25 Best Back-to-School Recipes
Summer is whizzing by and, believe it or not, school is around the corner. Even though school is going to look different for a lot of youngins this year, one thing is certain: They'll need lunch. Whether your child is physically going back to school or learning remotely from home, having some simple yet delicious recipes in the coffer will make it easier to keep them nourished.
To help you get a head start in planning, we've scouted out 25 back-to-school recipes that both adults and kids can enjoy (there are even a few treat recipes because, hey, you deserve it). And for more kid-friendly lunches, check out these 25 Genius Bento Box Lunch Ideas.
Cheesy pizza cups
Bagel bites are technically breakfast treats, but let's be honest, they can be enjoyed any time. You could make these with mini bagels, but we took things to the next level by using a cheese-based dough in this recipe.
Get our recipe for Cheesy Pizza Cups.
Classic turkey sandwich
Turkey sandwiches are classic for a reason. This one takes it up a notch, though, with the addition of cranberry sauce. Who doesn't love a little sweet and savory combo?
Get the recipe from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.
Greek yogurt apple streusel muffins
Think outside the lunchbox and try whipping up some muffins for lunch. The kids can top them with peanut butter or pair them with some cheese for extra protein.
Get the recipe from Healthy Seasonal Recipes.
Vegetarian Italian chopped salad
If your kids want all the deliciousness of an Italian salad but without the meat, this is the recipe for you. It's packed with protein from chickpeas and plenty of flavors thanks to a zesty vinaigrette and pepperoncini peppers (those are optional, of course). Leave the dressing off when you prepare it, and the salad will be good for up to four days.
Get the recipe from Cookie and Kate.
Easy pasta salad
Pasta salads are one-stop-shop recipes. You have your carbs, veggies, and protein all in one bowl. And this recipe, with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette, is just as easy to eat as it was to make.
Get the recipe from Inspired Taste.
Mason jar salads
It's a fact: Anything looks cute in a mason jar. Especially salad! Here are four ways to make a salad in a Mason jar (the chicken berry quinoa looks particularly delicious).
Get the recipes from Ambitious Kitchen.
Mediterranean bean salad
This is the ideal batch-cooking salad. Chock-full of beans and crunchy vegetables, this salad will hold up great in the fridge all week.
Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.
Breakfast salads
These salads are meant for breakfast, but you and the kids can enjoy these any time of the day. The poached egg and avocado salad is especially great for those kids lunching from home.
Get the recipes from Eating Bird Food.
Chickpea sunflower sandwich
This vegan recipe could convert even the staunchest carnivores. Smashed chickpeas, sunflower seeds, and vegan mayo (or regular, if that's preferred) come together for a satisfying sandwich filling. Make a big batch and scoop it into sandwiches all week.
Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
Slow cooker chicken Caesar sandwiches
The slow cooker does most of the work for you in this sandwich twist on a classic salad.
Get the recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything.
BBQ chicken tortilla pinwheels
This dish hits all the comfort food notes: cream cheese, chicken, tortillas, and cheese. It's easy to prepare and fun to eat.
Get the recipe from Five Heart Home.
Hamburger soup
When the temperatures drop, it's time to put the soup on. This soup is packed with ground beef and veggies and will last all week. Send it to school in one of these cute insulated containers.
Get the recipe from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.
Chopped Mexican bean and corn salad
This recipe is meant to be easily prepared on camping trips, so you know it'll be easy at home, too. Serve it with a side of tortilla chips for a crunch factor.
Get the recipe from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.
Balsamic vegetarian couscous
Pearl couscous has an excellent chewy texture and complements the tomatoes in this recipe perfectly. Balsamic dressing adds a nice tang, making this an ideal vegetarian dish, or you can pack it as a side to some chicken.
Get the recipe from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.
Raspberry Greek yogurt
Lunch can be a little bit sweet and still be nutritious, as this raspberry Greek yogurt recipe demonstrates. Make it extra fun for the kids by packing a few toppings like nut butter and chopped fruit.
Get the recipe from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.
After-school pinwheels
If you're searching for more pinwheel inspiration, look no further. Here are three more ideas (one involving guacamole!).
Get the recipes from Macheesmo.
Grilled peanut butter, mango, and peach sandwiches
A peanut butter sandwich doesn't have to be just a peanut butter sandwich. This recipe levels up with the addition of mango and peach. Grill it if you're able to make lunch during the day, or skip the grilling for packing purposes (it'll still be great).
Get the recipe from Creme de la Crumb.
Chocolate peanut butter banana bites
OK, these are better suited for after-school treats than for lunch. But they'll make after-school snacking so much easier. It doesn't get much better than chocolate, peanut butter, and banana.
Get the recipe from Eating Bird Food.
Tomato soup
You only need three ingredients to make this classic soup. Pack it along with some bread for dunking. Or, pair it with the always-reliable grilled cheese.
Get the recipe from Inspired Taste.
Whole-wheat veggie pizza
Making pizza is a fun, hands-on activity to do with the kids, and then you can feast on it all week for lunch. Even room-temperature pizza (for the kids who can't reheat it) is delicious.
Get the recipe from Sweet Phi.
Chipotle chicken taquitos
Tacos are great, but they don't necessarily travel well for lunch. Enter the taquito. These rolled treats are the perfect handheld lunch for your kiddo.
Get the recipe from Foodie Crush.
Roasted broccoli and farro bowls
If your child is a veggie lover, then this is the bowl for them. That lemon-tahini dressing is irresistible!
Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
Energy cookies
Cookies are a must in school lunches, but why not a cookie with a wholesome twist? These little sweets feature rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and flaxseed meal. But, there's also plenty of chocolate.
Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.
No-bake energy bites
These easy-to-prepare bites make a great after-lunch treat or midday snack. Make a batch (get the kids to help scoop and roll) and store them in the fridge or freeze.
Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
Thai peanut chicken wraps
These Thai-inspired wraps are a great way to shake up the usual lunch routine. The vibrant colors are enticing, but the peanut dressing with plenty of umami is irresistible.
Get the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
And when you're cooking at home, try out these 52 Life-Changing Kitchen Hacks That'll Make You Enjoy Cooking Again.
