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Back to School Recipe Roundup

ByLana Stuart Published: Last Updated:
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When the school bell starts ringing and dinner time gets a little more hectic, having a few tried-and-true recipes in your back pocket can make all the difference.

Back-to-school season always feels like a fresh start. New notebooks, sharpened pencils, and early morning routines all come rushing back, whether you are sending little ones off to kindergarten or waving goodbye to teenagers who barely remember to grab their lunch. Those first few weeks can feel a little bumpy as everyone gets back into the swing of things. That’s where dependable recipes can save the day.

A collage of breakfast and lunch dishes with Back to School Recipe Roundup text in the center.

I’ve gathered up some of my favorite simple and satisfying meals to help make busy weeknights and rushed mornings a little easier. These are the kind of dishes you can count on. They’re familiar, comforting, and easy enough to manage when your to-do list is already full. From breakfast ideas that fuel the day to dinners that bring everyone back to the table, these recipes are real-life tested and loved in my kitchen.

Breakfast

Mornings come early on school days, and having a few quick, nourishing breakfast ideas can make getting out the door a whole lot smoother.

Easy Sausage Muffins

Finished muffins on a white plate.
Easy Sausage Muffins
My Easy Sausage Muffins are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast! They're savory breakfast muffins full of sausage, eggs, and Cheddar cheese.
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Finished muffins on a white plate.

Easy French Toast

Two slices of French toast on a white plate.
Easy French Toast
This simple French toast recipe is ready in minutes. Just dunk, cook, and top with powdered sugar or syrup for a delicious breakfast.
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Two slices of French toast on a white plate.

Ham Egg and Cheese Muffins

A finished muffin on a white plate.
Ham Egg and Cheese Muffins
These delicious Ham, Egg, and Cheese Muffins are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast option. Easy to make and packed with protein, they'll keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
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A finished muffin on a white plate.

Ham and Egg Breakfast Sandwich

Finished sandwich on a white plate.
Ham and Egg Breakfast Sandwich
Start your day right with our Ham and Egg Breakfast Sandwich. Easy to make, full of flavor, and so very hearty!
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Finished sandwich on a white plate.

Date Nut Oatmeal

A bowl of date nut oatmeal on a marble background.
Date Nut Oatmeal
Make your morning a little more delicious with a bowl of this hearty Date Nut Oatmeal! It's brimming with dates, nuts, brown sugar, and cream.
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A bowl of date nut oatmeal on a marble background.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

A serving of apple pie oatmeal in a white bowl.
Apple Pie Oatmeal
Start your day with my warm, hearty Apple Pie Oatmeal. It’s quick to make and packed with the flavors of apples, cinnamon, and pecans.
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A serving of apple pie oatmeal in a white bowl.

Homemade Granola

Homemade granola in a glass jar.
Homemade Granola
Save money and make my Homemade Granola. Full of wholesome ingredients like whole grains, nuts, and dried fruits, it’s very budget-friendly!
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Homemade granola in a glass jar.

Blueberry Lemon Muffins

Sugared blueberry muffins are cooling on a wire rack, with fresh blueberries and a lemon nearby.
Blueberry Lemon Muffins
These Blueberry Lemon Muffins are bursting with fresh berries and citrus. They're easy to bake and freezer-friendly,
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Sugared blueberry muffins are cooling on a wire rack, with fresh blueberries and a lemon nearby.

Orange Blossom Muffins

An orange blossom muffin sitting on a yellow and white napkin.
Orange Blossom Muffins
Start your day with a burst of citrus flavor from these slightly sweet Orange Blossom Muffins made with orange marmalade and pecans.
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An orange blossom muffin sitting on a yellow and white napkin.

Low Fat Carrot Raisin Muffins

Carrot raisin muffins on a wire rack.
Low Fat Carrot Raisin Muffins
Low Fat Carrot Raisin Muffins – a fantastic, sweet muffin made with yogurt, egg substitute, and applesauce. A favorite for breakfast and afternoon snacks.
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Low Fat Carrot Raisin Muffins - a fantastic, sweet muffin made with yogurt, egg substitute, and applesauce. A favorite for breakfast and afternoon snacks. https://www.lanascooking.com/carrot-raisin-muffins/

Cinnamon Brown Sugar Waffles

A stack of cinnamon brown-sugar waffles with fresh blueberries and syrup.
Cinnamon Brown Sugar Waffles
Cinnamon Brown Sugar Waffles – waffles with a brown sugar, cinnamon, and buttermilk batter.
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A stack of cinnamon brown-sugar waffles with fresh blueberries and syrup.

Whole Wheat Waffles

A stack of waffles with butter and syrup on top, bacon on the side.
Whole Wheat Waffles
Crispy, golden whole wheat waffles made with buttermilk. An easy, wholesome breakfast you can prep ahead and freeze for busy mornings.
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A stack of waffles with butter and syrup on top, bacon on the side.

Dinner Recipes

After a long day of school and activities, everyone’s ready for something hearty and satisfying. These main dishes are simple to make and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table.

Homemade Sloppy Joes

An open-faced sloppy joe sandwich with ground beef filling on a toasted bun, served on a white plate with blurred vegetables and chips in the background.
Sloppy Joes
Homemade Sloppy Joes is a classic recipe that will please the whole family. It's one of the easiest and most popular dinners for school nights.
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An open-faced sloppy joe sandwich with ground beef filling on a toasted bun, served on a white plate with blurred vegetables and chips in the background.

Southern Meatloaf

Southern meatloaf on a white serving plate.
Southern Meatloaf
My Southern Meatloaf recipe topped with a tangy brown sugar-ketchup topping is a true family pleasing dish that's ready for the oven in jus
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Southern meatloaf on a white serving plate.

Baked Meatballs and Spaghetti

A plate of spaghetti topped with tomato sauce, meatballs, shaved parmesan cheese, and a sprig of basil, served in a white bowl with a green rim on a wooden table.
Baked Meatballs and Spaghetti
Baked Meatballs and Spaghetti served with tomato basil sauce. The meatballs are baked in the oven for a healthier alternative.
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Baked Meatballs and Spaghetti served with tomato basil sauce. The meatballs are baked in the oven for a healthier alternative. https://www.lanascooking.com/baked-meatballs-and-spaghetti/

Juicy Meatloaf Burgers

A meatloaf burger on a white serving plate.
Juicy Meatloaf Burgers
Juicy Meatloaf Burgers are your favorite comfort food transformed into tender, juicy burgers served on toasted buns.
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A meatloaf burger on a white serving plate.

Bacon Cheeseburger

Bacon cheeseburger with blue cheese on a white plate with french fries.
Bacon Cheeseburger
This bold Bacon Cheeseburger with bacon grilled right on the patty is topped with blue cheese for big flavor in every bite.
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Bacon cheeseburger with blue cheese on a white plate with french fries.

Easy Cheeseburger Pie (with Bisquick)

Cheeseburger pie in a white dish with one slice missing.
Easy Cheeseburger Pie
This Easy Cheeseburger Pie recipe is the answer to getting a quick, delicious family friendly weeknight dinner on the table in under an hour!
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Cheeseburger pie in a white dish with one slice missing.

Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew

A serving of beef stew over rice in a white bowl.
Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew
Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew can be made in under 30 minutes and is full of hearty beef, potatoes, carrots, green beans, and tomatoes.
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A serving of beef stew over rice in a white bowl.

Caesar Salad Pizza

Close-up photo of pepperoni pizza with caesar salad on top.
Caesar Salad Pizza
Caesar Salad Pizza layers crisp romaine and tangy dressing over pepperoni pizza for a bold, easy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
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Close-up photo of pepperoni pizza with caesar salad on top.

Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole

Cheesy ham and potato bake in a casserole dish with a large spoonful being shown.
Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole is creamy, comforting, and great for using leftover ham. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing family favorite!
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Cheesy ham and potato bake in a casserole dish with a large spoonful being shown.

Shepherd’s Pie

A serving of Shepherd's Pie on a white plate.
Shepherd’s Pie
Classic Shepherd's (or Cottage Pie) with ground beef and vegetables is topped with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese.
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A serving of Shepherd's Pie on a white plate.

Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato (BLT) Pasta

BLT pasta in a serving bowl with a napkin and cutlery alongside.
BLT Pasta
All the elements of a BLT combine with penne pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
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BLT pasta in a serving bowl with a napkin and cutlery alongside.

Easy Baked Spaghetti

A forkful of baked spaghetti dripping with cheesy topping and meat sauce.
Easy Baked Spaghetti
This five-ingredient Easy Baked Spaghetti is so fast and easy! Its ooey-gooey Cheddar cheese topping pleases everyone, especially the kids!
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A forkful of baked spaghetti dripping with cheesy topping and meat sauce.

Snacks

Whether it’s a little something to tide them over until dinner or a bite between homework and ball practice, these snack recipes are just right for hungry hands and busy afternoons.

Classic Coke Float

Coke floats in tall glasses with whipped cream and a cherry on top.
Classic Coke Float
Learn how to make a Classic Coke Float with vanilla ice cream, Coca-Cola, and loads of fun. Delicious summer afternoon treat!
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Coke floats in tall glasses with whipped cream and a cherry on top.

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Finished cookies cooling on a baking rack.
Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Chewy and rich, these Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies have a shiny, crackly top and a soft, fudgy center—like a perfect mix of a brownie and a cookie!
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Finished cookies cooling on a baking rack.

Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn

A white serving bowl filled with popcorn.
Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn
Try this Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn recipe for a delicious twist on a classic favorite snack.
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A white serving bowl filled with popcorn.

Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich

A stack of three ice cream sandwiches made with sprinkle-covered cookies, vanilla ice cream, and a layer of Nutella spread.
Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich
This Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich is a quick and easy summer treat made with cookies, Nutella, and ice cream. A sweet treat for all ages.
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This Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich is the perfect treat for busy kids (and grown-ups, too!) on a hot summer afternoon. Quick to make and fun to eat. https://www.lanascooking.com/nutella-ice-cream-sandwich/

Easy Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls

Pizza rolls on a plate with a dish of pizza sauce.
Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls
Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls are a great snack or family dinner. They're quick to make and even picky eaters love them!
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Pizza rolls on a plate with a dish of pizza sauce.

Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft and chewy, packed with sweet raisins and warm spices just like Grandma used to make! https://www.lanascooking.com/oatmeal-raisin-cookies/
Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft and chewy, packed with sweet raisins and warm spices just like Grandma used to make!
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These Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft and chewy, packed with sweet raisins and warm spices just like Grandma used to make! https://www.lanascooking.com/oatmeal-raisin-cookies/

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Finished pretzels on a baking sheet.
Homemade Soft Pretzels
Delicious, buttery, homemade soft pretzels warm from the oven.
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Homemade Soft Pretzels are a warm, buttery, delicious treat! https://www.lanascooking.com/soft-pretzels/

As the school year picks up speed, I hope these recipes help you feel a little more prepared and a lot more at ease. A good meal has a way of calming life on the busiest days. These simple, dependable dishes help make the season smoother and maybe even a little sweeter.

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I’m Lana Stuart, an award-winning cookbook author, food blogger, and lifelong cook raised deep in Southwest Georgia. I started Lana’s Cooking in 2009 to share the tried-and-true recipes I grew up with. Around here, the food is full of flavor, the traditions run deep, and there's always room at the table.

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8 Comments

  1. Nancy@acommunaltable says:

    Great round up and SO needed at this time of year when the change in schedule turns everything topsy turvy!! Keeping my fingers crossed for a good report at PT!!

    Reply

  2. All of the recipes are my favorites! Take care of your leg so that you can whip up some new delights.

    Miss P

    Reply

    1. I’m working on it! When I go to PT today, if things look good, I’ll get to stand on it for the first time in a month! Woohoo!

      Reply

  3. We actually tried fried okra according to your recipe today and my children who think okra is a strange vegetable one probably should stay away from love it. :)

    Reply

    1. I’m so glad to hear that, Marie! I can eat it like popcorn :-)

      Reply

  4. Hope the leg is much better by now. Thanks for the great recipes. Keep ’em coming!

    Reply
  5. Barbara | Creative Culinary says:

    Not just for kids…I’m particularly dying for a Dutch Baby (though I might plead you call it a German Pancake – that Dutch business comes from the word Deutsch (German) and I am one!).

    Great list Lana…and not JUST for back to school!

    Reply

    1. Thanks much, Barb. And I have a good bit of Deutsch ancestry, too.

      Reply