As students head back to school, parents and caregivers are on the hunt for quick, easy, and delicious meal ideas that can be prepared in no time. Gone are the days of scrambling to pack a lunch or worrying about what to serve at dinner when you’re short on time. With these 18 easy recipes, you’ll have a arsenal of tasty and nutritious options to fuel your kids’ busy schedules.
From breakfast smoothies to snack wraps, we’ve got you covered with our collection of back-to-school recipes that are perfect for busy families. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, healthy or indulgent, we’ve included a range of options to suit every taste and dietary need. So go ahead, take a look at these 18 easy recipes and get ready to make mealtime a breeze!
Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Smoothie
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious smoothie that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter, the sweetness of banana, and the freshness of yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the banana, peanut butter, yogurt, and milk.
2. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add honey if desired for an extra touch of sweetness.
4. Taste and adjust as needed.
5. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes (depending on blender speed)
Homemade Granola Bars with Honey and Oats
These chewy granola bars are perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on-the-go. Made with rolled oats, honey, and a hint of vanilla, they’re a delicious and healthier alternative to store-bought options.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts work well)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, nuts, and brown sugar.
3. In a small saucepan, combine honey, oil, and vanilla extract. Heat over low heat until warm and smooth.
4. Pour the honey mixture into the oat mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
5. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quick and Easy Veggie Wraps
Need a healthy and delicious snack or meal that’s ready in no time? Look no further! These veggie wraps are packed with flavor, texture, and nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 whole wheat tortillas
– 1 cup mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
– 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon hummus
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Lay a tortilla flat on a surface.
2. Add a handful of mixed greens, followed by sliced bell peppers and cucumber.
3. Sprinkle with feta cheese if using.
4. Spread a layer of hummus on top.
5. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a neat wrap.
6. Repeat for remaining wraps.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Tips:
– Use leftover veggies or add your favorite fillings to make it your own!
– For an extra burst of flavor, add a sprinkle of lemon juice or zest on top.
Enjoy your Quick and Easy Veggie Wraps!
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Wake up to a deliciously warm and comforting breakfast with this Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats recipe! With the perfect blend of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and creamy oats, you’ll be starting your day off right.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Gala work well)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
1. In a jar or container, combine oats, almond milk, diced apples, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.
2. Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
3. In the morning, give the mixture a quick stir and add any desired toppings (walnuts or pecans work well).
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None needed! Let the oats soak overnight to create the perfect creamy texture.
Cheesy Spinach Quesadillas
A twist on the classic quesadilla, these spinach-packed treats are perfect for a quick and delicious meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the spinach-cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also crispy.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (4 quesadillas)
Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels
A classic combination of turkey, cheese, and veggies wrapped up in a tasty pinwheel package. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
– 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 6-8 whole wheat tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the turkey, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
2. Add the chopped bell pepper and cucumber to the mixture and stir until they’re evenly distributed.
3. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the turkey mixture onto the center of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the pinwheel up tightly.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Healthy Trail Mix with Nuts and Dried Fruit
Get ready to fuel your next adventure with this delicious and nutritious trail mix recipe! This sweet and salty blend is perfect for snacking on the go, whether you’re hiking, camping, or just need a quick energy boost.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed nuts, dried cranberries, raisins, and dark chocolate chips.
2. Add the pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds to the bowl and stir until well combined.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top and toss to mix.
4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! This trail mix is ready to go as soon as you combine the ingredients.
Enjoy your healthy and delicious trail mix!
Mini Pizza Bagels with Mozzarella and Pepperoni
A bite-sized twist on traditional pizza, these mini bagels are perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 mini bagels (Italian-style or plain)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the mini bagels in half.
3. Place a few slices of pepperoni on each bagel half, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Thermos
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of tender broccoli, rich cheddar cheese, and a hint of garlic, all packed into your trusty Thermos.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup milk (whole, low-fat, or nonfat)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in butter until softened.
2. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
3. Pour in broth and milk; bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat and let soup simmer for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
5. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Pour hot soup into your Thermos.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
A twist on the classic salad, these wraps bring together tender chicken, crunchy romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
3. Add diced chicken on one half of the tortilla, then top with chopped lettuce.
4. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the lettuce.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes per wrap
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Start your day with a refreshing and healthy treat! This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh fruit with the creaminess of yogurt, layered to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup granola
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup sliced peaches or pineapple chunks
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and honey until well combined.
2. Cut the mixed berries into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. Spoon half of the yogurt mixture into the bottom of a glass or parfait dish.
4. Top with half of the mixed berries, followed by half of the granola.
5. Repeat the layers: yogurt, berries, and granola.
6. Finish with a layer of sliced peaches or pineapple chunks on top.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 5 minutes.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins
Get ready to delight your taste buds with a twist on the classic PB&J sandwich – in muffin form!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup grape or strawberry jelly
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, jelly, egg, milk, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins!
Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Dipping Sauce
Transform sweet potatoes into crispy, delicious fries with this easy recipe! The perfect snack for a cozy evening or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Dipping sauce ingredients (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub and poke the sweet potatoes with a fork several times.
3. Cut each sweet potato into fry shapes, about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the fries and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
Dipping Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon ketchup
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Serve warm with the baked sweet potato fries!
Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches
Start your day off right with these simple and satisfying egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches. Perfect for a quick morning meal or an on-the-go snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 eggs
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 English muffins, toasted
– 2 slices American cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Heat one tablespoon of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the eggs and scramble until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, toast the English muffins and place them on a flat surface.
4. Place one slice of cheese on each toasted muffin half.
5. Divide the scrambled eggs evenly between the two sandwiches.
6. Top with the remaining muffin half to create a sandwich.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
This refreshing pasta salad is perfect for a light and flavorful meal or as a side dish for your favorite main course. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the basil and pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., bow tie, penne)
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp. freshly chopped basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and basil.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to combine with the tomato mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the salad.
Cooking Time:
– Pasta cooking time: 8-10 minutes
– Total preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Pancake Skewers with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these adorable and delicious mini pancake skewers, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– Maple syrup (for serving)
– Fresh fruit or whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Grease mini muffin tin cups or skewers with cooking spray.
6. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop batter onto the prepared cups or skewers.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
8. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on number of skewers)
Avocado Toast with a Sprinkle of Everything Bagel Seasoning
A simple yet satisfying snack that combines the creaminess of avocado with the savory flavor of everything bagel seasoning.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of whole grain bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/4 teaspoon Everything Bagel Seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges and red pepper flakes for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
3. Sprinkle the Everything Bagel Seasoning evenly over the avocado.
4. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Roasted Veggie and Hummus Wraps
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional wraps, this recipe combines roasted vegetables with creamy hummus for a satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 1 small eggplant, sliced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup hummus
– 4-6 whole wheat tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss bell pepper, zucchinis, and eggplant with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
4. Spread hummus evenly on each tortilla.
5. Add roasted vegetables to the center of each wrap.
6. Fold bottom half up over filling, then fold in sides and roll up tightly.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (roasting time) + assembly time
Summary
Get ready for a delicious back to school season with these easy recipes! From breakfast smoothies and granola bars to veggie wraps and trail mix, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for quick and easy meals or healthy snacks, this collection has got you covered. Try out Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Smoothie, Homemade Granola Bars with Honey and Oats, and more. Perfect for packing in a lunchbox or enjoying on-the-go, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
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