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Have you been suddenly struck with the munchies? Looking to bank a few extra calories before hitting the hay? Late-night snack cravings take on all sorts of shapes for all kinds of people. And, sure, sometimes a bag of chips, a tub of store-bought hummus, or a pint of ice cream can be enough to put you to bed. Other times, you might want a bit of a project—like fudgy brownies or pigs in a blanket.
For some, late-night snacking presents a fun puzzle to be solved. Think blending pantry staples like pasta or instant ramen with last night’s leftovers or whatever else is lying around. Others just want something staggeringly simple (here’s some peanut butter noodles, just for you). No matter which camp you fall into, there’s something here to scratch any itch.
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Photo by Laura Murray, food styling by Susie Theodorou
Easy Peanut Noodles
This highly adaptable recipe for creamy, crunchy, salty-sweet noodles in peanut butter sauce makes a satisfyingly easy late-night snack recipe. A pack of ramen noodles keeps the cooking time short. Feel free to swap in almond butter or your favorite nut butter, and add frozen edamame or other veggies to bulk things up.
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Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Taneka Morris, Prop Styling by Gerri K. Williams
The Ultimate Tuna Melt
If only a sandwich will do, turn to this late-night diner classic. And, yes, you will need some potato chips with that.
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Photo by Chelsie Craig, food styling by Pearl Jones
For the Love of Cottage Cheese Salad
Looking for a healthy late-night snack? Grab a tub of cottage cheese (we like Good Culture) and top it with shavings of that cucumber you’ve been hoarding. If it’s summer, add a tomato. If not, add some chopped deli meat, leftover roast veggies, a scattering of toasted pumpkin seeds, some hard-boiled eggs, and whatever else you can raid from the fridge.
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Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Judy Kim, Prop Styling by Nicole Louie
Furikake-Ranch Snack Mix
Furikake Chex Mix meets ranch seasoning in this versatile party blend. Use whatever dry goods you love (pretzel nuggets, Goldfish, snap pea crisps) as long as you follow the ratios.
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Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Mieko Takahashi
Chocolate Chipless Cookies
Without the chocolate for its melty texture and bittersweet flavor (nor any other add-ins), cookie dough has nowhere to hide. Every ingredient has to work hard to hit its full potential, especially the big three: sugar, butter, and flour. (If this reads as blasphemy to you, jump over to our chocolate cookies collection to calm your nerves.)
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Photograph by Isa Zapata,