10 Recipes for Back-to-School Season

For some, back-to-school season elicits the dreadful sound of alarm clocks, clanging school bells, and mountains of assignments. But for others, it signals a fresh start, new opportunities, and return to a familiar rhythm. Whichever side of the spectrum you fall on, it is important to find time to nourish our bodies in the kitchen as we fill our minds in the classroom. 

For school lunches convenience is key, but a handcrafted meal with nourishing ingredients can be made in simplicity. It is a small reminder in the middle of the school day that care and intention can be packed into the busyness of life. And for college students navigating hectic schedules and newfound independence, having a list of easy, nutritious meals can make all the difference. 

These 10 back-to-school recipes are sure to keep brain waves high and stress levels low during the season of syllabi, sharpened pencils, and school supplies. 

10 Back-to-School Recipes

Egg, Sausage, and Cheese Panini

Sorry, we don’t need to stop at Starbucks. This egg, sausage, and cheese panini is bound to level up your mornings with melty goodness, savory flavor, and the right amount of indulgence for work-packed mornings. These are also perfect to prepare at night or on weekends and keep the freezer for time-strained mornings.

Breakfast Pizza

Does anything scream comfort and convenience like pizza? This protein-packed breakfast pizza, inspired by the Italian restaurant Indaco in Charleston, combines American breakfast staples like eggs, sausage, bacon, and cheese to create a culinary masterpiece that is both satiating and balanced.

Sausage Pinwheels

Chef Rob McDaniel of Helen in Birmingham has brought this savory spin (pun intended) on a classic cinnamon roll to light as a twist on his mother’s classic recipe. McDaniel recommends swapping the breakfast sausage with Nduja and adding caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and Eastaboga honey. These are sure to put a flavorful spin on early mornings! 

Sorghum and Pecan Granola

A healthy pantry staple perfect for breakfast, lunch, snack, or treat, this sorghum and pecan granola is a balanced addition to yogurt, cereal, or icecream. It can be prepped any day of the week and used for an easy, grab-and-go option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or nutrition. Sweet, crunchy, and packed with grains and fruit, it is a versatile recipe to keep in rotation when life gets busy.

Turkey Reuben 

Who doesn’t love a midday sandwich? Especially when it is packed with protein and embodies the perfect cross of salty and sweet. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between classes or refueling before an afternoon study session, a hearty sandwich like this Turkey Reuben is guaranteed to hit the spot. 

Avocado Toast

Fast-paced mornings do not need to equate dry cereal and coffee runs. In fact, starting the day that way is likely to do more harm than good. A quick, easy, and energizing way to start your day with bright and zesty vibes is with avocado toast. If time permits, this recipe calls for a squeeze of lemon, sprinkle of chives, pinch of red pepper, and drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil: ingredients that don’t necessitate time nor sacrifice.

Ginger Lime Tuna Salad

For those looking for something more filling as a school or work lunch, look no further than this flavorful ginger lime tuna salad. Packed with nutrients and protein, this salad can be easily prepped and eaten with crackers, bread, in salad, or by the spoonful. 

Summer Soup

As the cooler months follow the commencement of school, soup becomes the perfect way to bridge the gap between summer and fall. Settle into a lunch break with this summer soup from Caroline Chambers, What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking. The soup features produce such as peppers, zucchini, and squash, so you can taste the remainder of summer during long school days.

Butter Bean and Tiny Tomato Salad

Another recipe to bridge summer and fall, this butter bean salad holds bright and fresh flavors of summer with butter beans, shallots, and tomatoes, topped with a honey-lemon citronette. The dish is deepened with bacon gremolata and is sure to brighten the late summer and early fall days of back-to-school season.

Zucchini Bread

What better way to entice yourself to leave the comfort of bed than knowing there is a warm loaf of sweet zucchini bread waiting for you. This zucchini bread can be made in advance and offer a bit of comfort to the mornings when getting out of bed for school is extra taxing. 

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