Meal Prep Made Easy: Part 4 – School Holiday Snacks You Can Make in Advance

Welcome back to our meal-prep series! If you’ve been hanging out with us through part 1, 2 and 3, you’ll know I’m serious about making life easier (and yummier), especially with two hungry kiddos in tow.

Today’s post is a little different though — it’s all about school holiday survival. You know how it goes: one minute they’re eating breakfast, and the next they’re “starving” again. Between playdates, outings, and those days when you just need to keep them busy at home, having a stash of ready-to-go snacks is an absolute must.

I spent a Sunday afternoon prepping up a storm and as usual, it’s been a game-changer. You can check out the full behind-the-scenes on this Instagram reel and TikTok videowarning: it will make you hungry!

Here’s what I made:

  1. Chocolate Weetbix Slices
  2. Mac and Cheese Slices
  3. Bran Muffins
  4. Chicken and Feta Meatballs
  5. Mini Muesli Bread Loaves

Don’t miss the budgeting tips below.

Meal Prepping: School Holiday Snack Edition:

1. Chocolate Weetbix Slices

These are always a hit! Packed with crunch and just the right amount of chocolatey goodness, they’re the perfect sweet treat for mid-morning munchies.

Ingredients:

  • 185g butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp cocoa
  • 4 Weetbix bricks, crushed
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup desiccated coconut

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a baking tray.
  2. In a saucepan, melt together the butter, sugar, and cocoa. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed Weetbix, flour, baking powder, and coconut.
  4. Pour the melted butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well until fully combined.
  5. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking tray.
  6. Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool completely, then slice into squares.

Check out my Oat and Apple Slice here

2. Mac and Cheese Slices

You had me at mac and cheese!

These savoury slices are such a win — cheesy, hearty, and totally freezable. Perfect for a quick lunch or a protein packed snack.

I used this recipe I found on the Taste website and just divided it up in my mini loaf silicone baking tray

3. Bran Muffins

An old-school classic! These bran muffins are soft, not too sweet, and full of fibre to keep little (and big) tummies fuller for longer. Add a few choc chips or raisins for extra smiles!

Ingredients:

  • 2½ cups brown flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ¼ cup oil
  • 2 cups digestive bran
  • 2½ tsp bicarb
  • ½ tsp vanilla essence
  • 250g fruit/raisins/crushed
  • nuts/whatever your heart desires

Method:

  1. Beat wet ingredients together
  2. Add to the dry ingredients
  3. Add mixed fruit and combine
  4. Place in a sealed container and refrigerate for 24hrs
  5. Bake at 190°C for 10-20min, a skewar/knife should come out clean

Mixture will last two weeks in the fridge.

Check out my Choc Chip Banana Muffin Recipe here

4. Chicken and Feta Meatballs

I love these because they’re packed with protein and flavour. They also freeze beautifully — just defrost a few and pop them onto plates with other bits and bobs for lunch or serve with a quick salad and couscous.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken mince (quantity as desired)
  • Crumbled feta cheese (to taste)
  • Italian herbs (to taste)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken mince, crumbled feta, and Italian herbs.
  2. Add the egg and breadcrumbs, and mix until well combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
  4. Place in the air fryer and bake at 180°C for 10 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.

Check out my Mini Meatball Recipe here

5. Mini Muesli Bread Loaves

These adorable little loaves are great for breakfast-on-the-run or a healthy afternoon snack. Full of oats, seeds, and a touch of sweetness — so yum!

I modified this recipe by adding muesli instead of seeds and it turned out so well!

Keep Your Budget in Check

Stocking up on holiday snacks can get pricey if you’re not careful (all those “just one more snack, mom!” moments add up). That’s why I love using my Family Budget Planner. It helps me plan meals, track spending, and avoid last-minute takeaways — win-win!

If you try any of these recipes, or if you do a big holiday meal prep yourself, tag me! I absolutely love seeing what you all get up to — and don’t forget to peek at the Instagram reel and TikTok video for some behind-the-scenes fun.

South African Influencer Sarah Booyens

I’m Sarah, shameless coffee addict, brazen beauty fiend, mid-size style gal and the heart behind parentingbeauty and lifestyle blog, Mascara & Mimosas.

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