Back-to-School Recipe Roundup

From speedy breakfast options to portable lunches, these kid-friendly recipes are perfect for back-to-school season.

YOGURT AND FRUIT PARFAITS, Rachael Ray, 30 Minute Meals/Breakfast for Dinner, Food
Network, Vanilla Nonfat Yogurt, Frozen Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries,
Granola

YOGURT AND FRUIT PARFAITS, Rachael Ray, 30 Minute Meals/Breakfast for Dinner, Food Network, Vanilla Nonfat Yogurt, Frozen Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Granola

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

It’s that time of year again: You need breakfasts that are quick to make and eat, lunches you can pack the night before, and after-school snacks that will keep kids going strong till dinnertime. To get the school year off to a healthy start, we’ve rounded up some great ideas and easy-to-make recipes that will help get you and the kids out the door on time.

Breakfast in a Hurry

Yogurt parfait: Layering plain or vanilla yogurt with fresh fruit and granola makes this fun breakfast a complete — and filling — meal.

Pumped-up pancakes: Add some shredded kale and apples to your regular pancake batter for an extra dose of nutrients.

Overnight oats: Prep these the night before and your kids can dig in as soon as they get up.

Breakfast burritos: These wraps are a hearty and healthy breakfast — perfect for kids who are extra-hungry in the morning. And if you’re really in a rush, simply wrap a scrambled egg in a tortilla and hand it to your kid on his way out the door.

Frittata: Make this yummy dish on Sunday and your kids can eat it for breakfast all week long.

Packable Lunches

FOOD STYLIST: VIVIAN LIU
PROP STYLIST: MOLLY FITZSIMONS

RnB_Pasta_Salad-011f.tif

FOOD STYLIST: VIVIAN LIU PROP STYLIST: MOLLY FITZSIMONS

Pasta salad (pictured above): This is a great make-ahead recipe that can fill lunchboxes all week long.

Waffle sandwich: Make extras next time you have waffles for breakfast and turn them into a fun sandwich by spreading them with peanut butter, honey and sliced banana.

Sampler platter: Finger foods are especially appealing to little hands, so put together a mix of cheese cubes, deli meat slices, raw veggies, crackers and a dip (such as hummus or ranch dressing).

Chef Name: Food Network Kitchen

Full Recipe Name: Ham and Scallion Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Talent Recipe: 

FNK Recipe: Food Networks Kitchen’s Ham and Scallion Cream Cheese Pinwheels, as seen on Foodnetwork.com

Project: Foodnetwork.com, HOLIDAY/SUPER BOWL/COMFORT/HEALTHY

Show Name: 

Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

FNK_HamAndScallionCreamCheesePinwheels_H

Chef Name: Food Network Kitchen Full Recipe Name: Ham and Scallion Cream Cheese Pinwheels Talent Recipe: FNK Recipe: Food Networks Kitchen’s Ham and Scallion Cream Cheese Pinwheels, as seen on Foodnetwork.com Project: Foodnetwork.com, HOLIDAY/SUPER BOWL/COMFORT/HEALTHY Show Name: Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

Photo by: Renee Comet ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Fun-shaped sandwiches: If you make a sandwich on bread, use a cookie cutter to turn it into a flower or a fire engine. Take a sandwich wrap and cut it into pinwheel-shaped slices.

Quesadillas: Make a cheese-and-veggie quesadilla the night before and pack it with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping.

After-School Snacks

BANANA AND WALNUT SMOOTHIE, Giada De Laurentiis, Giada at Home/FeelGood
Food,
Food Network, Unsweetened Almond Milk, Coconut Water, Walnut Pieces, Dried Dates,
Banana

BANANA AND WALNUT SMOOTHIE, Giada De Laurentiis, Giada at Home/FeelGoodFood,Food Network, Unsweetened Almond Milk, Coconut Water, Walnut Pieces, Dried Dates,Banana,BANANA AND WALNUT SMOOTHIE, Giada De Laurentiis, Giada at Home/FeelGood Food, Food Network, Unsweetened Almond Milk, Coconut Water, Walnut Pieces, Dried Dates, Banana

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Banana walnut smoothie (pictured above): This healthy smoothie is indulgent enough to make your kids feel like they’re drinking a milkshake.

Graham crackers with peanut butter and banana slices: This combo makes the perfect power snack, with just enough sweetness.

Pumpkin Seed Dried Cherry Trail Mix; Claire Robinson

Pumpkin Seed Dried Cherry Trail Mix; Claire Robinson

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Trail mix: A blend of your kid’s favorite nuts, seeds and dried fruit makes a great on-the-go snack when shuttling between after-school activities.

Energy balls: Replace the cliched cookies and milk with these protein-packed no-bake treats.

Related Links:

Sally Wadyka is a Boulder, Colorado-based journalist who writes about nutrition, health and wellness.

Next Up

Load Up the Kids' Lunchboxes for Back-to-School

Food Network’s guide to kid-approved lunches and locker-friendly foods makes cafeteria glee an everyday affair.

The One Thing I Always Make From Scratch Before Back to School

This easy recipe comes with an unexpected payoff.

The No-Recipe Recipes That Helped Influencer Chefs Get Through School

These are the foolproof dishes that some of our favorite chefs turn to when they’re tight on time.

Alton's Recipe Roundup

Get the recipes featured in Alton's web-exclusive videos.

Back-to-School Meal Planning

Set yourself up for success on busy weeknights by having vegetables ready to use. With some smart planning, you'll be enjoying the same home cooking, just a little earlier than our lazy days of summer.