15 Road Trip Snacks That Aren’t Just Chips and Candy
Homemade granola bars, Chex mix, and sandwich rolls.
When hitting the open road, having a stash of delicious snacks within arm's reach is just as important as filling the gas tank before you head out. While it's easy to rely on chips, candy bars, and convenience store treats, a little planning can make your snack selection so much more satisfying.
No matter the destination, homemade snacks are often fresher, more flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pack. Crunchy snack mixes, chewy granola bars, protein-packed snacks like egg bites, hearty muffins, and make-ahead sandwiches can all be prepped before you leave and enjoyed throughout the drive. They're perfect for curbing hunger between pit stops, keeping energy levels up, and saving money on expensive gas station snacks along the way.
Here, you'll find salty snacks for when you're craving something savory, healthy options that offer a boost, and sweet treats that satisfy without relying on the candy aisle. Pack a cooler, fill a snack bag, and get ready for recipes that will keep everyone happily snacking from the first mile to the last.
Fig Bars
Inspired by classic Fig Newtons, this homemade version uses a naturally sweet filling sandwiched between lightly spiced whole wheat bars. They travel well and can stay soft for days.
Get the Fig Bars recipe.
Spicy Chex Mix
Add a kick to this classic snack! A crunchy blend of Chex cereal, cheese crackers, pretzels, and mixed nuts are coated in a buttery mixture then baked to a crisp.
Get the Spicy Chex Mix recipe.
Strawberry White Chocolate Granola Bars
These homemade granola bars are chewy and fruity with just the right amount of crunch. Each one is finished with a sweet strawberry-speckled white chocolate drizzle.
Healthy Blueberry Muffins
This is proof that road trip snacks can, in fact, be good for you. With honey and juicy blueberries, they’re naturally sweetened for a good grab-and-go snack.
Get Ree’s Healthy Blueberry Muffins recipe.
Smoky Mixed Nuts with Crispy Chickpeas
Want a snack that's hearty, crunchy, and packed with protein? Roasted chickpeas are tossed with a blend of nuts then coated in a smoky, savory, and sweet seasoning.
Bacon and Cheese Egg Bites
These egg bites are packed with protein (aka good fuel for the road). Blended cottage cheese keeps the eggs light and fluffy, while bacon, pepper jack cheese, and green chiles add plenty of savory flavor.
Get Ree’s Bacon and Cheese Egg Bites recipe.
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Keep a stash of this colorful bark in the backseat cooler. With its creamy base, swirls of fruity flavor, and crunchy topping, it's a fun snack that's easy to break apart and share.
Get Ree’s Frozen Yogurt Bark recipe.
Make-Ahead Sandwich Rolls
These soft flatbreads are rolled with deli meats, cheese, and flavorful spreads to create two delicious varieties: a warm, melty Reuben and a cool turkey-and-ham version.
Get Ree’s Make-Ahead Sandwich Rolls recipe.
Rosemary Garlic Snack Mix
The kids will want to munch on this stuff by the handful! This savory snack mix is coated in a buttery mixture of fresh herbs and warm spices.
Get Ree’s Rosemary Garlic Snack Mix recipe.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Give the classic PB&J a road trip-worthy upgrade with these chewy bars. They have a soft cookie-like base and sweet, gooey center that’s every bit as comforting as the sandwich that inspired them.
Get Ree’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars recipe.
Homemade Dunkaroos
‘90s kids, bring a little nostalgia along for the ride! Sweet shortbread cookies are paired with a fluffy frosting loaded with rainbow sprinkles for a fun, dippable snack that's perfect for kids and grownups alike.
Get the Homemade Dunkaroos recipe.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
These warm, flaky pinwheels are a satisfying snack that you can make ahead of time and pack in a cooler. Meat, cheese, and creamy spread gets rolled up, sliced, and baked until melty.
Get the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels recipe.
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Mix
This snack mix is loaded with three kinds of pretzels that are tossed with a buttery, garlicky, cheesy topping. A big container of this stuff will cover you for miles!
Get Ree’s Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Mix recipe.
Homemade Pop Tarts
Who needs boxed pastries when you have these? Made with refrigerated pie crust, your favorite fruit jam, and a simple glaze topped with sprinkles, they're easy to customize to your liking.
Get the Homemade Pop Tarts recipe.
Beef Jerky
You can’t have a road trip without beef jerky! This homemade version starts with thin slices of lean beef that are marinated in a savory blend of liquid smoke and spices, then baked low and slow until perfectly chewy.
Get the Beef Jerky recipe.
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