwich – Whatever their favorite is
Turkey cheese and apple rollups – Roll cheese and turkey around a cheese stick!
Quesadilla – Add some beans or chicken for extra protein
Cheese, crackers and jerky- Cut jerky and cheese into cubes and pair with crackers

High Protein After School Snacks for Kids

I wanted to give you some actual visuals so you can get an idea how I serve these options to my kids as after school snacks. Here are some real-life examples. I tried to give you some rough estimations on protein content. Some will vary based on brands, ingredients used etc so it’s just to give you a general idea!

Most of these snacks examples contain more than enough protein for kids. These are snack examples for my older kids who are 9 &11 and are very active athletes.

Feel free to decrease portion sizes, which will decrease the grams of protein to closer to 10 grams if needed, depending on your child’s age and activity level.

High Protein Snacks For Kids with Eggs

Turkey, Cheese & Avocado Egg Wrap + Clementine (10g protein in the turkey, 6g in the slice of cheese and 6g in the egg = 22g protein)
Hard Boiled Eggs + Veggies + Kefir (12g protein from the eggs + 10g from the kefir = 22g protein)
Sausage & Egg Cups + Frozen Bananas with peanut butter and hemp (12g protein from eggs + 6g from the sausage + 5g from the pb bananas = 23g protein)
Microwave Egg Sandwich + Grapes (6g protein from the egg + 8 grams from the bread + 6 g from the cheese = 20g protein)

High Protein Dairy Snacks for Kids

Yogurt Bark + Lentil Banana Muffin (Rough estimation – 15g from yogurt bark + 4g from muffin = 19g protein)
Overnight Oats + Trail Mix (Approximately 15g protein in the overnight oats + 5g protein from the trailmix = 20g protein
Yogurt parfait + Kodiak Cakes Pancakes (Approximately 15g protein from the yogurt + 10-15g protein from the pancakes = 25-30g protein)
Smoothie + Aloha Bar mini (aff link) Protein will vary depending on your smoothie recipe but most will have 15-20g protein at least, plus 6g protein from the bar = at least 25g protein)
Roasted Edamame & Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix + Cheese cubes & jerky (Approx 15g protein from the snack mix + 5g from the cheese + 10g from the beef stick =30g protein)

High Protein Meat Snacks For Kids

Chicken Salad + Crackers (Approximately 15g protein in the chicken salad -more if you use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese instead of mayo- plus a few grams protein from the crackers depending what kind you have = approximately 20g protein)
Protein Pasta + Meatballs (we like Simek’s) + Raisins (10g protein from the pasta + 15g protein from the meatballs = 25g protein)
Turkey, cheese & apple roll-up + crackers (10g protein from the turkey + 6g from the cheese + 2-4g from the tortilla + up to 4g from the crackers depending on brand = 20ish grams protein)
Chicken & Bean Quesadilla + Steamed Edamame (10-15g protein from the quesadila + 10+grams from the edamame = at least 20g protein)

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

High Protein Vegan Snacks

Lindsay — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:32:17 +0000

These high-protein vegan snacks are great for both adding to meals and pairing together for satisfying, high-protein snacks.

Hi friend!

It’s been a while since I shared a snack roundup but today we’re talking vegan snacks! If you’re looking for more snack ideas, be sure to check out some of these posts:

Why are high protein vegan snacks important?

As a Registered Dietitian, I frequently share the importance of high protein snacks, especially when paired with fiber, healthy fats and healthy carbs. While protein is important for muscle recovery, healthy, balanced snacks are also play a critical role in keeping energy levels up, helping you feel full and preventing sugar crashes.

Vegans do not eat food derived from animal proteins, which means they do not eat things like animal meats, animal dairy products, honey and more. While it’s definitely still possible to get all the protein you need on a vegan diet, sometimes it requires being a bit more intentional, especially at snack time.

How Much Protein Should A Vegan Snack Have?

There’s no hard and fast rule for protein requirements at snack time. In general for adults, a good goal might be to aim for at least 15-20g of protein for a high protein snack. In many cases, this will involve combining a couple of different snack components to hit that protein goal.

How To Build A High Protein Vegan Snack

Just like when building any other healthy snacks, I recommend focusing on a combination of protein and fiber. These will help keep you full and satisfied the longest. Adding healthy fats and carbs can make the snacks even more satisfying.

Cheap High Protein Vegan Snacks

Many vegan snacks can be a bit expensive. If you’re looking for more inexpensive vegan protein sources, try tofu – cook it in the air fryer and add to sandwiches or blend silken tofu into smoothies and dips! Making your own roasted chickpeas or roasted lentils to snack on is another good option. Beans are another budget-friendly protein source. You can use them to make soups, dips and salads that make great snacks. Also check the freezer section for frozen edamame.

High Protein Vegan Snacks Without Soy

Some of the best high protein vegan snacks without soy include hemp and pumpkin seeds, lentils, nuts, and homemade energy balls. You can also look for protein bars made with pea protein, Ripple milk and seiten. Nutritional yeast can also be a great addition for adding a “cheesy” flavor and some protein.

High Protein Vegan Snacks for Work or School

So here are some high protein vegan snack ideas. A few things to note:

Remember that exact nutrition may vary by brand and by flavor.
Some snacks are vegan but processed on shared equipment with non-vegan snacks. I tried to note that when possible but as always, do your own research.
Some items on this list may not fit your own personal nutrition requirements. In some cases you may need to accept something like higher sodium or more added sugar in order to also get more protein. As always, the decision on the snacks you eat is up to you. These are just ideas!

High Protein Vegan Snacks Without Nuts

Not all of these are inherently super high in protein on their own but most have fiber as well as protein, making them a great snacking option. Scroll down to see some ideas for snack combinations that will provide an even bigger boost of protein. Try combining several of your favorites here into a homemade trail mix!

The Only Bean Roasted Edamame (14g protein, 5g fiber, 2g sugar)
Bada Bean Bada Boom (6g protein, 4g fiber, 2g sugar/1g added sugar)
Hapi Wasabi Peas (5g protein, 5g fiber, 1g sugar)
Brami Lupini Snacking Beans (12g protein, 9g fiber, 0g sugar)
Steamed edamame (14g protein, 6g fiber, 3g sugar/0g added sugar)
Biena Roasted Chickpeas (6g protein, 6g fiber, <1g sugar)

High Protein Vegan Snacks For Kids

Crunchy snacks are great for satisfying a snack craving but many options are low in protein and fiber. Here are some higher-protein options. Pair them with a vegan dip like Whipped Vegan Butterbean Dip, Green Goddess Dip or High Protein White Bean Dip and some veggies! Or pair with a piece of vegan jerky or some steamed edamame.

Aggro Pops Lentil Puffs (18g protein, 8g fiber, 1g sugar/0g added sugar)
Peatos (4g protein, 3g fiber, 1g sugar/0g added sugar)
Kindling Snacks Pretzels – Sea salt and Dill Pickle flavors are vegan – made on shared equipment with non vegan snacks, may contain trace amounts of egg and dairy. (9g protein, 3g fiber, <1g sugar)
Hippeas (4g protein, 3g fiber, less than 1g added sugar)
Harvest Snaps – have vegan flavors but are made on shared equipment with milk (5g protein, 4g fiber, 0g added sugar)

It’s hard to find high protein crackers in general but both Simple Mills and Crunchmaster have vegan options with a few grams of protein and fiber. You could also check out Siete Queso Puffs.

Best Vegan Protein Bars For Snacking

There are lots of protein bar options out there. Here are a few of my favorite vegan protein bar options in terms of ingredients and nutritional value.

Aloha bars– These are my favorite and I’m not even vegan! (14g protein, 10g fiber, 5g sugar/4g added sugar) *Affiliate link
Go Macro Bars – (12g protein, 3g fiber, 9g added sugar)
IQ Bars -(12g protein, 8g fiber, 1g sugar)
TruBar – (12g protein, 13g fiber, 8g sugar/7g added sugar)
Skout Organic Protein Bars – (10g protein, 5g fiber, 18g sugar/0g added sugar)
Good! Snack Bars – (15g protein, 13g fiber, 10g sugar/9g added sugar)

High Protein Vegan Dairy Snacks

While some vegan milk and yogurt options are fairly low in protein, there are some higher protein options out there including soy and pea milk, and a few yogurt options! To add more protein, top or pair with a higher protein cereal like Manibota Hemp Granola, Seven Sundays or Kashi Go Protein cereal.

Siggi’s Plant Based Yogurt – (10g protein, 1g fiber, 8g sugar/7g added sugar)
Icelandic Provisions Dairy-Free Skyr – (12g protein, 2g fiber, 9g added sugar)
Silk Greek! – (11g protein, <1g fiber, 11g sugar)
Kite Hill Greek-style – (15g protein, 1g fiber, 0g sugar)
Silk Soy Milk – (8g protein, 2g fiber, 5g sugar/4g added sugar)
Silk Protein Soy Milk – (13g protein, 3g fiber, 4g sugar/3g added sugar)
Ripple Pea Milk – (8g protein, <1g fiber, 5g added sugar)

High Protein Snacks For On the Go

Nuts and vegan jerky are great shelf-stable snacks that make it easy to grab or pack an on-the-go snack!

Powerup Trail Mix – or other trail mix options (7g protein, 2g fiber, 7g sugar/0g added sugar)
Go Raw Snacking Seeds – (7g protein, 2g fiber, 1g sugar/0g added sugar)
Pistachios – (6g protein, 3g fiber, 2g sugar) or other nuts like peanuts, almonds, cashews etc!
Hemp Hearts – Mix with yogurt or add to smoothies, etc (10g protein, 1g fiber, 1g sugar/0g added sugar)
Smash Snack Bites – (8g protein, 4g fiber, 17g sugar/0g added sugar)
Louisville Vegan Jerky – (6g protein, 2g fiber, 4g added sugar)
Primal Spirit Vegan Jerky – (11g protein, 1g fiber, 3g added sugar)
It’s Jerky Yall – (6g protein, 3g fiber, 5g sugar/3g added sugar)

High Protein Vegan Grain-Based Snacks

Here are a few grain-based options that have a decent amount of protein and can be eaten on their own or combined with things like milk and yogurt for added protein.

Manitoba Harvest Superseed Granola – (14g protein, 4g fiber, 10g sugar/9g added sugar) – add to yogurt!
Kashi Go Protein & Fiber – (10g protein, 10g fiber, 10g sugar/9g added sugar) Top with soy milk!
Nature’s Path Optimum Power Blueberry Cinnamon – (9g protein, 9g fiber, 9g added sugar)
Seven Sunday’s Oat Protein Cereal – (5g protein, 3g fiber, 7g sugar/5g added sugar)
Protein tortillas – (7g protein, 14g fiber, 0g sugar) – add some veggies and air fried tofu!
Ezekiel Bread – (6g protein, 6g fiber, 1g sugar/0g added sugar) – top with nut butter!
Purely Elizabeth Blueberry Flax Oatmeal – (5g protein, 6g fiber, 7g sugar/5g added sugar) – Top with fruit and chopped nuts!
Mush Protein Overnight Oats – (15g protein, 7g fiber, 14g sugar/2g added sugar)

And not a grain product but acts like one- Siete almond flour tortillas

Quick High Protein Vegan Snack Picks

Here are a few snack combos that are easy to throw together and high in protein.

High Protein Vegan Snack Combos

Need more ideas? Here are some ways you could combine the snacks in this post for a higher protein snack!

Cereal + soy milk
Yogurt + hemp granola
Pistachios + vegan jerky
Trail Mix- Roasted Edamame & chickpeas, dried fruit, peanuts
Hippeas + steamed edamame
Ezekiel bread + pb, banana and hemp seeds
Oatmeal + strawberries and chopped walnuts
Pretzels + protein bar
Energy balls + wasabi peas

High Protein Vegan Snack Swaps

Depending on what you’re in the mood for, making certain swaps can help you meet your protein goals. If you want crunchy, try swapping chips for roasted edamame and chickpeas or lentil puffs. If you want sweet, swap a cookie for a vegan protein bar. You can also try adding steamed edamame or tofu dip to your veggie plates, swap regular bread for a higher protein bread like Ezekiel bread or swap yogurt by itself to a parfait topped with nuts and seeds.

High Protein Vegan Snacks For Meal Prep

If you’re looking for some homemade vegan snack options that can be made ahead of time, try:

High Protein Vegan Snacks FAQs

What are the best high protein vegan snacks?

Like with most snacks, the best options are the ones you’ll actually eat. You can make the healthiest snacks packed with nutrient dense ingredients but if you won’t eat them, you’re not getting the benefits. Aim for a higher protein snack that also has some fiber and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied. Also look for options that are lower in sugar and sodium.

How can I get more protein in vegan snacks?

The best way to increase protein in vegan snacks is to combine snack ingredients to increase the protein total. You can also focus on adding high protein snack components to snacks you already enjoy – for example: If you like trailmix, add some roasted edamame. If you like yogurt, add a high protein cereal or granola. If you like peanut butter sandwiches, use a higher protein bread and add hemp seeds.

What vegan snacks have the most protein?

Some of the highest protein vegan snacks on their own include edamame, lupini beans, Agro Lentil Puffs, protein bars and soy milk.

What are easy high protein vegan snacks for beginners?

Some easy high protein snacks for beginners are high protein cereal with soy milk, yogurt with hemp seeds, berries and high protein granola, nuts and vegan jerky and trail mix with roasted edamame.

What are good high protein vegan snacks for work?

Some easy, portable vegan snacks that are high in protein include roasted edamame or fava beans, vegan jerky plus trail mix or vegan protein bars or homemade energy balls. If you have a fridge, pack a yogurt with protein granola or a frozen smoothie that can thaw by snack time!

What are good high protein vegan snacks for kids?

Some kid-friendly vegan snacks include hippeas, harvest snacks and lentil puffs. They might also like peanut butter toast on ezekial bread with hemp seeds, cereal and milk, energy balls, or oatmeal!

What are cheap high protein vegan snacks?

Some cheap vegan snack options include tofu, beans and lentils. Use these to make your own high protein vegan snacks to save money.

What are high protein vegan snacks without soy?

Some of the best high protein snacks without soy include roasted nuts, seeds and edamame, dips made with beans or lentils, high protein muffins or bars or snacks with pea-based milk or protein powders.

What are high protein vegan snacks without nuts?

Try things like roasted edamame and chickpeas, chia pudding and oatmeal that you can top with seeds instead of nuts, and yogurt with hemp granola.

What are high protein vegan snack combinations?

Some high protein vegan snack combinations include cereal and soy milk, yogurt and hemp granola, steamed edamame and protein bar, and high protein trail mix.

As always, feel free to share your favorites in the comments!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Frozen Yogurt Bark

Lindsay — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:47:04 +0000

This easy Frozen Yogurt Bark can be customized with your favorite mix-ins like fruit, chocolate & seeds. A perfect kid-friendly, high-protein snack for summer!

Hi friends!

I have been making this frozen yogurt bark for my daughter for years and finally got around to making an official blog post I can refer people to when I make it!

It is so easy to make and one of her absolute favorite breakfasts. I love it because I can prep it ahead of time and break it into pieces and then I just pop a few pieces on a plate for her in the morning, usually served with a banana muffin. (We rotate through Lentil Banana Muffins, Banana Flax Muffins and Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins)

How To Prevent Icy Frozen Yogurt Bark

The key to preventing hard, icy yogurt bark is using yogurt with fat in it. Fat-free yogurt will not work for yogurt bark unless you’re looking for a broken tooth. The fat in the yogurt is what helps keep it creamy and easy to bite through after sitting out for just a few minutes.

You can use Greek yogurt or regular yogurt for this recipe.

Best Yogurt Fat Percentages for Yogurt Bark

My personal preference is to use full fat Greek yogurt. I use a mix of half plain, half flavored to cut down on added sugar. If you wanted to, you could use half full fat, half 2% but again, I would not use fat-free yogurt for this recipe.

How To Make High-Protein Yogurt Bark

To make this yogurt bark high-protein, use Greek yogurt over regular yogurt. Also choose mix-ins that add additional protein like pepitas (pumpkin seeds), hemp or chia seeds, chopped nuts, peanut butter, etc.

You could also try mixing some protein powder into the yogurt, but it might affect the texture a bit.

How To Sweeten Frozen Yogurt Bark Naturally

I like to use some flavored yogurt as an easy way to sweeten the frozen yogurt bark but if you prefer, you can use all plain yogurt and use your mix-ins to add sweetness. Adding chopped fruit is an easy way to add natural sweetness. If you don’t want chunks to bite into, you could mash or puree the fruit before mixing it in to the yogurt.

You could also choose to sweeten the plain yogurt with maple syrup or honey.

Layered Yogurt Bark

If you’re looking to make your yogurt bark look a bit fancier, using a swirl technique is fun! Make a fruit puree using your favorite fruit and grab some peanut butter or other nut butter. Spread the yogurt onto the pan and then place spoonfuls of both the peanut butter and fruit on top of the yogurt. Using a knife or spoon, spread the spoonfuls through the yogurt for a swirled look.

You could also try making a layered yogurt bark but be careful not to make it too thick. Spread a thin layer of yogurt, a layer of fruit puree or nut butter and then another thin layer of yogurt (or top it with a thin layer or drizzle of melted chocolate.

Dessert-Style Chocolate Yogurt Bark

To make a more dessert-style yogurt bark, lean into the use of chocolate! Instead of mixing chocolate chips into the yogurt bark, start with a layer of yogurt, top with diced strawberries or raspberries and cover the whole thing with a drizzle of chocolate and some flaky sea salt. You could also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top.

Low Sugar Yogurt Bark

To make a low-sugar yogurt bark, stick with plain Greek yogurt as your base. Add diced fruit for natural sweetness.

Kid-Friendly Yogurt Bark Combos

The best kid-friendly combo is the one using things your own kids like! Some initial combos to try include:

Strawberries + chocolate chips
Blueberries + sprinkles
Bananas + peanut butter

Make Ahead Snack Prep Strategy

The good news about frozen yogurt bark is that it’s stored in the freezer, so if you have the space, you can make several different flavor varieties, store them all in the freezer and rotate through the flavors you eat without worrying about them going bad.

Just be sure to store in Ziploc bags or other freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn.

If you’re looking for more make ahead snacks, check out:

How To Cut vs Break Yogurt Bark

Once frozen, the yogurt bark can be difficult to cut. You have two options – just break it! Don’t worry about getting pieces that are exactly the same size, just break into good-sized pieces.

If you prefer to try to cut it, it’s best to let it soften on the counter for at least 5 minutes before attempting to cut into pieces.

Best Thickness for Frozen Yogurt Bark

This is a personal preference. Some people prefer their bark to be fairly thin. They might like to start with a thin layer of yogurt and put the toppings on top.

Others prefer to have the toppings mixed into the yogurt. This will naturally make your bark a bit thicker, so just spread it as thin as possible. It should thaw enough to be able to bite through after just a couple minutes of sitting out.

Freezer Setup Tips

The key to making frozen yogurt bark is having enough space in your freezer for a baking sheet. Try to clear an area where the tray can lie flat and let the bark freeze for 3-4 hours at least.

How To Store Yogurt Bark Without Freezer Burn

Once your yogurt bark is completely frozen, remove it from the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes and then break it into smaller pieces.

Store the pieces in a Ziploc bag or other airtight container and return to the freezer to prevent freezer burn. Try to squeeze as much air as possible out of the Ziploc bag before storing in the freezer.

Seasonal Yogurt Bark Flavor Ideas

Feel free to customize your yogurt bark based on what’s in season! Berries are great in the summer. You could try mixing in some pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice in the fall! Get creative!

Crunch Factor Add-Ins

If you’re looking to add a little crunch to your yogurt bark, here are a few options:

Granola – Toss a couple handfuls of your favorite granola into the mix
Seeds- I like to use pepitas (pumpkin seeds) because they’re thin and add a bit of crunch without being super hard to bite through. You could also throw in hemp seeds or chia seeds.
Nuts – If you’re going to add nuts, be sure to chop them fairly small or choose softer nuts – walnuts or slivered almonds might work well
Chocolate – Chocolate chips or cacao nibs are also a fun way to add some crunch!

When To Eat Yogurt Bark

Yogurt bark makes a great snack anytime! Grab some as a post-workout snack, serve it for breakfast or an after school snack or even serve it for dessert!

Healthy Frozen Yogurt Bark

Here’s the recipe I use, but you don’t really need to use exact quantities. Feel free to make a bigger or smaller batch:

Frozen Yogurt Bark

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This easy Frozen Yogurt Bark can be customized with your favorite mix-ins like fruit, chocolate & seeds. A perfect kid-friendly, high-protein snack for summer!

Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt*
2 cups diced fruit (I like strawberries and blueberries but you could use banans, mango, raspberries etc)*
1/4 cup pepitas
Other optional mix-ins – mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, granola, etc

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread yogurt mixture onto baking sheet so it’s about 1/2 in inch thick.
Freeze 3-4 hours.
Remove tray, let sit for about 5 minutes, then break into pieces and store in a Ziploc bag in the freezer.
Optional – If you prefer, you can mix the yogurt and spread into a layer of your desired thickness, then add the mix-ins on top, pressing down gently to ensure they will stick to the yogurt.

Notes

*Feel free to use all plain or all flavored yogurt if you prefer

* No need to chop fruit smaller fruits like blueberries or raspberries

Yogurt Bark FAQs

How do you keep frozen yogurt bark from getting icy? How do you make yogurt bark creamy instead of icy?

The best way to avoid icy yogurt bark is to use full-fat yogurt. The fat in the yogurt helps keep the bark creamy, whereas using fat-free yogurt will result in a lot of ice crystals forming.

What is the best yogurt for frozen yogurt bark?

You can use pretty much any kind of yogurt except fat-free! Flavored, plain, Greek, regular etc.

Can you use Greek yogurt for frozen yogurt bark?

Yes! It’s a great way to add some extra protein to the yogurt bark.

Why is my yogurt bark too hard to bite?

Likely because you used too much fat-free or low-fat yogurt. Try adding some full fat yogurt next time. You can also let the yogurt bark sit at room temperature for a few minutes to make it easier to bite into.

How thick should yogurt bark be?

This is a personal preference. To make it easy to bite, I would try to keep it to about 1/2 an inch thick.

Can you add protein powder to yogurt bark?

Yes. I haven’t tried it myself but you definitely can. It make alter the texture a bit depending how completely it mixes into the yogurt.

What toppings work best for yogurt bark?

You can get creative with the toppings. Fruit, chopped nuts, seeds, granola and chocolate chips all work great!

Can you make yogurt bark without added sugar?

You can choose to use plain yogurt with no added sugar and then add some sweetness with fruit!

How long does it take yogurt bark to freeze?

It depends how thick it is but it should freeze all the way through in 3-4 hours.

How do you store yogurt bark in the freezer?

Let the bark freeze completely, break into pieces and store in a Ziploc bag or other freezer-safe container.

How long does frozen yogurt bark last?

As long as it’s stored in an airtight container, it should last for 2-3 months.

Can you make dairy-free yogurt bark?

I haven’t tried it personally but you could try with a dairy-free yogurt brand.

Can kids eat frozen yogurt bark?

Yes! It makes a great snack for kids. Just be sure to let it sit for a few minutes before serving so they don’t hurt their teeth. And be mindful of what you mix-in depending on ages to avoid choking hazards.

Is yogurt bark a healthy snack option?

Yes! You can control the amount of added sugar based on your preference and it’s high in protein!

Can you use flavored yogurt for yogurt bark?

Yes, both plain and flavored yogurt work well in this recipe.

How do you break yogurt bark evenly?

It’s difficult to break the yogurt bark completely evenly. Just do your best to break it into similar sized pieces to enjoy!

Can you meal prep yogurt bark?

Yes! Yogurt bark is a great option for meal prep because it needs to be made ahead of time anyways. Make a batch, freeze and enjoy all week long!

What fruits work best in yogurt bark?

You can use most fruits but my favorites are berries. You could also try diced peaches, mango, banana or other soft fruits. I probably wouldn’t use apples.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

Lindsay — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 23:55:54 +0000

These Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins are made with Greek yogurt and oats for protein and fiber and even sneak in some zucchini!

Hi friend!

I recently shared these Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins that were a big hit and today I’ve got another great muffin option for you! These mini muffins full of nutritious ingredients but still taste great! They’re nut-free and the perfect size for school lunchboxes and snacks!

I make these in the food processor because it does such a good job chopping up the oats, zucchini etc to make them barely noticeable in the muffins. If you don’t have a food processor, you can blend the wet ingredients in a blender and then transfer to a bowl to continue mixing.

Why Greek Yogurt Makes These Muffins Better

I absolutely love using Greek yogurt in my muffin recipes. It’s an easy way to add protein and also makes the muffins super soft and fluffy. I also use it in my son’s favorite Healthy Chocolate Muffins, as well as in these Healthy Blueberry Muffins.

Another added bonus of using Greek yogurt in muffins is that it helps keep the muffins super moist. It can be used to replace some of the fat that typically comes from oil or butter.

Protein-Packed Snacks for Kids and Adults

If you’re looking for even more protein-packed snacks, here are a few ideas:

Tips For Soft Tender Muffins

A few tips for keeping your muffins soft and tender:

Using oil instead of butter leads to more tender muffins.
Don’t overmix your muffins- when you add in the dry ingredients, mix until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. Don’t go crazy with the stirring!
Adding yogurt also helps keep the muffins tender.
Don’t overbake! This will dry out your muffins and make them less soft.
Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes to help the oats and flour hydrate.

Health Benefits of Oats + Yogurt Together

These muffins combine oats and yogurt to make a healthy, filling breakfast or snack option. These two ingredients together add both protein and fiber to the muffins to help make them more filling. While the yogurt adds protein, the oats add soluble fiber, which helps you stay full longer.

I also add hemp hearts for additional boost of protein and heart-healthy omegas.

Best Greek Yogurt To Use

I personally like to use whole milk plain Greek yogurt in this recipe. If you prefer, you can use low-fat but I would not recommend fat-free. You can also use plain regular yogurt if you don’t have Greek. The protein content will just be slightly lower.

Can You Use Flavored Yogurt?

Yes, I’ve made these muffins with vanilla yogurt and it works just fine. Just keep in mind that the flavored yogurt will have some added sugar.

Higher Protein Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

For an additional boost of protein, you can add a scoop of protein powder. I don’t recommend more than one scoop in baking recipes, however, because I find it dries out the baked goods.

No Added Sugar Oatmeal Muffins

To make this a no-added-sugar recipe, you can replace the sugar with mashed banana or applesauce. Note that this will change the flavor of the muffins, as well as the texture, likely making them a bit more dense. You could also leave out the chocolate chips or replace them with raisins, dried blueberries or frozen wild blueberries. Wil blueberries are smaller than regular blueberries so they work well in mini muffins.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins for Toddlers

These mini muffins are perfect for toddlers and young kids. They’re soft and moist, easy to eat and the perfect size for toddler hands! Need more toddler snack ideas? Try these:

How To Keep Muffins Moist for Days (How To Store Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins)

Using yogurt in these muffins will make them extra moist. You can store them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel on the counter for 3-4 days. The paper towel will help absorb any excess moisture. Be sure to cool the muffins completely before storing.

Freezer-friendly Healthy Muffins

These muffins can easily be frozen for future enjoyment. To freeze, cool the muffins completely then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, thaw on the counter or in the microwave.

Gluten-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

To make these muffins gluten-free, ensure you are using certified gluten-free oats. In addition, you can sub a 1:1 Gluten-free flour blend, like King Arthur Measure for Measure, for the flour in this recipe.

You could also try replacing the flour with oat flour.

Mini vs Regular Muffins

While I prefer to make these muffins in mini muffin tins, you could also make them as full-size muffins. You’ll have to extend the baking time by a few minutes for bigger muffins but remember not to overbake!

Mix-In Ideas That Pair Well with Yogurt-Based Muffins

I chose mini chocolate chips as my mix-in for these muffins but there are lots of other possibilities including:

Dried fruit – raisins or dried blueberries would work well
Frozen fruit- blueberries or wild blueberries
Chopped nuts- if you don’t need these muffins to be nut-free, chopped walnuts would be a great addition!

Common Mistakes with Yogurt Muffins

A few common errors with making yogurt-based muffins include over-mixing which results in a dense, chewy muffins and over-baking which leads to dry muffins. Also, using cold ingredients can keep all of the ingredients from mixing fully. Letting yogurt and eggs come to room temperature is helpful.

Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

Print Recipe

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No reviews

These Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins are made with Greek yogurt and oats for protein and fiber and even sneak in some zucchini!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: makes 36 mini muffins

Ingredients

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup oil (you can sub melted butter if needed)
1 cup quick oats
2 eggs
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup shredded zucchini, lightly squeezed to remove some moisture
1 cup flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup hemp seeds, optional
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

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Instructions

In a food processor, combine yogurt, oil, eggs, brown sugar, quick oats, vanilla and zucchini and process until smooth. (If you don’t have a food processor, you can combine these ingredients in a blender and then transfer to a bowl and mix the rest by hand)
Add flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt and hemp and process until just combined.
Add mini chocolate chips and pulse a few times.
Scoop into mini muffin tins and bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes. Makes approximately 36 mini muffins.

Notes

If you prefer, you can replace the oil with 4 Tbsp melted butter.

If you have time, letting the batter sit for 10-15 minutes before baking will help hydrate the flour and oats and make the muffins a bit more tender.

Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins FAQs

Are oatmeal chocolate chip mini muffins with Greek yogurt healthy?

Yes! These muffins are packed with protein thanks to the Greek yogurt and hemp seeds and also contain fiber from the oats! Plus they have zucchini!

What does Greek yogurt do in mini muffins?

Yogurt adds protein to any muffin recipe and also helps keep the muffins fluffy and moist.

Do Greek yogurt muffins have more protein?

Yes, Greek yogurt muffins typically have more protein than regular muffins due to the protein content of Greek yogurt.

Can toddlers eat Greek yogurt oatmeal muffins?

These muffins make a great snack for toddlers! They contain protein, fiber and vegetables and they’re the perfect size for toddlers!

Can I use flavored Greek yogurt in muffins?

Yes, you can sub plain Greek yogurt for flavored if you prefer. It will, however, add some additional sugar to the recipe.

How do I keep yogurt muffins from getting dense?

Don’t overmix the batter! When adding the dry ingredients, stir until just combined.

Can I freeze mini muffins made with Greek yogurt?

Yes. Let the muffins cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free with oats?

To make these muffins gluten-free, you can replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You could also try replacing the flour with oat flour.

What type of oats work best for mini muffins?

I prefer quick oats because they’re already broken into smaller pieces. You could also use rolled oats if that’s what you have on hand.

How long do Greek yogurt muffins stay fresh?

Store these muffins in a container lined with a paper towel for 3-4 days on the counter.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in muffins?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt. You can also sub buttermilk. Or make your own buttermilk by adding a splash of vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I turn these into baked oatmeal instead of muffins?

You could bake this in an 8×8 or 9×9 pan instead of muffin tins and then cut into bars. They will likely be fluffier than traditional baked oatmeal.

Are mini muffins a good high-protein snack?

These muffins do contain some protein. To make an even higher protein snack, serve them with a glass of milk, a cheese stick, some trail mix or a beef stick.

Can I add protein powder to oatmeal mini muffins?

Yes, you can add one scoop of protein powder to this recipe without a noticeable effect. Any more than that and it might dry out the muffins.

Make Ahead Snack Prep Ideas

Need a few more snack ideas? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

Lindsay — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 20:58:29 +0000

These banana cottage cheese muffins are kid-friendly, high protein and so easy to make! The perfect addition to breakfast or snack time!

Hi friends!

I’ve got a new muffin recipe to share with you guys today. My daughter has been loving them lately and I love that they’re high in protein and easy to make! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our other go-to banana muffins: Lentil Banana Muffins & Banana Flax Muffins.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

These will quickly become your new favorite muffins for a few reasons:

They’re high in protein thanks to the cottage cheese.
They’re light and fluffy. Blending the cottage cheese until it’s smooth helps create a great texture
You can easily add mix-ins. I add chocolate chips and hemp seeds but you could add ground flax, blueberries, raisins etc.

How Cottage Cheese Affects Texture and Moisture

These muffins have a few ingredients that help make them fluffy and moist:

Cottage cheese – Adding cottage cheese significantly increases the moisture content of the muffins
Mashed bananas – help add sweetness naturally without a lot of added sugar
Oil – helps emulsify the ingredients along with the cottage cheese

It took a few rounds of testing to find the right ratio of flour, cottage cheese and leavening agents but the end result is a moist, fluffy muffin everyone will love.

Best Bananas for Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

Like with most types of baking, the riper the bananas the better for these muffins. Ripe bananas will be naturally sweeter which allows you to use less added sugar.

Banana Protein Muffins with Protein Powder

If you want to increase the protein content even more, you could try adding a scoop of protein powder to these muffins. Don’t overdo it with the protein powder though or your muffins will become dense and dry.

If you’re looking for more high protein snacks, try these Healthy High Protein Snacks or these Cottage Cheese Protein Snacks.

Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins Variations

This recipe makes a great base and you can easily make a few tweaks to allow these muffins to fit your needs.

Whole Wheat Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

Try using white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour in these muffins for an added nutrient boost of protein and fiber.

Gluten-free Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

To make these muffins gluten-free, simply swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend – I like King Arthur Measure for Measure.

Low Sugar Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

You can swap the sugar in this recipe for honey or maple syrup if you prefer. You could also try replacing the sugar with applesauce for a no-added-sugar version that would be great for young kids.

Mix-In Ideas for Banana Protein Muffins

Feel free to mix in your favorites to these muffins! I like chocolate chips, ground flax and hemp but you could also add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, frozen blueberries or dried fruit like raisins.

Mini Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

To make these muffins mini, I would cook them at 375 for about 12 minutes and then check their doneness. You don’t really need to start them at a high heat and then drop the temperature because the mini muffins themselves are so small that they don’t have far to rise. That trick is really to help ensure full-size muffins rise high enough.

Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins for Meal Prep

These muffins are great for meal prep because they’re an easy high-protein option that you can add to breakfast, lunch or snack time! Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them all week long. They also freeze well for future eating!

How To Store Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

I like to store these muffins in a ziploc bag on the counter. However, since they are moist, keep in mind that they will get moldy after a few days, especially in warmer temperatures.

Consider freezing half the batch after you make them and pulling them out mid-week so they’ll be fresh! You can also store them in the fridge after 2-3 days and reheat them in the microwave.

How To Freeze Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

To freeze these muffins, let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible.

To thaw, simply place one in the microwave or let them thaw on the counter.

Soft and Fluffy Banana Protein Muffins Tips

The most important part of making these muffins soft and fluffy is to blend the cottage cheese until it’s smooth. You can use a food processor or blender. I prefer to blend all ingredients in the food processor because it makes everything extra smooth.

Also, don’t use fat-free cottage cheese. I think full fat works best but 2% is ok too.

Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins vs Regular Banana Muffins

These muffins are high in protein and get some added nutrition from the ground flax and hemp. If you’re looking for regular banana muffins without cottage cheese, here are some other options:

Or try these Banana Oat Cookies!

Healthy Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins for Breakfast

These muffins are great anytime of day. Pair them with a yogurt or glass of milk at breakfast, add them to a lunchbox or serve them at snack time with fresh fruit or some trail mix.

Healthy Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

Here’s the recipe I use:

Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

These banana cottage cheese muffins are kid-friendly, high protein and so easy to make! The perfect addition to breakfast or snack time!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: 12-16 muffins

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup mashed banana
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1.5 cups flour
1/4 cup ground flax
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

Blend cottage cheese until smooth in a blender or food processor.
In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, mashed bananas, sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla and stir to combine. (Or you can make these entirely in the food processor – just blend until smooth.)
Add remaining ingredients and stir until just combine. (If using a food processor, save the chocolate chips to pulse in at the end).
Spoon into silicone or greased muffin tins. (Makes 16 small or 12 large muffins).
Bake at 425 degreees F for 5 minutes, then drop the temperature to 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins FAQs

Are banana cottage cheese muffins high in protein?

Yes! These muffins get a nice boost of protein from the cottage cheese, as well as some from the hemp seeds and eggs!

Can I use cottage cheese in banana muffins?

Yes. Cottage cheese works well in muffins, especially if it’s blended smooth. It works similarly to yogurt in baked goods.

Do cottage cheese muffins taste like cottage cheese?

No! You can’t taste the cottage cheese at all when it’s blended into these mufins.

Are banana cottage cheese muffins healthy?

Yes! They’re full of protein and the ground flax and hemp seeds add a nutrient boost. They’re also low in added sugar.

Can I blend cottage cheese for muffins?

Yes, these muffins are definitely better when the cottage cheese is blended smooth before baking.

What does cottage cheese do in baking muffins?

Cottage cheese helps increase the protein content of the muffins and also adds a lot of moisture to help make the muffins moist and fluffy.

Can I make these muffins with whole wheat flour?

Yes! Feel free to use white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour. I would not recommended regular whole wheat flour as it will make the muffins too dense.

Are banana cottage cheese muffins good for breakfast?

Yes! These muffins make a great addition to a healthy breakfast. Serve them with a glass of milk or some yogurt, or with fresh fruit and scrambled eggs for a healthy, balanced breakfast.

Can I freeze banana cottage cheese muffins?

Yes! These muffins freeze well. Let them cool completely and then put them in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How long do banana cottage cheese muffins last?

These muffins are moist so i don’t recommend leaving them on the counter for more than 3-4 days or they may spoil. You can freeze half the batch for later to help keep them from getting moldy or try storing them in the fridge after a few days.

Can I make banana cottage cheese muffins gluten-free?

Yes! To make these muffins gluten-free just sub a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the flour in this recipe. Also make sure your ground flax is gluten-free if needed.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese in muffins?

These should work fine with low-fat cottage cheese. I prefer full fat and would not recommend fat-free.

How do I make banana cottage cheese muffins soft and fluffy?

I really think making these in the food processor helps make them soft fluffy. It helps puree the cottage cheese and makes sure all the other ingredients are evenly mixed.

What are the best mix-ins for banana protein muffins?

You can use a variety of mix-ins for this recipe. Try dried fruit like raisins, fresh or frozen blueberries or a some chopped nuts.

Can I make mini banana cottage cheese muffins?

Yes! Feel free to bake these in a mini muffin tin at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until baked through.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Chicken

Lindsay — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:08:00 +0000

This easy Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Chicken is so creamy and delicious! No stirring required and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables!

*Originally published 1/2012. Updated 2/2026*

Hi Friends!

Today I’ve got a recipe for mushroom risotto made in the Instant Pot -plus chicken to add protein! I first shared this recipe way back in 2012. Recently, I made a few tweaks and I thought it was time to remind you how delicious it is!

Why Make Mushroom Risotto In the Instant Pot

This recipe gives you all the creamy deliciousness of risotto without requiring you to stand over the stove and stir for an hour straight! In addition, it’s:

Hands-off – no stirring required!
Uses simple ingredients – no crazy, hard-to-find ingredients in this recipe!
Easy to customize – If you don’t like mushrooms or peas, leave them out! You could add diced bell peppers, sweet potatoes, greens or broccoli instead!
Short cook time – This whole recipe only takes about 20 minutes start to finish!

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Mushroom Risotto

This recipe is perfect for getting the creamy risotto texture using just a few simple ingredients. And you don’t have to stand over the stove and stir it constantly! You’ll need:

Butter- You can use oil if you prefer.
Leeks – You can substitute onion.
Mushrooms – I use baby portabella mushrooms but you can use whatever kind you like, sliced or diced.
Spices – For flavor!
Arborio rice – This is “risotto” rice and very important to help get the traditional creaminess of risotto.
Broth – Feel free to use chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also replace 1/4 cup of broth with white wine and use it to deglaze the bottom of the pot.
Chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breast diced into pieces
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is best!
Peas – Frozen peas work great!

How to Make Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Making this recipe is simple, just:

Use the saute function to saute the butter, leeks and mushrooms.
Season the chicken pieces.
Add the rice and stir to coat.
Add the chicken and broth.
Cook 5 minutes, quick release and stir in the remaining ingredients.

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Chicken Variations:

If this recipe isn’t exactly what you’re looking for you can try:

Instant Pot Chicken Risotto

This is a basic risotto recipe that works with our without the mushrooms. If you don’t like them, leave them out!

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Risotto

If you’re a fan of lemon, you can definitely add some freshly grated lemon zest into this recipe and finish it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after it’s done cooking!

Instant Pot Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto

You can add asparagus to this recipe, but I would not add it at the beginning of the recipe or it will be mushy. You can cut it into bite-sized pieces, pan saute it for a couple minutes while the risotto is cooking and add it in at the end, similar to how you add the peas at the end in this recipe.

Instant Pot Vegan Mushroom Risotto

To make a vegan version of this recipe, use oil instead of butter, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan option or try adding some nutritional yeast instead.

Mushroom Risotto Pressure Cooker Tips

A few tips for making mushroom risotto in a pressure cooker:

When cooking in the Instant Pot, the best ratio is 2:1 liquid to rice. So we’re using 3 cups of broth and 1.5 cups of rice.
Sauteeing the veggies in butter before cooking helps add some flavor and and helps melt the butter so it can coat the rice.
Use quick release so that the risotto doesn’t get overcooked.

Chicken Risotto Pressure Cooker Tips

When using chicken in the pressure cooker:

Cut the chicken before cooking to allow it to cook quickly enough that the rice doesn’t get overdone.
Don’t cut the chicken pieces too small or they will become overcooked and dry.

How To Avoid Mushy Instant Pot Risotto

To avoid mushy risotto:

Don’t overcook it. Typically, 5-6 minutes works best.
Use the quick-release button to release the pressure, otherwise the rice will cook too long.
Use the right kind of rice – arborio works best, not regular long grain brown or white rice.
Don’t rinse the rice – this will rinse away some of the critical starches.

How To Thicken Instant Pot Risotto

Risotto will naturally start to thicken as it sits. If you find there’s still too much liquid in the pot after the designated cooking time you can let the risotto rest. You can also switch to the saute function for a few minutes to help incorporate more of the liquid.

In addition, stirring in more vegetables and grated cheese will thicken the risotto as well.

Best Mushrooms for Instant Pot Risotto

Baby bella mushrooms are my personal favorite for this recipe. You could also use white mushrooms, cremini or others if you prefer.

Chicken Cuts That Work Best in Instant Pot Risotto

Boneless cuts of chicken will work best in this recipe. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs if you prefer.

Make-Ahead Instant Pot Risotto (Storage Guidance)

Risotto is best served right after making it, when it will be at its creamiest. You can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Since it will thicken considerably as it sits in the fridge, you can add a splash of broth or some additional butter when reheating.

Freezing Risotto

Risotto is best frozen as soon as it has cooled down after cooking versus after storing it in the fridge for several days.

Freeze in an airtight container for 2-3 months and add some additional liquid when reheating. You can also thaw the risotto and turn it into arancini.

Scaling the Recipe for a Crowd

You could try doubling this recipe in the Instant Pot but I have not tried it myself. I would not try tripling the recipe.

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Chicken Recipe

Here’s how to make it:

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Chicken

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

This easy Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Chicken is so creamy and delicious! No stirring required and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: serves 4-6

Ingredients

3 Tbsp butter, divided
1 cup slice leeks (can sub 3/4 cup diced onion)
4 oz sliced mushrooms (can use up to 8oz if you prefer)
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp salt
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp oregano
1.5 cups arborio rice
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup frozen peas

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Instructions

Use the saute function on the Instant Pot to saute 2 Tbsp butter, leeks and mushrooms for 3-4 minutes.
Combine spices and sprinkle over chicken pieces, tossing to coat.
Add rice to mushroom mixture and stir to coat.
Add chicken and broth to Instant pot.
Use the manual butter and set timer for 5 minutes.
Use the quick release button, remove lid and stir.
Add remaining Tablespoon of butter, Parmesan and peas and stir to combine.
Let risotto sit for 5 minutes to allow peas to heat up!

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto FAQs

Can you make mushroom risotto in the Instant Pot?

Yes! This recipe is specifically designed to be made in the Instant Pot for an easy risotto recipe that’s hands-off, no stirring required!

How do you keep Instant Pot Risotto creamy?

The key to a good risotto is using the right kind of rice. Arborio rice is best. I like this Lundberg White Arborio Rice. It has a higher starch content than most rice which helps make it creamy.

Can I add chicken to mushroom risotto in the Instant Pot?

Yes. This recipe uses chicken, cut into pieces so that it cooks in the same amount of time as the rice. I would not recommend putting full chicken breasts in this recipe or the chicken will be undercooked when it’s done.

What mushrooms work best for Instant Pot risotto?

You’re welcome to use almost any type of mushroom. My favorite are baby bella (cremeni), but shitake and oyster mushrooms would work too. You can even use white mushrooms if that’s all you have.

Can you make vegan mushroom risotto in the Instant Pot?

To make this recipe vegan, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll also need to either leave out the parmesan cheese or choose a vegan replacement.

How long does chicken risotto take in the Instant Pot?

The actual cook time on this recipe is approximately 15-20 minutes. The Instant Pot will take 10-15 minutes to come to full pressure and 5 minutes to actually cook.

Can I add asparagus to Instant Pot mushroom risotto?

Yes, but I would stir it in at the end or it will be overcooked and mushy. You can pan saute or roast the asparagus while the risotto is cooking and stir it in at the end like you do with the peas.

Can you freeze chicken mushroom risotto?

Yes. Risotto is best frozen right after cooking. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. Risotto will thicken as it cools so when you reheat it, you may need to add some extra broth to make it creamy again.

Why is my Instant Pot risotto mushy?

The two most common culprits of mushy risotto are overcooking the rice or not using the right type of rice. Follow the directions in this recipe using arborio rice and you should be just fine.

Can I make risotto in a pressure cooker instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes. Traditional pressure cookers are usually stovetop-based. While they tend to come to pressure more quickly, you may need to play around with the amount of heat so that you don’t burn the contents inside. The Instant Pot is a great set it and forget it option.

Instant Pot Risotto for Weeknight Dinners

This is an easy, delicious weeknight dinner recipe. Want to try some other variations? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Lindsay — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

These Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are quick, easy and perfect for dinner on a busy night. They cook quickly and make great leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week.

*Originally published 2/2018. Updated 2/2026*

Hi friends!

Just popping in to share my new favorite sheet pan dinner. This is an easy chicken fajita recipe made in the oven. It’s quick and easy and a fun way to change things up from taco Tuesday.

Why Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Work So Well

This recipe works so well because, while it does require some slicing, the actual cooking process is totally hands-off! Just dump the bag of marinated chicken, peppers and onions on a foil-lined baking sheet and stick it in the oven.

Lining the pan with foil makes clean-up a breeze and slicing the chicken prior to cooking helps the strips of chicken, peppers and onions cook evenly.

Chicken Fajita Marinade

The key to adding flavor to this recipe is a simple marinade. After combining the sliced peppers and onions in a bag, you’ll add the marinade ingredients including:

Oil
Lime Juice
Chili Powder
Cumin
Paprika
Garlic Powder
Salt
Cayenne pepper
Cilantro

This recipe is best if the ingredients are combined and then allowed to marinate for at least and hour. But if you’re in a hurry, you can skip the marinade time and the recipe will still have good flavor. After baking, you can taste and sprinkle with additional seasonings if necessary.

How To Make This Chicken Fajita Recipe In the Oven

Making this recipe involves just a few simple steps:

Slice the peppers and onions and add them to a ziploc bag.
Pound or slice the chicken to an even thickness, slice against the grain into strips and add to the ziploc bag.
Add lime juice and oil to the bag.
Combine spices in a small bowl and stir to combine, then pour into the bag, seal and massage the bag until everything is evenly coated.
Let the chicken and peppers marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, up to overnight.
Pour the mixture onto a foil-lined bag and bake.

Are These Healthy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas?

Yes! This is a simple, healthy meal that’s perfect for busy nights. The chicken is a lean protein, it’s packed with vegetables and baking in the oven is a healthy cooking option.

Quick Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Variations

This sheet pan recipe is great because after prepping, you can have it on the table in about 15 minutes.

If you’re looking for other variations:

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Using Chicken Thighs

If you prefer, you can make this recipe using chicken thighs. Just slice the chicken thighs into strips the same way you would with chicken breasts.

Chicken and Steak Sheet Pan Fajitas

If you prefer steak, you can try these Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas or these. If you like both, good news! The strips of steak and chicken cook at approximately the same rate. So if you wanted to do a combination of the two, feel free!

Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

If you’re not in the mood for fajitas/tacos you can easily make this recipe as directed, chop up the peppers and onions a bit once they’re cooked and use them as the filling for quesadillas!

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

If you’re looking for a way to make chicken fajitas in the air fryer, try this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. Or these 30 Min Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas.

Instant Pot or Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

In addition, you can also make chicken fajitas other ways – try these Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas or these Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas – the chicken will be shredded but they’ll still taste great!

How To Slice Chicken and Vegetables for Fajitas

The vegetables work best if they’re cut into slices of similar thickness. Here’s how to cut onions for fajitas.

For the chicken you want to slice it against the grain. Here’s a great article about how to cut chicken if you’re not sure how to do it.

Best Vegetables for Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Bell peppers and onions are the traditional vegetables to use for fajitas. Unless you REALLY like onions, it’s best for the ratio to be roughly 3:1, peppers to onions. I typically use 3 large bell peppers and one medium onion.

Make-Ahead Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

You can easily make this recipe ahead of time. To reheat, you can use the microwave, a skillet or even return to a sheet pan and stick under the broiler for a few minutes.

Freezer-Friendly Chicken Fajita Prep

This recipe is great for the freezer. You can freeze it before or after you cook it.

To freeze ahead of baking, combine all the ingredients in a ziploc bag, remove any excess air and freeze. Transfer to the fridge the night before you’re ready to bake.

To freeze after baking, bake according to the recipe directions, let cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas for Meal Prep

This recipe is great for meal prep. Make as directed and store in the fridge. You can easily reheat and add to tortilla shells, quesadillas, rice bowls and more as a quick way to add protein and veggies to your meals.

Serving Ideas for Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

You can enjoy this recipe as directed using tortillas to hold the chicken and veggies. You could also serve the chicken and fajita veggies over rice or quinoa or as part of a lettuce-based salad.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 1 review

These Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are quick, easy and perfect for dinner on a busy night. They cook quickly and make great leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week.

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 medium onion, sliced
3 bell peppers (red, orange and yellow), sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp oil
juice from one lime
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp cumin
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
1/4 cup cilantro, minced
additional toppings: guacamole, pico de gallo, avocado,sour cream, tortillas, cheese, etc

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Instructions

Slice chicken against the grain into strips and place in a ziploc bag.
Add sliced peppers and onions, lime juice and oil.
Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, salt and cayenne and stir to combine.
Pour into the Ziploc bag, seal and move everything around until evenly coated. You can add the cilantro to the marinade or save to sprinkle on top after baking.
Let the chicken and vegetables marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, up to overnight.
Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture onto a foil-lined baking sheet and spread everything out evenly.
Bake at 425 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Notes

To make it even easier, skip the spice mix and use your favorite taco seasoning!

See what I mean? Piece of cake. Let me know if you guys try it!

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas FAQs

Can you make chicken fajitas on a sheet pan?

Yes! Sheet pans are perfect for fajitas. They’re big enough that you can spread out the sliced chicken and vegetables and allow them to all cook evenly.

What temperature is best for sheet pan chicken fajitas?

High heat is best – I use 425 degrees F but you can bump it down to 400 degrees F if you prefer.

How do you keep sheet pan chicken fajitas from getting soggy?

Don’t crowd the pan. If your pan is too small, consider splitting the mixture between two pans so that you can spread the chicken and veggies out and allow them to roast. If the pan is too crowded they will steam instead of roast, making them soggy.

Can I use chicken thighs for sheet pan fajitas?

Yes! Boneless chicken thighs work just as well as chicken breasts for this chicken fajita recipe.

Do you need to marinate chicken for sheet pan fajitas?

It’s best to marinate the chicken and vegetables for at least an hour. This will help the chicken tenderize and let the flavor develop

Are sheet pan chicken fajitas healthy?

Yes! This recipe is a great mix of lean protein and veggies. You can also choose whole wheat tortillas or serve the chicken and veggies over brown rice or quinoa. Adding beans will add even more protein and some fiber and avocado can add healthy fats.

Can you make sheet pan chicken fajitas ahead of time?

You can prep this recipe ahead of time and allow it to marinate until you’re ready to bake it. Or you can cook the recipe ahead of time and reheat in the microwave, oven or on the stovetop when ready.

Can I freeze sheet pan chicken fajitas?

Yes. You can slice the chicken and veggies, add the marinade ingredients and freeze in a ziploc bag. Or you can allow the chicken and veggies to cool completely after cooking and freeze until ready to eat.

How long do chicken fajitas take in the oven?

You only need to cook the chicken, peppers and onions for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.

What’s the best way to serve sheet pan chicken fajitas?

You can serve the chicken and veggies in tortillas or add them to a bowl with rice and beans. You could also serve them over lettuce to make a salad or chop them and use to make a quesadilla.

Sheet Pan Recipes:

Want more sheet pan recipes? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

White Chicken Chili

Lindsay — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

This White Chicken Chili will quickly become your go-to for lunch or dinner on cold nights. Make it in the slow cooker, Instant Pot or on the stove.

*Originally published 10/2015. Update 2/2026*

Hi Friends!

I have been making this White Chicken Chili for over 10 years now and it’s still a household favorite. Soup is perfect for the cold winter months but it can also be a great year-round addition to your weekly food prep.

Healthy White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili is a slight twist on one of my mother-in-law’s recipes and I love it because it’s high in protein and fiber and despite using several canned ingredients, you do have some control over the amount of sodium. You can choose low-sodium broth and no-salt-added beans and tomatoes if you prefer.

The chicken adds protein and the beans also add protein and fiber.

Can You Make White Chicken Chili For Meal Prep?

Yes! Soup is great for food prep because it’s easy to make in big batches. You can even double the recipe and freeze half for later. Using Souper Cubes (aff link) makes it easy to freeze in small portions to thaw as needed.

The great thing about soup is that the flavor of most soups deepens as it sits in the fridge so making it ahead of time is always a good idea. Plus it’s easy to pack and reheat for a quick lunch!

Why is this White Chicken Chili Different?

This recipe is a little different from other white chili recipes because it doesn’t use cream cheese. It’s light and fresh and gets a lot of its flavor from the salsa verde in the broth. If you like spice, don’t be afraid to use a medium or hot jar of salsa verde.

How To Thicken White Chicken Chili // How To Make White Chicken Chili Creamier without Dairy

If you’re craving creaminess without cream cheese, try grabbing an extra can of Great Northern beans and pureeing them with some of the broth! This adds creaminess without the need for a dairy-based product like cream cheese or sour cream.

Why Make White Chicken Chili with Salsa Verde?

A lot of white chicken chili recipes use canned green chilis which help add some flavor, but adding the salsa verde directly to the broth allows you to add all of those flavors into each bite of soup!

Serving Ideas for White Chicken Chili

Another fabulous thing about this soup is that the possibilities for toppings are pretty much endless. Some of my favorites include:

Avocado
Shredded cheese,
A squeeze of fresh lime juice
Crushed tortilla chips

You could also serve with a side of rice or quinoa or some crusty bread or corn tortillas for dipping.

Spicy White Chicken Chili

If you’re looking to make this chili spicier, you have several options. You can:

Add diced fresh jalapenos or serrano peppers, both before cooking and as a topping.
Use hot diced green chilis.
Use hot salsa verde.

No Bean White Chicken Chili Option

Yes, you can easily leave the beans out of this recipe. You can also mash or puree them into the broth to make them less noticeable.

If you don’t like beans you could try adding some cooked rice or quinoa to the recipe as well.

How To Make Kid-Friendly White Chicken Chili

To make this soup more kid-friendly you can:

Use mild salsa verde and green chilis.
Leave out the jalapenos.
Puree the beans into the broth instead of leaving them whole.
Let them add lots of shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips as toppings.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Tips

My favorite way to make this soup is in the crockpot. It really couldn’t be simpler, just dump everything in and set the timer! A few tips:

How long you need to cook this soup really depends on how thick your chicken breasts are. If you want them to cook more quickly, cut them in half horizontally or pound them thinner before adding them to the crockpot.
You’ll know the chicken is done because you can shred it easily with a fork.
To thicken the broth, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree an extra can of great northern beans with 1 cup of broth before adding to the slow cooker.
If you prefer stew vs soup, you can start by adding less broth. You can always add more after it’s done cooking.

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Tips

If you don’t have all day to let things simmer in the crockpot, the Instant Pot is your best option. This is the one I have (aff link). A few tips:

Since this is a soup, you don’t have to worry too much about messing up the timing. Your main goal is to cook the chicken.
You can let the pressure release naturally or manually release the pressure.
I always start with less liquid when using the Instant pot vs the crockpot. You can always add more!
Be sure not to fill past the max liquid line.
If you want to add some extra flavor, you can use the saute function to saute the onions and brown the chicken before cooking.

Stovetop White Chicken Chili Tips

Making this chili on the stovetop is similar to making it in the crockpot. You can pretty much just putting everything into the pot, bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken shreds easily.

Best Chicken Cuts for White Chicken Chili

Any boneless cut of chicken will work well for this recipe. It’s totally up to you whether you prefer using breasts or thighs. I typically prefer breasts for this recipe.

Here’s how you make it:

White Chicken Chili Without Cream Cheese

White Chicken Chili

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 5 reviews

This Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect lunch or dinner soup and a nice change from traditional tomato-based chili.

Author: Lindsay L
Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6

Ingredients

1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 pounds chicken breast (sliced in half horizontally to make them thinner)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can no-salt-added cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained
1 jar salsa verde (mild, medium or hot)*
1–2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
salt, to taste
optional: juice from one lime and a jar of canned green chilis, diced jalapenos
optional toppings: fresh cilantro, cheese, avocado, salsa, sour cream, tortilla chips

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Instructions

To make in the crockpot: Add all ingredients, stir, cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Shred the chicken and serve with toppings
To make in the Instant Pot: Add all ingredients except toppings to the instant pot and cook for 12 minutes. Release pressure manually, remove the chicken to shred and return to the pot. Add toppings and serve.
To make it on the stove: Saute onion and garlic in a large pot for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken to shred and return to pot. Spoon into bowls, top as desired and serve warm.

Notes

*Use 1-2 cups of salsa verde – whatever size your jar is should be fine

White Chicken Chili FAQs

What makes white chicken chili different from regular chili?

Regular chili is typically made with ground beef and is tomato-based. This chili is made with chicken and although it uses tomatoes, the broth remains light and most of the flavor comes from the salsa verde vs tomatoes and chili powder.

Can you make white chicken chili without cream cheese?

Yes! Although most white chili does have a creamier broth, thanks to the addition of cream cheese, you can definitely make it without. This recipe adds salsa verde to the broth to add flavor and if you want creaminess, you can puree beans into the broth!

Is white chicken chili healthy?

Yes! It’s full of lean protein and the beans add an extra dose of protein and fiber!

Can I make white chicken chili in a slow cooker?

The crockpot is my favorite way to cook this soup. The flavors will deepen as it cooks all day and it truly is a dump-and-go recipe, perfect for busy families!

How do you thicken white chicken chili?

Traditionally, white chicken chili is thickened with cream cheese. If you prefer a dairy-free option, puree white beans with broth and add them to the soup to help thicken!

Can you freeze white chicken chili?

Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. You can combine all the ingredients in a ziploc bag and freeze so that all you have to do is dump it in the crockpot later. Or you can cook as directed, let it cool and then freeze in a bag or freezer-safe storage container.

What’s the best salsa verde for white chicken chili?

You can use whichever is your favorite! My favorite is Herdez Roasted Salsa Verde.

Can I make white chicken chili without beans?

Yep. You can easily leave the beans out of this recipe if you prefer, or puree them to make them less noticeable. You can also replace them with rice or quinoa.

How spicy is white chicken chili?

This chili can be as spicy or mild as you prefer. Use mild salsa and chilis if you don’t like spice or try hot diced green chilis, hot salsa verde and top with freshly sliced jalapenos for an extra kick.

Can I make white chicken chili ahead of time?

Yes. This recipe can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or frozen.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Banana Oat Cookies

Lindsay — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:31:00 +0000

These banana oat cookies and fluffy and delicious – like banana muffin tops. They’re packed with hemp and flax and perfect for breakfast or snack time.

*Originally published 2/2011. Updated 1/2026*

Hi friends!

These banana cookies with oats are an update to an old recipe from 2011 and they are absolutely delicious! They’re packed with oats, hemp and ground flax and could easily make it into your breakfast or snack rotation. Plus they’re perfect for meal prep.

Why Banana Oat Cookies Are A Better-For-You Cookie

These cookies are great for several reasons:

They’re fluffy! These are not a dense, chewy cookie. They’re light and fluffly, kinda like a banana muffin top.
They’re nutrient-dense. They contain ground flaxseed, oats and hemp hearts which gives them a boost of fiber and other nutrients.
Naturally sweet – The banana adds natural sweetness
Easy to make gluten-free. To make these gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and swap a 1:1 gluten-free flour baking blend for the flour.
Only one bowl required. They’re quick and easy to whip up in just one bowl.

Banana Cookies with Oats vs. Traditional Banana Cookies

Traditional banana cookies are more of a dessert and are typically high in added sugar. These Banana Oat Cookies have several nutrient-dense ingredients added to help make them a more filling and nutritious option. They are lower in added sugar as well.

How Ripe Should Bananas Be For Banana Cookies

Typically, the riper the better. Since the bananas are being used to add sweetness and help you reduce the amount of added sugar, look for bananas that have started to develop brown spots.

Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies

These cookies make a great addition to your breakfast rotation. To cut back on the added sugar you could reduce to 1/4 cup and swap the chocolate chips for raisins! Serve them with yogurt or a glass of milk for added protein.

Ingredients for Banana Oat Cookies

To make these cookies you’ll need:

Butter- Melted and slightly cooled
Mashed Banana- The riper the better for sweetness
Sugar – for sweetness. You can reduce to your taste, especially if your bananas are very ripe
Egg – for structure
Vanilla & Cinnamon – for flavor
Hemp & Flax – for added protein, fiber and other nutrients
Flour – Can sub 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed
Oats – I prefer quick oats/instant oats for the texture but you can use rolled oats if you prefer.
Baking soda
Chocolate chips – These can be omitted or you could swap in dried fruit like raisins

How To Make Banana Oat Cookies

To make these cookies just follow a few simple steps:

Melt the butter.
Add the mashed banana, sugar, egg, vanilla, cinnamon, hemp and flax and stir to combine.
Add flour, oats, baking soda and chocolate chips and mix until just combined.
Scoop, flatten and bake!

Banana Oat Cookies Variations

Gluten-Free Banana Cookies with Oats

To make these cookies gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF flour blend (I like King Arthur Measure for Measure) and use certified gluten-free oats. I like Bob’s Red Mill Quick Cooking Rolled Oats.

Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies

The original version of this recipe had peanut butter but I found that the taste of the bananas overwhelmed the taste of the peanut butter so I took it out. You could add it it in if you’d like for some extra healthy fats for satiety. I’d start by adding 1/4 cup and go up from there.

Protein Banana Cookies

To increase the protein content of these cookies, you could try swapping butter for 1/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt. Or you could add some unflavored protein powder. I’d start with one scoop.

Vegan Banana Cookies with Oats

To make these cookies vegan, leave out the egg and add a flax egg and swap the butter for 1/4 cup oil. Be sure to use vegan chocolate chips or swap them for dried fruit.

No-Bake Banana Oat Cookies // 3 Ingredient Banana Oat Cookies

If you’re looking for a recipe for no-bake cookies using bananas, try one of these:

Easy Banana Cookies Recipe Tips

How To Store Banana Oat Cookies

These cookies are best stored in an airtight container or bag on the counter for 2-3 days. If you’re planning to keep them longer than that, I would move them to the fridge.

How To Freeze Banana Oat Cookies

To freeze these cookies, bake as directed, let them cool completely and then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziploc bag. Transfer to the counter to thaw when ready to eat!

Cookie Baking Tips

For consistent results, use a cookie scoop to portion the cookies. I like the OXO medium scoop (aff link). You can get pre-cut parchment paper to make life easier and bake on my favorite USA pan half sheet baking sheets.

Also, these cookies won’t spread much so be sure to flatten gently with a fork before baking.

Banana Oat Cookies Recipe

Banana Oat Cookies

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These banana oat cookies and fluffy and delicious – like banana muffin tops. They’re packed with hemp and flax and perfect for breakfast or snack time.

Author: Lindsay
Yield: 18-24 cookies

Ingredients

4 Tbsp butter, melted
1 cup mashed banana (approx 3 medium)
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup hemp hearts
1/4 cup ground flax
1 cup flour
1 cup quick oats (or rolled oats)
1 tsp baking soda
chocolate chips or raisins

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Melt butter in microwave safe bowl.
Combine melted butter, mashed banana, sugar, egg, vanilla, cinnamon, hemp and flax and stir until well combined.
Add remaining ingredients and stir until just combined.
Scoop onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten gently with a fork.
Bake 9-10 minutes

Notes

Should make 18-24 cookies depending on the size.

Banana Oat Cookies FAQs

Are banana cookies with oats healthy?

These cookies are healthier than a traditional cookie. They are lower in added sugar and have some added fiber and protein from the oats, flax and hemp seeds.

Can I make banana oat cookies for breakfast?

Yes! You can tweak them to make a healthier breakfast option by reducing the amount of sugar and using raisins instead of chocolate chips!

What kind of oats are best for banana cookies?

I prefer instant or quick-cooking oats for the texture. These oats are basically rolled oats that have been chopped up slightly to make them smaller. If you prefer, you can use rolled oats.

Can I make banana cookies with oats gluten-free?

Yes, you just need to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and be sure you’re using certified gluten-free oats.

How ripe should bananas be for banana cookies?

The riper the bananas are, the more naturally sweet they will be. I like to use bananas that are brown and spotted but not completely mushy.

Are banana oat cookies good for meal prep?

Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and enjoyed all week long for meals and snacks as long as they’re stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze banana cookies with oats?

Yes! Just make sure the cookies are completely cool before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Can I make banana oat cookies with peanut butter?

Yes, feel free to add up to 1/2 cup peanut butter to this recipe!

How do I make banana cookies soft and fluffy?

Follow this recipe exactly as written! The cookies will come out soft and fluffy!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Caramel Chocolate Bars

Lindsay — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:05:00 +0000

These Caramel Chocolate Bars are perfect for everything from birthday parties to holiday cookie trays. Sweet, chewy and stuffed with delicious caramel and chocolate.

*Originally published 12/2011. Updated 1/2026*

Hi friends!

I’m excited to share these Caramel Chocolate Bars with you guys today! This recipe was originally shared on the blog way back in 2011 and now here we are 15 years later! Thery’re still a favorite so I decided they could use a little refresh!

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Chocolate Bars

An easy, crowd-pleasing recipe, I’m sure they’ll be a hit because:

They’re made with simple ingredients
Also known as caramelitas, they are a staple on a lot of holiday cookie trays.

Caramel Chocolate Bars Ingredients

To make these bars, you just need a few simple ingredients including:

Butter – melted and cooled slightly
Brown Sugar – works better than white sugar in this recipe
Vanilla extract – for flavor
Flour- can sub a 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed
Oats – I use quick oats instead of rolled oats because I like texture better in cookies
Baking soda and salt
Chocolate chips – dark or semi-sweet
Caramels – the individually wrapped kind, not the the caramel sauce
Heavy cream – to mix with the caramel

How To Make Caramel Chocolate Bars

These bars are met in a few separate phases:

Melt the butter and mix it with the brown sugar, vanilla, flour, oats, baking soda and salt until well combined. The mixture will be a bit crumbly.
Divide the oat mixture in half and press half into a pan.
Bake the bottom layer.
Melt the caramels and cream in the microwave to make a sauce.
Top bottom layer with chocolate chips. Then add caramel sauce.
Top with the remaining oat mixture and bake again!

Bar Variations

If you’re looking to change things up a little bit, try:

Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars

You can either sprinkle the layer of caramel with flaky sea salt or add a sprinkle of salt over the oat topping before baking.

Pretzel Caramel Chocolate Bars

Another option if you love the sweet and salty combo, would be to chop up some pretzels and add them to the dough. You could reduce the oats my 1/4 cup and replace with 1/4 cup chopped pretzels.

Pecan Caramel Chocolate Bars

These bars are also great with the addition of nuts. Add some chopped pecans on top when you add the chocolate chips and then top with caramel. You could also use walnuts.

Coconut Caramel Chocolate Bars

Try adding some shredded sweetened coconut for a fun twist! You can mix into the crust or sprinkle on top as you add the oat topping over the caramel.

Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Bars

Try mixing 1/3 cup peanut butter into the dough mixture when you add the brown sugar and vanilla.

How To Freeze and Store Caramel Chocolate Bars

These bars can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for a week or two! If you’d like to freeze them, place in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers and freeze up to 3 months. To thaw, let sit at room temperature until thawed all the way through.

Cutting Caramel Bars

Perhaps the most important part of this recipe is to let the bars cool completely before trying to cut them. If you try to slice into the bars while they are still warm, you’ll be left with a gooey, sticky mess. The bars will crumble and the caramel will stick to the knife.

Let the bars cool completely and it should be very easy to cut into bars of your desired size.

Cookie Swap & Dessert Bar

These bars are perfect for a holiday cookie swap or dessert bar. They are nut-free which helps to avoid a common allergen and can also be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (I like King Arther Gluten-free Measure for Measure) as well as certified gluten-free oats.

Bars are great for swaps because you can cut them into whatever size you want – smaller for a cookie swap where there are going to be a lot of dessert exchanged or larger if they are the star of the show!

Troubleshooting

Can I make in a 9×13 pan?

I would not attempt to make these in a 9×13 pan without doubling the recipe. You won’t have enough dough to split it in half and cover the entire layer of a 9×13 pan with the original recipe.

What if the caramel overflows?

If the caramel overflows around the edges of the bars, you may have used a few too many caramels. But don’t worry! You can just slice of a very thin bit around the entire outside edge to clean them up and make them look pretty again!

Why are my caramel chocolate bars crumbly?

If you follow the recipe as written, your bars should not be crumbly. They should hold together well UNLESS you try to slice them before they are completely cool.

Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe

Here’s the exact recipe I use:

Caramel Chocolate Bars

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

These Caramel Chocolate Bars are perfect for everything from birthday parties to holiday cookie trays. Sweet, chewy and stuffed with delicious caramel and chocolate.

Author: Lindsay
Yield: 8×8 pan

Ingredients

8 Tbsp butter melted
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1 cup oats
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
8oz caramels (approx 30 caramels)
⅓ cup heavy cream
Pecans optional

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Instructions

Melt butter. Mix in brown sugar and vanilla.
Add flour, oats, baking soda and salt and stir to combine. Mixture will be crumbly.
Press half of the mixture into 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake 8 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Remove caramels from their wrappers and place in a microwave safe bowl with the heavy cream. Microwave 60 – 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds. Remove from the microwave and stir continuously while caramels melt and mix with cream. Microwave an additional 30 seconds if needed.
Remove crust from oven after 8 minutes and sprinkle chocolate chips over crust.
Pour caramel mixture on top and spread evenly to cover the crust, mixing with the chocolate chips.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over top. Bake 15 – 17 minutes.
Let cool COMPLETELY before cutting.

Caramel Chocolate Bars FAQs

What are caramel chocolate bars made of?

These bars are a simple mix of butter, sugar, vanilla, oats and flour, with a layer of chocolate and caramel in between the crust and topping.

Are caramel chocolate bars the same as caramelitas?

If you’re a super long-time reader, you may remember these were originally published as Caramelitas. The title has been changed to more accurately reflect the ingredients and make it easier to describe the bars! Both names describe these bars.

Can I make caramel chocolate bars ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making caramel chocolate bars ahead of time is a must. They need to cool completely before you can cut them so be sure to plan ahead!

Do caramel chocolate bars need to be refrigerated?

No. These bars can be stored at room temperature.

Can I freeze caramel chocolate bars?

Yes! These bars can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between the layers for up to 3 months.

How do I keep caramel chocolate bars from falling apart?

Be sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting. This will help them firm up so they hold together well.

What’s the best caramel to use for caramel chocolate bars?

Any variety of individually wrapped caramels should work. I like Kraft’s caramels.

Can I make salted caramel chocolate bars?

Yes. Feel free to add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to the top of the caramel layer or on top of the oat topping.

Are caramel chocolate bars good for cookie swaps?

Yes. Bars are great for cookie swaps because you can easily cut them into whatever size bars you need, large or small!

–Lindsay–