School's out and snowed in? Try these snow day recipes perfect for cozying up and enjoying a bonus day off of school or work.
35 Snow Day Recipes to Make on Your Unexpected Day Off
Updated on Feb. 28, 2024
1/35
Banana Pancake Snowmen
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 snowmen
From the Recipe Creator:
Both kids and adults will love these yummy pancakes. Invite your little ones to help decorate their snowmen and they'll jump out of bed in a hurry! —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 snowman (calculated without decorations): 133 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
Learn how to make snow ice cream, too!
2/35
Cold-Day Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 195 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 639mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
3/35
Hot Chocolate
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 653 calories, 49g fat (32g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
4/35
The Best Ever Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spreading a mixture of mayo and butter on the bread creates a delightfully crispy crust with the well-loved, wonderful flavor of butter one expects on a grilled cheese sandwich.—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 659 calories, 49g fat (27g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 1017mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
5/35
Tomato Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. — Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
6/35
Snow Day Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Clear your pantry to make these chocolate chip cookies loaded with goodies. We add oats, M&M’s, pretzels and even potato chips. —Brittney Musgrove, Dallas, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 226 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 223mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
7/35
Crescent Roll Hot Dogs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 325 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
8/35
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 502 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
9/35
Pepperoni Pan Pizza
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 pizzas (9 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 460 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1096mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
10/35
Yeti Cookies
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When the weather outside is frightful, these smiley guys are so delightful. And they really know how to celebrate the season. Let it snow! —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 345 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
11/35
Cheeseburger Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1012mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
12/35
Snack Crackers
Total Time
5 min
Servings
12 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Our 13-year-old daughter, Dana, loves to make this crunchy and flavorful snack for us. Her four older brothers finish off a batch in no time. —Sue Manel, Milladore, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 237 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 780mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
13/35
Cookie Sticks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you have a craving for cookies and you want them now, these yummy strips take just a few minutes to make from start to finish. —Kathy Zielicke, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 93 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
14/35
Pizza Roll-Ups
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Since getting this recipe from our 4-H club, it's been a regular after-school snack. We like to dunk these bite-sized pizza treats, made with refrigerated crescent rolls, in spaghetti sauce. —Donna Klettke, Wheatland, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 94 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
15/35
Snow Punch
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
As pretty as a fresh snowdrift, this frothy, fruity punch has been a Christmas tradition in our family for years - but it's a light and refreshing thirst-quencher in any season. —Eloise Neeley, Norton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 296 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
16/35
Classic Beef Stew
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy beef stew recipe is my favorite. The rich beef gravy helps the hearty flavor of the potatoes and carrots to come through. It's the perfect homemade dish for a blustery winter day. —Alberta McKay, Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 245 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
17/35
Blueberry Oat Waffles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
I truly enjoy recipes that make just enough for the two of us, like this one for yummy waffles. Instead of blueberries, you can slice ripe strawberries on top—or use the batter to make pancakes. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 691 calories, 44g fat (5g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 907mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
18/35
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Using hot cocoa mix and marshmallow bits in the cookie dough really makes these hot chocolate cookies taste like the cozy drink. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 81 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
19/35
Chicken and Dumplings
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch hearken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 470 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
20/35
Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2 fajitas: 359 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
21/35
Mug Cookie
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This peanut butter cookie in a mug is perfect for when you have a sweet tooth but don't want to make an entire batch of cookies. So quick and easy! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 782 calories, 46g fat (15g saturated fat), 219mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
22/35
Taco Pizza
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 pizzas (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Convenient prebaked crust makes this tasty taco pizza as easy as can be. It's a great recipe, especially if you have teenagers. I keep the ingredients on hand so that we can whip up this filling meal anytime. —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 310 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
23/35
Matzo Ball Soup
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
12 servings (4-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This traditional matzo ball soup recipe is worth the extra effort. If you prefer, you can add egg noodles instead of matzo balls to this Jewish chicken soup. —Julia Sherman, New Market, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
24/35
Frosted Brownies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A neighbor brought over a pan of these rich fudge brownies along with the recipe when I came home from the hospital with our baby daughter. I asked her how to make brownie frosting like that, and I've made them ever since for family occasions, potlucks and parties at work. —Sue Soderlund, Elgin, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 277 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
25/35
Waffle Sandwich
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love the sweet, smoky flavor of these morning sandwiches. I use store-bought frozen waffles to save time, but have at it if you want to put your waffle maker to good use. —Kelly Reynolds, Urbana, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without syrup): 511 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1163mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
26/35
Air-Fryer Potato Chips
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 148 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
27/35
Sausage and Eggs over Cheddar-Parmesan Grits
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These creamy grits topped with Italian sausage, peppers, onions and a fried egg are total comfort food and perfect for brunch or dinner. They are easy to put together and will satisfy a hungry crew. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 538 calories, 32g fat (12g saturated fat), 253mg cholesterol, 972mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
28/35
Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You could call this a comfort food mashup made in heaven. Jumbo stuffed pasta shells are loaded up with cheeseburger goodness in a dish that will soon become a family favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 431 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
29/35
Potato Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 250 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
30/35
Hot Cocoa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This homemade hot chocolate recipe will make people think you fussed, but it is so simple. —Cheryl Reitz, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 211 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
31/35
Bacon Egg Cups
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This breakfast dish is a fresh take on the classic bacon-and-eggs combo. Make sure to use ovenproof bowls when baking! —Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 380 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 486mg cholesterol, 521mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
32/35
Peanut Butter, Krispies and Chocolate Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This crispy, chocolaty sandwich is like a Saturday-morning cartoon cereal without the bowl. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 195 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
33/35
Ranch Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
32 servings (6 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
34/35
Cheesy Pepperoni Buns
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A pizza version of the sloppy joe, this hot and melty open-faced sandwich is a surefire kid pleaser. Adults love it, too! —Tanya Belt, Newcomerstown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches: 280 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
35/35
Crescent Turkey Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic but doesn’t take any time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 453 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
