These delicious, cheesy snacks require minimal effort for big payoff. Add them to a snack board for the kids or for guests, but make sure you set aside a couple for yourself before you serve the masses. They won't last long, guaranteed.

Baked Cheese Sticks
 
Make your own ooey, gooey cheese sticks by dipping halved cheese strings (seriously, like you'd put in the kids' lunches) or sticks cut from a block of cheese into beaten egg; then coat them in Panko or dry bread crumbs. Bake on a cookie sheet at 400°F until golden.
 
Marinated Bocconcini
 
Toss bite-sized bocconcini with jarred pesto; refrigerate overnight and serve on a cheese platter with olives and other nibbles. You can also skewer marinated balls with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves on toothpicks for caprese salad on a stick. (Kids not into the marinade? Leave the cheese plain and skewer with cubed fruit instead.)
 
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
 
Stuff large, pitted dates with a chunk of Parmesan, asiago or other sharp cheese; wrap with a half a slice of bacon and bake on a rimmed sheet at 400°F for 15 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through.
 
Originally published in ParentsCanada, April 2012.