I Count On These 29 Back To School Recipes To Please My Kids

Some mornings feel like a race against the clock, and the only thing that keeps the team from mutiny is one of those 29 back-to-school fixes. Every recipe in the mix has passed the picky-eater test with flying colors, which is rarer than a clean sock on a Monday. It’s not magic, it’s just knowing what gets eaten without a standoff.

A shredded chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, raisins, and a creamy dressing served in a brioche bun.
Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Sourdough Waffles

Two stacked waffles with a bite taken out, topped with banana slices, blueberries, and a pat of butter.
Sourdough Waffles. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Mornings can be tricky, but kids will love Sourdough Waffles for breakfast. They offer a nice twist with a texture that’s worth waking up for. Easy to pair with anything sweet or savory, these are a school morning favorite. They’ll make everyone look forward to the first meal of the day.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Waffles

Egg Salad

A bowl of creamy egg salad topped with chopped parsley and paprika, set on a light-colored surface.
Egg Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Lunchboxes feel complete when you pack Egg Salad. It’s creamy and versatile, making it great for crackers, bread, or wraps. This option is ideal for kids who enjoy simple, classic flavors. It’s a straightforward recipe that always wins approval.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Blackened Chicken Clubs

A grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and mayonnaise on toasted bread, served with potato chips on a white plate.
Blackened Chicken Clubs. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Busy days call for delicious and filling options like Blackened Chicken Clubs. These bring a bold flavor layered into every bite, perfect for lunch or snack. They’re hearty enough to power through any afternoon activities. Plus, they never stick around on the plate for long.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Clubs

Sausage Balls

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick snacks like Sausage Balls are always a hit during hectic school days. They’re small enough to fit into little hands but packed with flavor. Great for breakfast or an after-school treat, these are super convenient. The best part is how easily they can be made ahead.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Salted Honey Cookies

A stack of three round, golden-brown cookies with chocolate flecks and a sprinkle of salt on top, resting on a cooling rack with more cookies around them.
Salted Honey Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Dessert gets an upgrade with Salted Honey Cookies, bringing just the right balance of sweetness. They’re different from your regular treats, which kids seem to love. Perfect for packing into lunchboxes or serving as an after-school snack. One bite will win over even picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Salted Honey Cookies

BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

Three pulled pork sliders with coleslaw on a white plate, topped with a sprig of parsley.
BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dinner becomes fun with BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw, offering easy-to-handle portions. The BBQ sauce and slaw create a great combo kids enjoy. A favorite for those evenings when everyone needs something filling yet simple. Perfect for feeding a crowd or just a hungry family.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

Creamy Banana Avocado Bread Recipe

Sliced loaf of chocolate chip banana avocado bread on a white surface. The bread has a golden-brown crust with chocolate chips on top and visible throughout the slices.
Creamy Banana Avocado Bread Recipe. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Snack time gets better with Creamy Banana Avocado Bread Recipe, which is extra moist and unique. It’s a fun twist on the classic that kids can’t resist. Great for breakfast or even an on-the-go snack during busy mornings. Everyone at home will keep asking for more slices.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Banana Avocado Bread Recipe

Grilled Hot Dogs

Four hot dogs in buns topped with crispy fried onions are arranged on parchment paper in a basket.
Grilled Hot Dogs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

School day dinners don’t get easier than Grilled Hot Dogs, quick to make and always popular. They’re a no-fuss meal for busy evenings when everyone needs food fast. Classic toppings make these familiar and fun for kids. Perfect to pair with simple sides for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Dogs

Chicken Shawarma

Close-up of a wrap filled with grilled chicken, lettuce, cucumber, red onion, and sauce in a folded flatbread.
Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Meals feel a lot more fun when packed with variety kids enjoy eating. Chicken Shawarma brings interesting flavors without complicating anything. It’s ideal for tossing together lunches on busy days before school. Kids will appreciate something that’s filling but enjoyable all day long.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Lunches feel light but filling with Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies, which is easy to pack. It brings together textures that kids can enjoy while still being nutritious. You can serve this warm or cold, fitting different preferences. A great choice for introducing more veggies in a fun way.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds.
Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bite-sized options like Turkey Sliders fit perfectly into lunchboxes. They have just the right combination of flavor and size to keep kids interested. This is an easy recipe to prep for school or practice days. You can customize these to make each bite different, keeping things fresh.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Banana Bread

Close-up of a sliced banana bread loaf, showcasing its moist, textured interior with visible banana chunks.
Banana Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Snack breaks become more appealing when you keep Banana Bread on hand. It’s a timeless option parents rely on for its simplicity and taste. Moist and sweet, it disappears quickly no matter the time of day. Everyone at home might ask for a second loaf soon.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread

Ham and Swiss Sliders

Two ham and cheese sliders on seeded buns are placed on parchment paper. Bright green parsley is visible in the background.
Ham and Swiss Sliders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A lunch doesn’t need fancy ideas to stick around as a favorite. Ham and Swiss Sliders bring steady choices everyone usually enjoys during long days. They’re simple to grab or pack without complicating busy mornings. Makes the rush of early weekday prep a little less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Swiss Sliders

Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potato topped with black beans, corn, avocado, sliced jalapeños, cheese, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro, with lime slices on the side.
Southwest Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dinner bowls shine with simple additions like Southwest Sweet Potatoes. These bring out exciting flavors without straying too far from familiar options. Perfect for kids who like trying something different but approachable. A comforting option during hectic weekdays.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Non-complicated snacking often pairs well with creative school ideas like this. Pinwheel Sandwiches stick around as go-to setups that make meals fun again. They’re especially flexible for lunch boxes where neat snacks matter during packed schedules. Great for saving stress whenever kids need a quick grab.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Carrot Cake

Close-up of sliced carrot cake loaf with visible nuts and raisins on a parchment paper, topped with a light icing drizzle.
Carrot Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hard-to-please kids might surprise you with their love for Carrot Cake. It’s a dessert that manages to pack in sweetness without being too overwhelming. Ideal for after school or lunchbox treats, it’s higher on texture compared to regular cake. The perfect way to bring variety into dessert choices.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Start mornings right with Egg Bites, which pack a punch of convenience and flavor. They’re small enough to grab and eat on the way to school. Kids enjoy their bite-sized fun and parents love how easy they are to prepare ahead. These are perfect for early, busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a chocolate chip cookie on a cooling rack.
Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Treats remain unbeatable when Chocolate Chip Cookies are baked fresh. These never fail to disappear quickly, no matter the time of day. Simple and classic, they hit every note kids adore. A quick way to brighten up snack time or lunch breaks.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pizza Bagels

Pizza bagels on parchment paper, one with a bite out of it and a jar of BBQ sauce nearby.
Pizza Bagels. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick meals become fun when serving Pizza Bagels, merging two kid-friendly favorites. They’re small, easy to eat, and customizable for picky eaters at home. Great for hurried evenings, these are ready before you know it. Expect even the smallest ones to love these bites.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Bagels

Cheese Quesadilla

A person lifts a cheesy quesadilla slice from a wooden board. Nearby are bowls of guacamole and salsa on a light-colored table.
Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing beats easy snacks like Cheese Quesadilla, which will always keep kids content. It’s great for packing into lunches or whipping up quickly after school. Just the right amount of cheesy goodness makes it a go-to option. Perfect for mixing in optional extras while keeping it simple.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla

Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Close-up of spiral lemon poppy seed cookies drizzled with white icing and garnished with lemon zest.
Earl Grey Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dessert gets a unique touch with Earl Grey Lemon Cookies, blending subtle flavors kids might enjoy exploring. These stand out as a fun option for lunchboxes or school events. Something about that lightness keeps them asking for more. They work well as a break from simple snacks.
Get the Recipe: Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Grilled Cheese

Close-up of two stacked grilled cheese sandwiches made with multigrain bread and melted cheese oozing out.
Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

After-school cravings are handled perfectly with Grilled Cheese sandwiches. Warm, melted goodness always feels like a comforting choice for kids. Easy to make and endlessly loved, they’re ready in a pinch for busy afternoons. Pair them with soup or snacks for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheese

Crunchwrap Supreme

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Weeknight dinners are exciting with options like Crunchwrap Supreme, keeping things interesting yet practical. These layered wraps are packed with fun textures and easy to hold. Kids find them just as enjoyable as fast-food versions, but they can be customized at home. They’re a playful way to change things up.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Close up image of lemon blueberry muffin cookies on a wooden board.
Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Breakfast or snack time feels fresh with Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. These unique treats combine flavors that feel just right in every bite. They’re great for packing into lunches or grabbing on the way out the door. Something different for kids who like mixing it up.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Chicken Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad topped with grilled chicken pieces, croutons, and grated cheese on a bed of romaine lettuce. Dressing is served on the side.
Chicken Caesar Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Lunches don’t have to be boring, especially with Chicken Caesar Salad involved. Classic and simple, it works well for kids who like lighter meals. Easy to pack and portion, it’s a winning choice on busy days. Pair it with bread or crackers for a complete option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad

Shortbread Cookies

Close-up view of a pile of Shortbread Cookies with visible small holes on the surface.
Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simpler desserts stay winning with Shortbread Cookies, so perfect for quick bakes. Their texture makes them go down easy with kids before they’re off to classes. Great for a lunchbox treat or an afternoon snack when they get home. These are as straightforward as it gets.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

Baked Zucchini

Roasted zucchini halves garnished with chopped parsley on a white plate.
Baked Zucchini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Veggie sides stay easy and appealing with Baked Zucchini, making dinner smoother. It’s an uncomplicated dish that fits well into any meal or snack plan. Simple, soft textures make this veggie more likable for younger kids. Great for trying veggies without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini

Rhubarb Muffins

Close-up of three muffins with crumbly streusel topping, each wrapped in white parchment paper, arranged on a wooden surface.
Rhubarb Muffins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Mix things up at breakfast with Rhubarb Muffins, something a little different for kids to try. They work well for mornings or snack time because of their balanced sweetness. Soft but flavorful, each bite keeps things interesting. Easy to grab and eat on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Muffins

Chicken Salad Sandwich

A shredded chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, raisins, and a creamy dressing served in a brioche bun.
Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Long days at school need something hearty, like Chicken Salad Sandwich, in the lunchbox. Creamy and easy to eat, these can be prepped ahead without hassle. They work great for hungry days when kids need more to stay full. A solid choice for parents wanting something dependable.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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