This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx. All opinions and back to school meal ideas are my own.
The lazy days of summer are over. Are you singing the back to school blues yet? Adjusting to the fall routine isn’t easy, but I have some back to school meal ideas and kitchen shortcuts to help you meal plan and keep the whole family happy and fed.
Between the early mornings, afternoon practice, and homework, busy moms and dads have a lot on their plates during the school year. And, I know that many of you have taken on the role of your child’s homeschool teacher too. That is a lot!
Time-Saving Back to School Meal Ideas
Having some quick, easy, and nutritious meal options can make those busy weekdays a little easier. I was recently introduced to some terrific new brands and products, and am excited to share them with you.
Jus-Rol Premade Doughs
Jus-Rol products are premade doughs, refrigerated, and ready to use. They come pre-rolled on parchment paper for easy prep and quick clean-up.
Why You Will Love Jus-Rol Products
- Made in the USA with the highest-quality ingredients
- Non-GMO
- Contains no artificial flavors or colors
- Contains no high fructose corn syrup
- Contains no bleached flour
- All products are vegetarian
Look for Jus-Rol products in the refrigerator case at your grocery store or use the online store locator.
Take a look at the pizza and pastries I made with Jus-Roll premade doughs below:
Easy Homemade Pizza for the Busiest of Weeknights
Like most families, mine enjoys making homemade pizza. Making pizza isn’t a very original back to school meal idea, but using Jus-Rol pizza crust is a very new concept. Here’s why: Jus-Rol Family Size Pizza Crust comes rolled up in baking paper, right in the packaging, which is a huge time saver.
You simply unroll the dough onto a baking sheet, leaving it on the parchment paper. No flour! No sticky fingers! No mess! Just roll!
The pizza dough isn’t overly thick while being thick enough to handle a lot of toppings, and my family does tend to go heavy on the toppings sometimes.
Did I mention that it tastes super delicious?
3-Ingredient Cherry Turnovers
Everyone deserves a treat during the back to school season! The Jus-Rol Puff Pastry Dough is awesome for when you want to make a quick sweet treat. It is super convenient because you don’t have to wait for it to thaw. Simply unroll the baking paper, be creative, and bake delicious pastries.
Fruit Turnovers are one of my favorite sweet treats to make. They only require two ingredients, well three if you count the egg wash.
Simply cut the Jus-Rol Puff Pastry Dough into squares. Then, place a couple of spoonsful of ready-made pie filling in the center. Brush an egg wash around the edge of the pastry dough to act as the glue.
Fold over the dough to form a triangle and gently press down on the edges. You can optionally use a fork to crimp the edges. Bake according to the package directions on the Jus-Rol Puff Pastry Dough.
These turnovers turned out so flaky and layered – exactly what you want in a puff pastry dough.
A powdered sugar glaze can make the cherry turnovers a little sweeter. Simply, whisk together 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the pastries.
Farin’UP Mixes
Farin’UP is the U.S. subsidiary from the oldest family-run mill in Luxembourg (Europe). The company sells natural baking & breakfast mixes as well as Protein Balls & Bars Mixes.
What You’ll Love About Farin’UP Mixes
Packing is 100% recyclable
Natural ingredients
Quick and easy to make
Some unique recipes from around the world
Farin’UP Mixes can currently be bought at Publix, Stop & Shop, Giant, Safeway, United, Central Market, Lowes, and on Amazon with many new retailers to join in the coming months/years.
Farin’UP Unique French Crepes Mix
Get ready to toss out any notion you have about making crepes being difficult! Just add milk to Farin’UP Unique French Crepes Mix to whip up quick, easy, delicious crepes. It conveniently comes in pourable packaging that can be resealed for freshness, so it’s ready for the next time your family wants crepes.
If you’ve never made crepes this is the way to do it. Farin’UP Unique French Crepes Mix is the #1 selling crepe mix in the United States and I can see why. You can have delicious crepes ready in just five minutes. These homemade crepes are so delicious. Your tastebuds will travel to France!
Did you know that crepes can be enjoyed both sweet and savory? Yup. They sure can which makes this kitchen shortcut perfect for both breakfast and dinner.
If you’re not sure how to serve your crepes, here’s some inspiration:
Pancake-style with butter and maple syrup or honey
Fresh fruit and cream cheese whipped with a little powdered sugar
Nutella and banana crepe is my personal favorite
Fresh blueberry sauce and whipped cream
Chocolate morsels and whipped cream
Bacon, egg, and grated cheese (your choice)
Ham, egg, and Swiss crepes
Bacon, mushroom, and spinach crepes with a hollandaise sauce
Farin’UP Protein Balls Mix: Fruits
Let’s talk about snacks for a moment. I have to admit that I don’t always make the best choices when it comes to snacking, though I have been on an apple kick recently. I made some of the Farin’UP Protein Balls and they are super delicious.
Pop a couple of these into your mouth for a healthy pick-me-up in the afternoon. Farin’UP Protein Balls are plant-based and gluten-free.
There is no baking required! Simply pour and measure the mix with agave syrup or honey. The back of the package provides the measurements and the resealable pack is very convenient.
I think the Farin’UP Protein Balls are a great snack for older kids. The long school day takes a lot out of them, and they especially need an energy-fueled snack for after-school activities. My husband even had some when he returned home from the gym yesterday, so I guess I’ll be making some more.
Visit the Farin’UP online store and save 15% sitewide through September 22, 2022, with promo code BTS22INF01.
Minute Rice Cups
We all know and love Minute Rice, so I was glad to try the new Minute’s Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups with a new and improved recipe. I enjoyed the homestyle taste with carrots, onion, and garlic.
Minute Rice Cups takes just 1 minute to make in the microwave, so they are ideal for the busiest of weeknights when you don’t have time for prep. With easy shortcuts like Minute Rice Cups, you can have dinner on the table in less time than it would take to go through a drive-thru.
The hearty, savory rice recipe is a terrific addition to salads, soups, or as an easy side. Pack up a simple meal of grilled chicken and rice for lunch!
A lot of us are still working from home, and Minute Rice Cups are ideal for a quick and easy lunch. I like to make a simple rice bowl, with protein and some veggies. Homestyle Chicken Bowl is one of my favorites.
This time of the year is super hectic. I hope these back to school meal ideas and shortcuts make it a little easier for you.
You might also like this free weekly meal planning printable.