The ~Fancy~ Snacks Getting Me Through The Afternoon Witching Hour

I am a big fan of bread, and an afternoon slice of bread — even just toast with butter — always hits the spot. But my new hyperfixation is this cheese bread recipe from Spend with Pennies. It’s so easy, so budget-friendly, and holy sh*t, it’s so good. I can’t describe how perfectly cheesy it is, and my whole family asks for a slice every afternoon. Pair it with a couple of pepperoni or a hunk of deli turkey, too, if you want. Even with a nice juicy fruit like strawberries, it feels so fancy... like you’re eating at a French café.

If a margarita on the patio of a Mexican restaurant can cure everything, then I believe a non-alcoholic margarita at your kitchen table during the Witching Hour can, too. Whether you’re avoiding alcohol or just want something that feels special, this non-alcoholic margarita recipe from Pinch of Yum is incredible. It’s not a mocktail; it really feels like a true margarita. Do not forget the Tajin.

I know, I know, protein feels super “trendy,” but I really do have to share that a protein iced coffee — a “proffee,” if you will — absolutely hits the spot during the afternoon witching hour. I personally love mixing my protein powder with Fairlife milk and then adding it to my favorite iced coffee, but there are a million recipes out there. You can even find instant protein coffee like Javvy to make it super easy. No matter what, if you need a snack/treat that will give you a little zing of energy for the evening, this is the way.

Listen, hot chocolate is not just for the holidays. Grab your favorite mug, pop a cookie or two on a plate, and enjoy a perfect afternoon sip and treat. Hot chocolate just always feels ~extra~, and if there’s anything the afternoon witching hour needs lately, it’s ~extra~.

I was a powdered peanut butter hater for a long time — and then I tried it. Whipping it into Greek yogurt and pairing it with some apple slices? Oh, honey. This is a great afternoon treat, and if you have little ones who insist on sharing your food with you, this is a great Witching Hour option. Just get as much yogurt as you like (regular yogurt would work, too) and whip in a few tablespoons of powdered peanut butter (or the real stuff) until you have a flavor and consistency that you like. My only other hack? Spoon it into a pretty bowl and eat it somewhere comfy.

You can find a million recipes for energy bites out there, but my personal favorite is the cookie-dough energy bites recipe from Pinch of Yum. Even my picky kids eat these, and when you want a sweet treat that doesn’t get you too full for dinner, these hit the spot. (The website also has other versions, including a carrot cake one that’s phenomenal.)

Again, I love a fancy glass, and any excuse to whip them out is OK with me. For the witching hour, try keeping a big jug of this watermelon pineapple lemonade from Damn Delicious in the fridge. It’s bright, it’s refreshing, it’s hydrating, and oh my gosh, it’s so flavorful. You just can’t help but relax and feel happy while sipping this.

When was the last time you had a soft pretzel? Probably at a fair or Disney World or something, right? Hear me out: Soft pretzels bring joy, and this time of day needs joy. You can find these in the frozen food aisle, and they are actually pretty great soft pretzels (or go somewhere for a little out-of-the-house adventure and grab you one). Pair with some yellow mustard or a tiny cup of jarred cheese sauce for a nice pick-me-up.

Look, this is hyper-specific, but if you want lots of fiber and protein in your afternoon treat, try this combo: hard-boiled eggs with chili crisp and steaming edamame. I don’t often eat edamame, so whenever I make it at home, it feels like I’m getting away with something special — and you just can’t go wrong with chili crisp. Ever. If you want to prep a bit, you can even try marinating your eggs in soy sauce and chili oil overnight to give them some extra oomph.

Frozen bananas dipped in chocolate, those fancy fruit popsicles (drop one of those in a sparkling water and thank me later), or even a little cup of frozen fruit with cool whip — whatever your choice, just know it’ll absolutely cure you of the lingering grumpies as Witching Hour progresses.

Don’t complicate it — think rolled up deli meat slices, a cheese stick, a few orange slices, a pile of pickles, a hunk of cheese with jam. You can absolutely make a yummy little mini charcuterie board with things already in your fridge, and it will absolutely hit the spot.

You can replace this with any other bar recipe you really love, but A Pretty Life in the Suburbs’ Peach Oat Bar is unreal and feels like the most decadent, wholesome, comforting treat you’ve ever had. They’re so easy to pull together, and with a cup of coffee or tea, it is the ultimate pick-me-up afternoon snack. (Also, it has that weird food thing where it feels like it’s taking care of you in some way? You know what I mean.)

Listen, microwave popcorn might be one of the greatest foods ever invented. And however you like yours — air-popped, that hot Cheetos kind, the white cheddar “smart” stuff — just know that nothing pairs as beautifully with the afternoon witching hour as a bowl of fluffy, salty popcorn and a big, crispy soda of your choice. Lots of ice.