It’s easy to find treats to celebrate Halloween, a little harder to persuade the kids to eat something healthy before they set off to trick-or-treat the neighborhood. That’s why we’ve rounded up creative and nutritious snacks that are just as tasty as the sweet stuff! Scroll on to discover bites that will be a hit with ghouls of all ages.

Halloween-Themed Sushi Balls

Chopstick Chronicles

How adorable are these Halloween-themed sushi balls from Chopstick Chronicles? They are fairly easy to make, and you can change up the ingredients according to your little monster's palate. Find out to make your own set here

Monster Sandwiches

My Own Road

What's a monster mash without monster sandwiches? This idea from My Own Road is an easy way to ensure that there's hearty food on your Halloween menu—you know, before the giant sugar rush. Plus, it's a cinch to customize these mini monster sandwiches with your fam's fave deli meat and fillings.

Halloween Cheese and Crackers

Peas and Crayons

Good news! Your Halloween cookie cutters can do double duty if you make these genius Halloween cheese and crackers. Use your kiddos' favorite cheese and have them help with the assembly. Learn more (and find other Halloween recipes!) over at Peas and Crayons.

Halloween Yogurt Bark

Fork & Beans

We love this healthy Halloween yogurt bark for oh-so-many reasons: it's a non-dairy snack, is full of fresh fruit, has no added sugar, and can be made in a snap. And then there's this: homemade googly eyes. Trust us, this is the Halloween snack (or breakfast) of champions. Get the recipe over at Fork & Beans.

Cheesy Graveyard Bones

Just a Taste

Pizza dough is the headliner for these cheesy breadstick bones from Kelly Senyei at Just A Taste. The recipe couldn't be easier—especially if you use store-bought dough. For more of a meal try these bone shaped sausage rolls from Tonya Staab. Complete the bone-shaking Halloween look with ketchup or marinara "blood" for dipping!

Spooky Apple Slices

Peas and Crayons

Need some help convincing your little ghouls that fruit is the real sweet treat of Halloween? Just get creative with apple slices! This idea is a snap to pull of, fiendishly clever, and healthy to boot! Learn how to make your own from Peas and Crayons.

Witchy Guacamole

Fork & Beans

Let's just say that this dip idea is downright magical. Kids will love that it's the perfect excuse to play with food—and you'll love that it's a super simple appetizer or snack. Bonus: use veggies to dunk instead of chips for an extra healthy kick. Get the recipe from Fork & Beans.

Frozen BOO-nana Ghosts

Erin Clarke of Well Plated

These ghost-shaped boo-nana popsicles are a fun treat the kids will love making as much as eating. Erin Clarke at Well Plated takes the healthy route and dips the banana shapes into vanilla yogurt rather than white chocolate--and you can turn these treats into mummies with a bit of peanut butter, caramel or nut butter and coconut sugar!

Hooting Owls

Foodlets

Not as spooky as ghosts and gravestones but whoooo can resist these delicious Halloween owls? Spread peanut butter or cream cheese on crackers and add sliced and whole almonds for this nocturnal nibble from Charity Mathews at Foodlets.

Fruity Candy Corn

Kitchen Fun with My Three Sons

The iconic Halloween candy corn gets a healthy makeover with the help of some appropriately colored fruit! Jill at Kitchen Fun with My Three Sons has the how-to using banana, cantaloupe and pineapple.

Spider Sandwiches

Foodlets

These pretzel-legged spiders from Charity Mathews at Foodlets will wriggle and jiggle and tickle your little one's insides! They are a cinch to make and sure to be gobbled up in no time. Sandwich the body with your kid's favorite filler, add legs and raisin eyes and you are all set for a spooky feast.

Pumpkin Clementines

Grounded

Orange you glad it's Halloween! These clementines disguised as pumpkins are the perfect healthy snack for little ones, peeled and ready to go. They are also super cute and decorative. No cooking's needed but you can find the how-to at Grounded.

Wicked Witch Fingers

Cook Nourish Bliss

Made from pizza dough with almonds as nails, these breadsticks from Cook Nourish Bliss are the perfect spooky finger-pointing snack for Halloween. The knobbly knuckles are cleverly made with a knot in the dough! (Psst! Cheese and carrots make good fingers too!). Add a suitably colored dip —tomato or pesto—and you're good to go.

Kooky Cut Outs

It's Always Autumn

Sliced cheese and Halloween cookie cutters—it really can't get easier than this. The little ones will grab at a platter of different bread or cheese shapes. Alternatively, add themed cheese slices to an open sandwich like this from It’s Always Autumn and serve with spider-web tomato soup.

The Walking Watermelon

Life Love & Hiccups

We are huge fans of this idea from Life Love & Hiccups, and it's about that time to say goodbye to our favorite summer fruit. Ask your zombies-in-training to lay out the fruity brains before this one hits the table!

Tombstone Toasty

Blush and Basil

Grilled cheese gets gruesome with this Halloween makeover from Brittney at Blush and Basil. As easy as it is tasty, just add RIP in ketchup and serve with tomato soup. It's a dead cert the kids will love it.

Cheesy Broomstick Bites

Foodlets

Send those little taste buds flying with these crafty broomstick bites. Making them couldn't be easier—get tips from Charity at Foodlets. Keep it light with fat-free string cheese, or tie in some matchstick carrots for a spellbinding boost of energy before your tiny monsters get swept away in the fun.

Apple Monsters

Grounded

Here's a tasty bite for the little monsters in your life! You'll need six ingredients to create these scary looking critters with their frozen yogurt and mini chocolate chip eyes, apple mouths and jagged almond teeth. A monster never tasted so good! Get the instructions from nutrition coach Emily Fitzgerald at Grounded. 

Carrot Rice Jack O’Lantern

Tara's Multicultural Table

These rice ball Jack O'Lanterns, courtesy of Tara's Multicultural Table, are super healthy and easy to prepare. Carrot juice colors the rice and sheets of nori provide the scary faces. Adapted from a version at Apron Strings, you can make these rice balls big or small and serve 'em as snacks or sides for your hungry hoard.

Spook-tacular Spider Eggs

Weelicious

We've got your new favorite deviled egg recipe, thanks to Weelicious! This idea is a fun way to turn creepy crawlies into delicious eats that are packed with protein. It's the perfect last-minute addition to a Halloween potluck!

Freaky Potato Fries

Cheeky Kitchen via Tablespoon

We know that the sweet tooth comes out with the full moon, so we have something for your wee howlers. Sweet potatoes, pumpkin spice, and fun shapes, oh my! Head on over to Cheeky Kitchen via Tablespoon for the know-how.

— Abigail Matsumoto & Emily Meyers & Stacy Liu
RELATED STORIES:
20 Easy Homemade Snacks for a Healthy(ish) Halloween

 

Gouda Roll Ups

Serves 1

Ingredients

  • 2 slices Arla® Gouda Cheese
  • 3 pieces thinly sliced turkey, ham or your favorite deli meat
  • 1 10-inch tortilla
  • 2 lettuce leaves
  • 1 teaspoon reduced-fat mayonnaise

Add-on ingredients

  • pickles
  • tomatoes slices
  • hummus or ranch dressing
  • avocados

Steps

  1. Place one tortilla on a plate and spread reduced-fat mayo over it with a knife.
  2. Lay the deli meat and the slice of Arla® Gouda sliced cheese on top of the tortilla.
  3. Place lettuce leaves on top.
  4. Add any additional toppings that you and your family love.
  5. Roll up the tortilla with the contents inside and slice the roll into five bite-sized rolls, discarding the ends of the tortilla.

recipe and photo courtesy of Arla®

Did you know that Arla® is a farm-to-fridge dairy company that currently offers a full range of naturally delicious cheese varieties, including cream cheese, snack cheese and sliced cheese? As an added bonus, Arla cheese is made from only simple ingredients that you can recognize. Arla is the better-for-you-cheese the whole family will love. What more could a parent want?

There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a deliciously satisfying sandwich. If lately you’ve been stuck in a sandwich slump with the same old turkey or PB&J, these sandwich shops are serving up anything but your typical blandwich. And if you’re conscious of carbs, we’ve got you covered with our healthier fare menu options included below. Read on to discover some of the best sandwich shops since sliced bread.

Photo credit: Leah Singer

Boudin Bakery
While Boudin is not unique to San Diego (you can find the restaurants throughout California), their sandwiches have stood the test of time. The chain was started in San Francisco by the Boudin family in 1849. They are famous for their sourdough bread, which is today made from the sourdough starter recipe that was used more than 150 years ago. The turkey and Havarti sandwich is one of their most popular eats. But we think you’ll really like the grilled cheese offerings. The Great Grilled Cheese includes Havarti and sharp cheddar on a Parmesan-crusted sourdough bread. You can elect to have it with or without bacon. Believe us when we say kids go crazy for it! If you want a spicier version, try the new Jalapeño Grilled Cheese; or go savory with the Grilled Brie with Apples and Fig.

Hot Tip: Want a free kids meal to go with your purchase of a grilled cheese? Click here and claim your deliciousness.

Locations Throughout Southern California
Online: boudinbakery.com

Photo credit: Jane K. via Yelp

Board & Brew
Specialty sandwiches and craft beer at its finest! With locations in Del Mar, Scripps Ranch, Carlsbad and coming soon to Pacific Beach, Board & Brew is quickly becoming the new sandwich hotspot. Each shop offers a relaxed surfer atmosphere that is perfect for a no-fuss family-friendly lunch or dinner. All sandwiches are made from scratch with real ingredients — no preservatives, no substitutes, and no frozen meats — just pure, healthy deliciousness! The Turkado is arguably their most popular sandwich, piled high with juicy turkey breast, jack cheese, and tons of avocado! Make sure to say yes to a cup of their special sauce on the side- it is the definition of “awesome sauce” and you’ll be begging for their secret recipe! Quench your thirst with one of their refreshing local micro brews on tap. Your little surfers will surely dig the Big Ripper (grilled cheese) or Chase Quesadilla from the Groms menu, with the option to add a fruit cup and juice box to make it a full meal. Board & Brew also offers free Wi-Fi and USB plugs so you can charge up or surf the Web while you’re chowing down.

Healthier Fare: Cut the carbs with one of their fresh salads or daily soup specials.

Del Mar
1212 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, Ca  92014
858-481-1021

Scripps Ranch
9880 Hibert St. Ste. E-3
San Diego, Ca  92131
858-689-2739

Online: boardandbrew.com

Photo credit: Kelly Powell 

Rubicon Deli
If a day at the beach has left your family feeling famished, head over to Rubicon Deli in Mission Beach, or to their second location in Mission Hills. The portions are so huge that everyone will leave happy, not hungry! You can build your own sandwich or go with one of their popular specialty sandwiches such as The Stallion, Dom Pastram, or The Dapper Dipper, served on your choice of six different breads that are baked fresh every day. All sandwiches are dressed to impress with their gourmet homemade sauces. You can also combine a half-sandwich with a half salad, soup, or fresh acai bowl. If your kiddos aren’t quite ready to try venture out of their comfort zone just yet, the kids menu has two standards that can’t be beat: grilled cheese or a turkey sandwich. Wash it down with an iced cold Shirley Temple from their craft soda fountain machine. Make sure you save room for a sweat treat because you’ll get a free mini cookie with every meal. They are such a yummy bite, you may need to take a dozen home with you for later!

Healthier fare: Try the gluten-free rosemary focaccia, or order your meal Lean & Green: any sandwich will be served in a lettuce cone!

Mission Beach
3819 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, Ca 92109
858-488-3354

Mission Hills
3715 India St.
San Diego, Ca 92103
858-488-3354 ext. 2

Online: rubicondeli.com

Photo credit: D.Z. Akin’s Facebook page

D.Z. Akin’s Delicatessen
Since 1980, D.Z. Akin’s has been serving up sky-high sandwiches (134 varieties to be exact), soups, salads, and sundaes. The restaurant side is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but you can order sandwiches and even take some sliced deli meat home with you from their deli. Be sure to try the Reuben, with your choice of pastrami, corned beef, or smoked turkey, and you won’t be disappointed. Other New York-style delicatessen favorites like matzo ball soup and potato pancakes can be found here as well. Kids can customize their own sandwich at the deli or choose one of nine kids meals available on the restaurant menu. No trip to D.Z. Akin’s is complete without checking out the bakery, where you and your kids will drool over the huge selection of cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pastries, and some of the best cheesecake in San Diego!

Healthier Fare: The restaurant menu offers a huge selection of salads, homemade soups and fruit plates.

6930 Alvarado Rd.
San Diego, Ca  92120
619-265-0218
Online: dzakinsdeli.com

Photo credit: Jack M. via Yelp

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
This is the place for real turkey lovers! Unlike traditional deli turkey meat- Capriotti’s whole slow-roasted turkeys are cooked in-house every day. Then the meat is freshly carved from the turkey and stuffed into your sandwich! Their signature menu item and nationally-acclaimed best seller, The Bobbie, is like having Thanksgiving Dinner (homemade turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing!) inside a delicious sandwich roll. Cap’s Kids Sandwiches are made on white or wheat bread and include Ocean Spray Craisins and a juice box. With so many yummy options to choose from, you’ll be coming back for seconds… and thirds and fourths!

Healthier Fare: Cap’s Salads are fresh and made to order along with a selection of vegetarian items like the Veggie Cheese Steak and Veggie Cole Turkey.

Mission Valley
1620 Camino De La Reina
San Diego, Ca 92108
619-542-1987

SDSU College Area
6011 El Cajon Blvd. Ste. 107
San Diego, Ca 92115
619-265-2113

Online: capriottis.com

Photo credit: Ainne M. via Yelp

Which Wich
If you are craving a completely custom-made sandwich crafted just for you, Which Wich is your soulmate sandwich shop! Grab a brown bag, a red marker, and ready, set, GO! With 60+ ingredients to choose from- you will be able to create your dream wich in a matter of seconds! Meats, cheeses, spreads and sauces, veggies, spices and more- use your red marker to check off any and all items you want, and then take your bag up to the cashier and listen for your name to be called out when your wich is ready. Your kids will get to customize all of their favorites on the kids menu like turkey or ham, grilled cheese, peanut butter and jelly, or a cheese pizzawich! With or without the crust- it’s all up to them! Your little artists can have fun doodling on the back their paper bags, and then hang up the completed masterpiece in the art gallery for all to see. If you’ve saved room for dessert, treat yourself to a delicious made-to-order, real ice cream milkshake or one of their other sweet treats!

Healthier Fare: Check off Skinny your wich and they will scoop out the middle of your bread, saving you about 90 calories. Or try a bowlwich or lettucewich for a completely carb-free option.

11 locations throughout San Diego!
Online: whichwich.com

Photo credit: Kelly Powell

Jersey Mike’s Subs
Come here for some of the freshest subs around, with meats and cheeses sliced right in front of you and veggies piled high! Jersey Mike’s offers a variety of freshly made cold subs or if you’re in the mood for something hot and melty, try a fresh grilled hot sub like the Famous Steak Philly, Meatball and Cheese, or Chipotle Chicken Cheese Steak. Try your favorite sub Mike’s Way with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, spices, and “The Juice” (red wine vinegar and olive oil blend). Kids will revel in relaxed beach-style atmosphere as they watch their sandwich being prepared right in front of their eyes. All kid’s meals include a kid-sized sub, drink, and a homemade cookie. In a hurry? You can order online, and your food will be ready for pickup when you get there!

Healthier Fare: For a lower-carb option, you can make any sub a wrap. If you’re looking for a completely carb-free and gluten-free option, order a Sub in a Tub, in which you can turn any sub into a salad.

20 locations throughout San Diego
Online: jerseymikes.com

Did we miss your favorite sandwich shop? Tell us about it in the comments below!

— Kelly Powell