Five Homemade Budget-Friendly Snacks in Under an Hour
Let’s be real. Store-bought snacks are convenient. However, they can seriously add up. Half the time, you’re paying for packaging and preservatives, not flavor. The good news? Making your own snacks at home is way easier than it sounds — and it’ll save you money every week.
These five snack recipes come together in under an hour. They use simple pantry staples. They are way more satisfying than anything in a foil wrapper. Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school munchies, movie nights, and road trips or that 3 p.m. “what can I nibble?” moment.
There’s something oddly satisfying about reaching into your pantry and grabbing a homemade snack that didn’t cost you a fortune. You know exactly what’s in it, it tastes amazing, and it didn’t involve a late-night snack aisle splurge.
Let’s get snacking (and saving)!
🧀 1. Homemade Cheese Crackers (No Additives)
Crispy, savory, and made with real cheese — your inner snack goblin will be thrilled.
Ingredients:
- 170g grated mild cheese (2.5 cups)
- 60g grated parmesan cheese (3/4 cup)
- 60g cold butter chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1-2 tbsp cold water (adjust as needed)
Instructions:
- In a food processor, pulse cheese, butter, flour, and salt until crumbly.
- Slowly add water until a dough forms.
- Form into a disk and cover in cling film, and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll out thin, cut into small squares, and poke holes with a fork.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Pro tip: Add smoked paprika or herbs for a flavor boost.
Homemade Cheese Crackers (No Additives)
Easy homemade cheesy crackers made with real cheese. A crisp, savoury snack that’s budget-friendly and perfect for lunchboxes or platters.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 170 g mild cheese grated (about 2½ cups)
- 60 g parmesan cheese grated (about ¾ cup)
- 60 g cold butter chopped
- 1 cup plain flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1-2 Tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Add the grated cheeses, butter, flour, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to a food processor.
- Pulse until the mixture looks crumbly and evenly combined.
- With the processor running, add the cold water a little at a time until the dough just comes together.
- Tip the dough out, press into a disc, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 190°C fan bake and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Roll the dough out very thin on a lightly floured bench.
- Cut into small squares and place on the tray. Prick each cracker with a fork.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Cool completely on a rack before storing.
Notes
Stacey's Kitchen Tips:
- Rolling the dough thin is the key to really crisp crackers. Thicker dough gives a more biscuit-style result.
- If the dough cracks while rolling, let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes and try again.
- A mix of cheeses works well here, especially if you’re using up small amounts from the fridge.
Notes & Substitutions:
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavour.
- Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Swap parmesan for another hard cheese if needed.
- Leave out the onion powder if you prefer a plainer cracker.
Servings: 4 cups of crackers
🌰 2. Easy Roasted Nuts (Air Fryer or Oven)
Customize them sweet, salty, or spicy — they’re always crunchy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed raw nuts
- spray of oil (olive or neutral)
- Salt + your favorite spices if you wish (think chili, cinnamon, rosemary, or cumin)
Instructions:
- Toss nuts with oil and spices.
- Spread on a sheet of baking paper.
- Roast at 350°F (175°C) in an air fryer for 12–15 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can do this in your oven, using the same instructions.
Money-saver tip: Buy nuts in bulk and roast in batches to keep them fresh.
Easy Roasted Nuts (Air Fryer or Oven)
Easy homemade roasted nuts using the air fryer or oven. Budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for snacking or lunchboxes.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed raw nuts
- light spray of oil olive or neutral
- salt plus optional spices of your choice
Optional flavour ideas:
- chilli powder or smoked paprika
- cinnamon and a pinch of sugar
- dried rosemary
- cumin or curry powder
Instructions
- Place the raw nuts into a bowl. Lightly spray with oil and toss to coat.
- Add salt and any spices you’re using, mixing well so everything is evenly covered.
- Spread the nuts in a single layer on baking paper.
- Roast in the air fryer at 175°C for 12–15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
- Allow to cool completely — they will crisp up more as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container once fully cooled.
Oven method:
- Roast in a preheated oven at 175°C using the same timing, stirring halfway.
Notes
Stacey's Kitchen Tips:
- Nuts can go from perfect to burnt quickly, so always check them early.
- If roasting sweet spices like cinnamon, keep the temperature moderate to prevent bitterness.
- I often roast plain salted nuts first, then do smaller batches with flavours so everyone’s happy.
- Buying nuts in bulk and roasting them yourself is noticeably cheaper over time.
Notes & Substitutions:
- Use a single nut variety if that’s what you have — peanuts, almonds, or cashews all work well.
- For sweet nuts, add a light sprinkle of sugar or honey after roasting while they’re still warm.
- Skip oil entirely if your nuts are naturally oily, like macadamias or peanuts.
- Make a smoky version with smoked paprika and garlic powder.
Servings: 6 snack portions
🍬 3. Easy No Bake Date Energy Balls
Naturally sweet, energy-boosting, and ridiculously easy to throw together.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- ½ cup walnuts
- ½ cup of any other nut
- 1 tsp linseed or flax seed (optional)
- ½ cup coconut
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp nut butter (peanut, almond, whatever’s in the pantry)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 tbsp of water
Instructions:
- Blend everything in a food processor until sticky.
- Roll into balls and chill in the fridge.
Optional coating: Roll in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for extra flair.
Easy No Bake Date Energy Balls
Easy no bake date balls made with nuts and coconut. A simple, family-friendly snack perfect for lunchboxes and busy days.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- ½ cup walnuts
- ½ cup mixed nuts any kind
- 1 tsp linseed or flaxseed optional
- ½ cup desiccated coconut
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp nut butter peanut, almond, or similar
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder optional
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 Tbsp water
Optional Coatings
- extra desiccated coconut
- cocoa powder
- finely chopped nuts
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor.
- Blend until the mixture comes together and is sticky enough to roll. Scrape down the sides if needed.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a small splash of water and blend again.
- Roll into bite-sized balls.
- Roll in your chosen coating if using.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up before storing.
Notes
Stacey's Kitchen Tips:
- If your dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain well before using.
- I often make a double batch and store half in the freezer for later.
- Any nut combination works — this is a great clean-out-the-pantry recipe.
- For smaller kids, rolling the balls a bit smaller makes them easier to eat.
Notes & Substitutions:
- Leave out the cocoa powder for a plain date and coconut version.
- Swap walnuts for almonds, cashews, or peanuts.
- Add 1–2 Tbsp of seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for extra texture.
- For a sweeter mix, add an extra date or a drizzle of honey.
Servings: 18 Balls
🍯 4. Classic Rice Krispie Treats (LCM Bars)
Old-school snack, still a winner — quick, cheap, and kid-approved.
Ingredients:
- 200g butter
- 1 cup of honey
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 8 cups crispy rice cereal
Instructions:
- Melt butter, vanilla and honey in a pot over medium heat. Heat the mix until it reaches around 100°C or a soft boiling stage. Tip some onto a cold plate and it should hold its shape like jam does when cooking it.
- Stir in cereal until well coated.
- Press into a greased 27.5 x 17.5 x 3.5cm or 11×7 inch pan, cool, slice, and enjoy.
- Best kept in the fridge. But it can be popped into a lunchbox and still be fine.
Add-ins: Try chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for fun twists.
Classic Rice Krispie Treats (LCM Bars)
Classic no-bake Rice Krispie treats (LCM bars) that are quick, kid-friendly, and easy to customize with mix-ins. Perfect for snacks or lunchboxes.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 g butter
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 8 cups crispy rice cereal
Optional add-ins:
- Chocolate chips
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
Instructions
- Melt butter, honey, and vanilla essence in a medium pot over medium heat.
- Heat until the mixture reaches around 100°C or soft boiling stage. Test by dropping a small amount onto a cold plate, it should hold shape like jam.
- Remove from heat and stir in the rice cereal until fully coated.
- Press the mixture into a greased 27.5 x 17.5 x 3.5 cm (11 x 7 inch) pan.
- Cool completely, then slice into bars.
Notes
Stacey's Kitchen Tips:
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan so bars hold their shape.
- For a fun twist, add mini chocolate chips or sprinkles before pressing.
- Keep a small bowl of water nearby to wet your fingers while pressing — this prevents sticking.
- These bars store well in the fridge, especially in warmer months.
Notes & Substitutions:
- Swap honey for golden syrup or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Use gluten-free cereal if needed.
- Mix in dried fruit, nuts, or seeds for extra texture.
- Make mini bars for lunchboxes or party treats.
Servings: 16 bars
🍞 5. Quick & Crunchy Not-Sourdough Crackers
All the crunch, none of the fermentation fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour (all-purpose)
- 1 cup water plus 1 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp linseed or flax seed
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
- Optional: sesame seeds, dried herbs, paprika
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients with a whisk, the batter should look like pancake mix.
- Spread the mix out onto baking paper-lined trays. Nice and thin and evenly spread.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until crisp. Halfway through cooking, cut the crackers, then return them to the oven to finish cooking.
Serving idea: Pair with cheese, hummus, or jam — they’re total flavor chameleons.
Quick & Crunchy Not-Sourdough Crackers
Easy homemade crackers without the sourdough fuss. Crisp, versatile, and perfect with cheese, dips, or everyday snacking.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup water + 1 Tbsp extra
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp linseed or flax seed
- 2 Tbsp sunflower seeds
- Optional: sesame seeds, dried herbs, paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C fan bake and line a tray with baking paper.
- Whisk together all ingredients until smooth; the batter should resemble pancake mix.
- Spread the mixture thinly and evenly onto the lined tray.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until crisp. Halfway through, score or cut the crackers, then return to the oven to finish baking.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking apart.
Notes
Stacey's Kitchen Tips:
- Spread the batter as evenly as possible for consistent crispiness.
- You can sprinkle extra seeds or herbs on top before baking for extra flavour.
- Store in an airtight container once cooled to keep them crunchy.
Notes & Substitutions:
- Swap parmesan for cheddar or another hard cheese.
- Add smoked paprika, chilli flakes, or dried herbs for different flavours.
- Replace sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds or omit seeds entirely.
- Make them sweeter by adding a pinch of sugar and cinnamon.
Servings: 4 cups of crackers
Other Links and Recipes
To watch me make these easy recipes, you can find the video here Five Budget-Friendly Snacks in UNDER an Hour
Try pairing the crackers with some of these easy dip recipes 3 Delicious Homemade Dips You Can Make in Minutes!
🧡 Final Thoughts: Snack Happy, Spend Less
These recipes don’t just taste better — they’re better for your wallet, too. In under an hour, you’ll have snacks that are fresher, healthier, and totally customizable.
So, the next time you’re tempted to toss overpriced snacks into your cart, stop and think. Remember, you’ve got delicious options waiting in your own kitchen.
