13 Snacks for Busy Holiday Afternoons
During the week between Christmas and New Year’s, we all find ourselves with a little more downtime than usual. It's the perfect time to relax and indulge in some tasty treats. Whether you're lounging on the couch, curled up with a good book, or enjoying a movie marathon, these snacks will make your lazy holiday afternoons even more enjoyable. We've got something for everyone, from easy-to-prepare dips and spreads to quick and easy-to-prepare sweet treats. So sit back, put your feet up, and let us help you indulge in some delicious snacks this holiday season.
Smoked Salmon Dip
This creamy, smoky dip features flaky smoked salmon two ways: half is finely chopped to add a pleasant texture to the dip alongside briny pops of capers, while the rest is pureed with mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream cheese, deepening the flavor. Fresh dill and chives keep the dip light while lemon juice adds brightness while also keeping the dip perfectly scoopable — you’ll have no broken chips here.
Roasted Edamame Snacks
Edamame roasted in a spiced soy sauce mixture makes a fantastic snack and is also incredibly easy to make. Add this to your snack rotation for a satisfying savory crunch.
Chocolate Chunk Cookie for One
Sometimes the best thing is having one perfect chocolate chip cookie, like this chewy, crispy, salty one from F&W’s Justin Chapple. Make one, or double the recipe for two to enjoy this season.
Opulent Grilled Cheese
Or, go all out without the effort with this next-level grilled cheese. Inspired by Margaret Eby's love of Zabar's in New York City, the combination of creamy, silky Taleggio and nutty aged Gruyère cheeses in these small but decadent sandwiches results in the perfect melt, with plenty of flavor. Pops of fresh salinity from lightly smashed capers stirred into sweet, jammy strawberries balance the richness.
Melted Ice Cream Hot Chocolate
“This melted ice cream hot chocolate is so creamy, rich and uber thick that it could be dessert,” says Jeni Britton Bauer of this decadent drink. Sometimes she serves it with giant marshmallows and a knife and fork.
Curry Popcorn
Switch up your typical butter popcorn with a delicious twist. Adding a little curry powder to oil-popped popcorn gives it a more complex spiced flavor.
Coffee Granola
At Alma in West Hollywood, California, chef Ari Taymor cleverly combines morning oats with coffee. The result is a crunchy, sweet-savory mix that's perfect with yogurt or ice cream, or even just eaten by the handful.
Giant Chocolate Cookie with Cacao Nibs and Flaky Salt
Opt for a giant, easy to make chocolate cookie for your lazy holiday afternoons. Cut into wedges, the cookies resemble chocolate shortbread, but these treats – studded with chopped bittersweet chocolate and cacao nibs – are far more indulgent.
Edible Cookie Dough
There are so many reasons to make edible cookie dough. The weather is hot, the oven is broken or you have a fierce cookie dough craving. Perhaps all of the above. Enter edible cookie dough: Unburdened by leaveners or raw eggs, it can be enjoyed straight from the bowl with a spoon. We like classic chocolate chip dough, but the variations are endless.
Spinach and Caramelized Onion Dip
Kay Chun makes her lighter version of classic spinach dip with nonfat Greek yogurt. The addition not only makes this easier to prepare, but also gives it a delicious tang.
Dark Chocolate Bark with Roasted Almonds and Seeds
Julia Hartbeck
This super-chunky dark chocolate bark from chocolatier Jacques Torres only requires a few ingredients to make bark perfection – dark chocolate, roasted whole almonds, and salted roasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds. This recipe is a great way to use leftover nuts from holiday baking.
Quesadizzas
Ready in less than half an hour, this mash-up of a quesadilla and pizza gets a spicy kick from jalapeño-laced pepper Jack cheese and garlicky Portuguese linguiça. Easy and delicious, is the perfect accompaniment to any form of lounging you’re into.
Blueberry Almond Yogurt Toast
Yogurt toast is sometimes called custard toast, which offers a clue to how the simple mixture of yogurt, egg and syrup baked on top of a piece of toast beautifully mimics the texture and flavor of French toast or even a cheese Danish. It comes together in just a few minutes, making it a great quick and delicious snack.
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