27 Snack Recipes That’ll Make Road Trips So Much Better

published Jun 1, 2023
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Whether you’re embarking on a road trip or taking to the skies, we have ideas for making your vacation as stress-free as possible. This content is presented in partnership with Hampton by Hilton; it was created independently by our editorial team.

A great road trip requires all the necessities: reliable GPS, endless playlists, and all the you’ll crave along the way. Road trip snacks are essential to tide you over between meals, and good store-bought options aren’t always available on the interstate. Luckily, you can step up your game with these 27 snack recipes you can make before your road trip. From six-ingredient options to dessert on the go, there’s something for everyone.   

Road trip snacks can be tricky, because not only do you want them to be filling and flavorful, but they should also be easy to store. This list of packable, snackable recipes includes bites like smoked almond snack bars, ham and cheddar muffins, and . Most of these stay fresh in an airtight container, but some need to be stashed in your cooler or hotel fridge

Snack Recipes with 6 Ingredients or Fewer

Flavorful, no-fuss options fit the bill when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen before you hit the road. 

1 / 5
5-Ingredient No-Bake Protein Balls

Creamy peanut butter, chocolate, and oats are the answer to your afternoon slump.

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2 / 5
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Energy Bars

Want a treat that tastes like a candy bar but is actually filling? Try energy bars that deliver on flavor and substance.

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3 / 5
Yogurt and Fruit Parfaits

This fruity and creamy 10-minute recipe is perfect when you’re pressed for time.

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4 / 5
No-Bake Tahini-Date Energy Balls

Chewy dates and tahini make these no-bake bites a wholesome, filling snack.

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5 / 5
Air Fryer Chickpeas

Satisfy your cravings with crunchy morsels that get their flavor from spices like cinnamon and cumin.

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Savory Snack Recipes

Venture beyond potato chips with cheesy popcorn and avocado crisps as you play your third game of “I Spy.”

1 / 8
Cacio e Pepe Popcorn

This homemade cheese popcorn inspired by Italy’s famous pasta dish is perfect for the open road.

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2 / 8
Credit: Kitchn
Avocado Chips

You don’t have to be keto to enjoy these TikTok-famous chips. Parmesan and everything bagel seasoning earn these crisps a *chefs_kiss*.

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3 / 8
Farmer's Lunch Sandwich

A little bit of meal prep at home or in your hotel will go a long way when you get to eat this elevated cheese sandwich on the open road. Apple and lemon juice bring an unexpected freshness to your road trip lunch.

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4 / 8
Oven-Baked Ranch Chex Mix

This snack mix delivers the familiar taste of pretzels, Chex cereal, and Cheez-Its with a ranch seasoning that makes it irresistible.

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5 / 8
Savory Bacon-Rosemary Granola

When you can’t decide between sweet and savory, toss some bacon in your granola.

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6 / 8
Mediterranean-Inspired Turkey Pinwheels

The savory classic gets its flavor from Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pinwheels are easy to assemble on the go, and you can refrigerate them the night before you hit the road.

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7 / 8
Ina Garten's Chipotle & Rosemary Spiced Nuts

These Barefoot Contessa-approved mixed nuts are loaded with brown sugar, maple syrup, fresh rosemary, and a touch of chipotle goodness.

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8 / 8
Broccoli-Cheddar Crackers

Your favorite soup flavor is transformed into a crunchy, savory cracker you can easily eat in the car. You’re welcome.

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Classic Snack Recipes

Your road trip can double as a stroll, er, drive, down memory lane when you dress up childhood favorites with simple tweaks. Brown butter Rice Krispies treats? Yes, please.

1 / 9
Whole-Wheat Peanut Butter and Jelly Pockets

These PB&J pockets deliver everything you love about the nostalgic combination, with a whole-wheat upgrade.

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2 / 9
Berry Walnut Trail Mix

Salty pretzels and popcorn combine with freeze-dried berries, dark chocolate, and walnuts to create the ultimate snackable trail mix.

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3 / 9
Brown Butter Pretzel Rice Krispies Treats

The grown-up version of these gooey treats is playful as ever, with chocolate chips, pretzel bits, and a hint of nutty brown butter.

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4 / 9
Yogurt-Covered Cranberries

Mix up a homemade yogurt coating and toss dried cranberries in it for a snack you’ll have a hard time putting down — even when you get to a rest stop.

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5 / 9
Jammy Granola Bars

Pick your preferred fruit jam for these homemade bars you’ll be glad you packed when there’s nothing but brake lights ahead of you.

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6 / 9
Best-of-Both-Worlds Zucchini Banana Bread

Road-trip tip: Bake the muffin variation of this banana bread for a portable and satisfying on-the-go snack.

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7 / 9
Ham and Cheddar Lunch-Box Muffins

This eggy muffin is a compact version of a classic omelette, but you can ditch the fork and dig right in.

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8 / 9
Blueberry Bran Muffins

Who said bran muffins have to be bland? This blueberry version has fresh lemon zest and nutty pecans.

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9 / 9
Smoked Almond Snack Bars

Honey and paprika kick the salty-sweet profile of this snack bar up a notch.

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Dessert Snack Recipes

A road trip wouldn’t be complete without something sweet. These delicious desserts will give you a sugar rush once your Slushie runs out.

1 / 5
Copycat Brownie Brittle

With its ideal combo of crunchy and sweet, this brittle rivals the store-bought stuff any day. Make it your own by adding chocolate chips, toffee, or chopped nuts.

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2 / 5
No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

These protein-packed cookies are a filling treat made with maple syrup, banana, dark chocolate, peanut butter, and quinoa flakes.

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3 / 5
Chickpea Blondies

This unexpected sweet dessert delivers on plant power, thanks to the chickpeas.

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4 / 5
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

I don’t know if you’ll have more fun decorating or eating these pretzels. Just don’t skimp on the toppings like pistachios and cookie crumbs.

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5 / 5
Strawberry-Almond Granola Bark

This treat might be more dessert than granola, but odds are you’ll be totally OK with that.

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