Full disclosure: we’re making the pizza buns for the extras that get left at home
If you want to get ahead of the game when it comes to coming up with creative school lunch ideas for kids, we’re here for it. Get your kids out of the PB&J rut with 30 great recipes that include roll-up recipes, homemade Lunchables, simple bento lunches, and more! Read on for the scrumptious kids’ lunch ideas for school—and expect an empty bento box to come back every time.
The sweet and savory combo of apples and cheese is complimented by ham or turkey for a unique take on a school lunch idea for kids. We think Honeycrisp apples would be perfect! Get more details from Weelicious.
If your kiddo is pizza crazy, check this out: tortilla pizza from Kristine's Kitchen! It's a more lunchbox-friendly way to pack a pizza pie and pairs great with veggies, too.
Have you heard about this hummus lunch idea from One Lovely Life? It's simple: your kiddo's fave hummus, combined with fresh veggies, pretzels, and pita crisps for dunking. No muss, no fuss!
These pinwheels are pretty as a picture and infinitely customizable to boot. Chelsea's Messy Apron has all the deets on this lunch idea, including how you can give it a boost with lunchbox-friendly ranch dip!
Two words: freezer sandwiches. A Taste of Madness has struck make-ahead magic with these ham and cheese creations. Just heat them up in the morning for a quick and easy school lunch that's packed with gooey cheesy goodness.
Kids love kabobs, and Weelicious gives you six different ideas for lunch versions. From caprese to BLT to the fancy brunch kabob, there's one for every palate.
Boring lunches have nothin' on this muffin lunch. It's the perfect whole wheat and banana combo and pairs great with a hard-boiled egg for an extra dose of protein. Learn more at Kristine's Kitchen.
Mini Corndog Muffins
Shutterstock
Got a class clown on your hands? Give their lunch those carnival vibes with this version of a corn dog in muffin form. These bites are good warm or cold and super simple to make!
Mac and cheese is a surefire win for our kids, which is why we love this take on easy mac from Food Fanatic. The best part? It’s made entirely in the microwave and comes together in a flash.
Basil, parmesan, and sunflower seeds combine to make this fresh and flavorful nut-free pesto. Mix it up in pasta, use it as a sandwich spread, or make it a yummy dip for veggies.
Two words: pizza bites. Keep a batch in the freezer, and you’ll always have them ready for an easy school lunch idea for kids. Get the recipe at Super Healthy Kids.
Pack a salad loaded with goodies, and add a container of dressing on the side. Try out this kiddie cobb salad from Katie Sullivan Morford of Mom's Kitchen Handbook.
How do you turn lunchtime into a real fiesta? With these easy deconstructed nachos, courtesy of What Lisa Cooks. This idea not only skips the mess of traditional nachos but it can also be thrown together in about five minutes.
Thanks to Simple As That, you can treat little pizza connoisseurs to a creative school lunch that doesn’t involve foil-wrapped slices. These cheesy buns are simple to whip up (kids can even help with the prep work), and they can be tossed in the freezer for those days when you need a lunch or snack ASAP.
Okay, so we said there was no PB&J to be seen, but sometimes a home run lunch isn’t about reinventing the wheel. Just take this school lunch idea from A Whisk and Two Wands. Alternate your sandwich bites with healthy fruit, and you’re all set for school.
Sometimes you just need to embrace kid food quirks—like when they get attached to one particular color. This genius idea from The Mom 100 groups great green munchies like pesto pasta, broccoli, and grapes (If your kid is hooked on a different hue, The Mom 100 also has orange and yellow lunches on her blog!).
We love how this idea from Weelicious incorporates fun flavors and lots of grated carrots. It’s perfect for when you want to amp up your kids’ veggie intake–or when you want to pack a lunch that looks impressive but takes minutes to make.
Kids love the DIY aspect of Lunchables (go figure), but those unmade lunches can get pricey. Cue Snap. Eat. Run., which outlines how to make your own cheaper and healthier version of pizza Lunchables. You only need a few minutes to get these ready, and you can even make them ahead of time and toss them in a school bag on the way out the door.
What do you get when you take the classic BLT and give it a school lunch twist? These bite-sized rollups from The Girl Who Ate Everything! These are easy to put together and adaptable too, so feel free to get creative with whole wheat tortillas, hummus, sprouts, sliced chicken, or whatever else is in the crisper drawer.
Teacher, foodie, blogger, and supermom Lexi of Lexi’s Clean Kitchen is our hero. She created this paleo-friendly recipe with flaxseed, tapioca flour, and a whole lot of flavor for lunchtime. Pack a little dipping sauce and handi-wipes for the best finger food lunch in the cafeteria!
Think beyond bread! Add a Pinch shows how to include savory applewiches in your little one’s lunch. The filling ingredients include cheddar cheese and peanut butter–but if your kids’ school is a peanut-free zone, you can always substitute in other kinds of nut butter.
Talk about using your noodle! This school lunch idea for kids from Hip Foodie Mom can be whipped up quickly in the morning and features tasty Asian flavors (Think low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and more.). It’s great for kids who are tired of the ol’ sandwich route and great for those who have mini lunch containers, too.
Catherine McCord always has simple and fun ideas to please even the pickiest eaters. These sandwiches from Weelicious scream tea party and are a total hit when it comes to school lunches. Just make sure to stash a cold pack in those lunch bags so the cream cheese can stay cool all morning!
We couldn’t resist this simple Tomato Basil Pasta recipe from Apron Strings—it’s literally made in one pot! Even better, it’s got tons of healthy veggies, making sure your little ones get the nutrition they need. Sounds like a dinner winner. For even more easy dinner ideas, check out our collection of 30-minute meals.
Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe Ingredients:
12 ounces linguine pasta
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid
1 large sweet onion, cut in julienne strips
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
2 large sprigs basil, chopped
4 1/2 cups vegetable broth (regular broth, not low sodium)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan cheese for garnish
Cooking Method:
1. Place pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil in a large stock pot. Pour in vegetable broth. Sprinkle on top of the pepper flakes and oregano. Drizzle top with olive oil.
2. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer, keep covered, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes or so. Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated – leave about an inch of liquid in the bottom of the pot–but you can reduce as desired.
3. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stirring pasta several times to distribute the liquid in the bottom of the pot. Serve garnished with parmesan cheese.
Trader Joe’s does not disappoint when it comes to seasonal products, especially with regard to its pumpkin, apple, and Halloween goodies. You’ll find tasty autumnal flavors of all your favorite Trader Joe’s fall items including yogurt, pasta, donuts, and snacks. There are so many options that even picky eaters will find a thing or two to add to this month’s school lunches.
The fall beauty section is a real star with a pumpkin body scrub and pumpkin body butter that you’ll definitely want to snag. There’s even a giftable soap and lotion set in a lovely vanilla pumpkin scent. We’ve rounded up the most recent fall products—and be sure to check back as TJ’s continues to pack its shelves with fall goodness.
New Trader Joe’s Fall Items
La Colombe Pumpkin Spice Latte
Forget making a second stop at Starbucks and snag your favorite fall beverage at Trader Joe’s instead. This perfectly portable Pumpkin Spice Latte is found in the cold case and you’ll want to grab a few to get you through the school pickup line.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Ravioli
You’ll find both the gluten-free and regular versions of this pasta during the fall season. We love it with an easy brown butter and sage sauce.
We confess that we buy these “for the kids” but really they are for us. They are just $2.49/bag so you should just go ahead and get a few bags.
Cinnamon Brooms
If you want your house to smell like fall, snag one of these cinnamon brooms to hang on your door. Bonus: They easily switch over to Halloween decor once October hits.
Your day is made when you start it off with Pumpkin O’s in your bowl. They are vegan and gluten free and will run you just $2.99/box.
Non-Dairy Maple Oat Beverage
We love this addition to our morning coffee routine and know you will too.
Apple Cider Foaming Hand Soap
You’ll have the kids washing their hands all day when they can use this delicious-smelling foaming hand soap. It’s only $2.99 and lasts quite a while.
Apple Cider Donuts
Another favorite in the apple cider category are these cinnamon-sugar coated apple cider donuts that are perfect when you warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Josephsbrau Oktoberfest
This full-bodied beer is perfectly priced to bring to your next fall gathering whether it’s a football game or Halloween party.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Body Butter
The pumpkin beauty products are on point this year and you’ll definitely want to buy a tub or two of this body butter to get you in the mood for all those pumpkin patch and apple farm visits.
We can think of so many ways to use up these mini marshmallows from topping squash casserole to adding to cinnamon hot cocoa. They are gluten free and vegan and are made with real maple syrup.
Vanilla Pumpkin Hand Soap & Hand Lotion
We love this cute box as it makes the perfect autumnal hostess gift to keep on hand for when you get invited to a last-minute Halloween party.
Pumpkin Greek Nonfat Yogurt
Sprinkle on a little pecan granola and this yogurt is the best way to start your day when there’s a chill in the air.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese
Spread some pumpkin cream cheese on your pancake bread or toasted bagel for a sweet and creamy treat.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Body Scrub
With a base of exfoliating brown sugar and mega-moisturizing pumpkin, sunflower, and jojoba seed oils, this body scrub is a must-buy addition to your beauty routine.
This is going to be your new favorite nut mix, we promise. It has maple-roasted almonds and pecans along with black pepper, dried cranberries, and pepitas.
Honeycrisp Apple Candle
These candles top our list of favorite scents so you’ll want to be sure to pick up enough to get you through to Thanksgiving.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur
Whether you sip this over ice or added to your after-dinner cup of pumpkin spice coffee, you’ll love having this sweet liqueur in your liquor cabinet.
From an egg drop soup recipe to beef stew, these meals will warm you up during the cold winter months
When there’s a chill in the air, there’s nothing better than comforting soups, stews, and, of course, chili. From chicken noodle soup to beef strew and even a white chicken chili recipe, these hearty meals and comfort food are perfect for the cooler months. Plus, they’re all one-pot meals that are perfect for busy weeknights. So bundle up, simmer down, and scroll on for our favorite slow cooker stews, two-step soups, chili recipes, and more.
For a quick take on a popular version of chili, we like Boulder Locavore's Instant Pot version. It only takes 15 minutes and you can make it mild or spicy, depending on your preference. Don't have an Instant Pot? No Worries! Try this version instead.
Love your Instant Pot? You'll love it even more once you try this chili recipe from The Bearded Hiker. Just sauté your beef, add your veggies, beans, and spices, and voila!
This delish stew from Mindy’s Cooking Obsession is the perfect cure for a comfort food craving. Best of all, you can throw all the ingredients in the Crock Pot in the morning and have a warm meal ready when it’s time for dinner.
If your kids can't get enough chili and they love mac and cheese, you can get the best of both worlds with this soup from Baking with Blondie! It comes together in about 30 minutes and is extra tasty in a bread bowl or sprinkled with some sharp cheddar.
There's no reason for vegetarians to be left out of the chili fun! This dish (which uses the crock pot!) includes three kinds of beans and is gluten- and dairy-free. Get the recipe here.
This soup from The Cake Chica is just what your grilled cheese needs! It uses the freshest ingredients and takes two—count ‘em, two steps. And if you have a blender or food processor, it's that much easier!
Your busy workdays just got better with this recipe from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog. It’s bursting with healthy vegetables and flavors, and since it cooks all day in your Crock Pot, there’s not much work involved.
Ditch the questionable instant ramen and whip up your own with this recipe from Aviva Goldfarb of The Six O’Clock Scramble. Your little noodle lovers will love all the fresh flavors, like ginger and lime!
More broccoli, please! That’s what the kids will be saying, thanks to this soup from Kitchen Sanctuary. It’s creamy and even has a couple of other veggies thrown in. Top with bacon for an extra treat!
Great news! This recipe from Prevention RD uses ingredients you probably have on hand. And there’s a healthy twist: low-sodium chicken broth, whole wheat pasta, and lots of variations if you want to add your fave veggies.
This recipe from Closet Cooking is Mexican street corn (think: corn, lime, cheese, avocado) and is surprisingly easy to pull off. And, since you can use fresh or frozen corn and customize the spices to suit your family, you can whip this up any time of the year!
For fans of chicken pot pie, this Kitchen Sanctuary takes the cake. It has the same comfort-food flavors, and you can customize it with your kids’ favorite veggies. It’s also a cinch to make!
Not only does this soup (courtesy of Jen at How To: Simplify) feature kid-friendly tortellini, but it also sneaks in some spinach for extra veggie points. It’s sure to warm you up, fill you up, and get the whole fam asking for seconds.
If your family loves lasagna, you’ve got to give this soup from Boulder Locavore a try. It’s got all the same flavors, without the hours of preparation (Psst! It’s also great for gluten-free diets!).
Simmer up a big helping of this delish soup from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook! It’s simple, so the kids can get involved in the cooking process—put them to work crushing tortilla chips!
We’re willing to bet that this soup from Life Made Simple is going to be your new cold-weather staple. It’s thick, creamy, and just like a loaded potato with all the fixings! And did we mention it’s a quick and easy one-pot recipe?
If egg drop soup is your kids' fave thing to order at Chinese restaurants, you’re in luck. This recipe from One Lovely Life is a great homemade option. It can be made in no time and is a total crowd-pleaser.
This recipe, courtesy of Food Blogga, is the very definition of comfort food. It’s super easy and super tasty. You can make it ahead of time to wow kids and grownups alike.
The best way to eat more veggies? Slurp them! This soup from Kitchen Sanctuary is chock-full of healthy vegetables and cheesy to boot. Plus, the veggies have an extra oven-cooked flavor for a truly tasty meal.
Skinny Clam Chowder
My Healthy Eating
Nix the usual heavy cream that comes with clam chowder. This recipe from Mireya at My Healthy Eating Habits is a healthier version of the classic, and it uses your slow cooker, so it’s a great set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Thanks to a few shortcuts, this recipe from Kim’s Cravings is super easy to make. Grab pre-made meatballs and jarred marinara sauce and you’re halfway there!
This Japanese noodle soup recipe is easy to make and hearty enough to make a meal
Scallions and fresh ginger spice the broth, while carrots, mushrooms, and noodles make a hearty base in this Japanese Vegetable Noodle Soup recipe. Your little chef will love squeezing lime juice into this flavorful soup, served alongside orange slices.
Ingredients for Japanese Vegetable Noodle Soup
64 ounces low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 1-inch piece fresh ginger
2 cups bok choy, sliced, or 2 cups Napa cabbage, sliced
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 carrots, sliced on the diagonal
8 16-ounce extra-firm tofu, drained and cubed
6 ounces ramen noodles, flavor packet discarded
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 lime, juiced
1/4 cup cilantro, mint or basil, chopped
6 oranges, cut into wedges, for serving
Method:
1. Adult: Place the broth, soy sauce, and ginger in a large pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
2. Together: Add the cabbage or bok choy, mushrooms, carrots, and tofu, stirring after each addition. Cook for about 2 minutes.
3. Together: Add the ramen noodles, taking care to discard the flavor packet. Reduce heat and keep the soup at a low boil. Keep at a low boil for 3 minutes more, or until the ramen is just cooked.
4. Kid: Add the scallions, lime juice, and fresh herbs to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute more, or until all the ingredients are heated through.
5. Together: Divide the soup into 6 bowls, place on plates with the orange wedges, and enjoy!
A holiday dinner isn’t complete without a satisfying side of stuffing. To add a Southern spin on classic stuffing, we recommend trying out this delicious Smoked Sausage Cornbread Stuffing recipe featuring Eckrich® Smoked Sausage, apples and cornbread. This unique stuffing mixture packs in both amazing flavor and texture.
Check out the recipe from Eckrich® below to create this tasty dish.
Total Time
Skill Level
Servings
1 hr 35 minutes
Intermediate
12
Ingredients
Pkgs. Eckrich Smoked Sausage, diced
28 oz.
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup(s)
Large sweet onions, finely chopped
2 whole
Stalks celery, trimmed and finely chopped
6
Large red apples, cored and finely chopped
2 whole
Chopped fresh sage leaves
2 Tbsp.
Fresh thyme leaves
1 Tsp.
Large eggs
6
Pkg. stuffing mix
14 oz.
Loaf of prepared cornbread (homemade or store-bought)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Light coat two 3-quart baking dishes with butter or oil.
Melt butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, onion, celery, and cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add apples, sage and thyme and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl. Stir in contents of skillet, stuffing mix, and chicken broth. Crumble cornbread into bowl and stir in pepper and salt until well combined. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dishes. Do ahead: The dressing can be prepared up 24 hours in advance, just cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Bake dressing uncovered for 75 minutes, until top is golden-brown and the center is set.
Tips to Stretch Your Dollar
Switch up your leftovers routine this holiday season by turning your remaining stuffing into tasty, bite-sized egg muffins. Easy to make and a great option for breakfast or brunch the next morning, these muffins only require stuffing, eggs and your choice of mix-ins (think: spinach, mushrooms, cheese or ham).
Preheat the oven to 375°F, grease a muffin tin with butter, then whisk together six eggs and two tablespoons of milk. Stir in your leftover stuffing and toppings then bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
In need of more inspiration for your next family meal? Smithfield Foods’ large portfolio of products, including Smithfield® Bacon, Nathan’s Famous® Beef Franks and Eckrich® Smoked Sausage, can meet your household’s needs for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack time.
With the school year and work in full swing, now is the time when you might look to shortcuts for your family meal plan. With these local (and some not-so-local) meal kit delivery services, you can add another feather to your already full cap and whip up something delicious faster than you can load everyone in the car for take-out. Keep reading for our favorite meal delivery services in Atlanta, and let someone else do the cooking (or at least the shopping and prep) for a change.
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Instead of Flowers
This Atlanta meal delivery service offers ready-made dinners for diners who prefer to leave the prep work to someone else. With meal delivery from Monday to Friday between 3 and 6 p.m., Instead of Flowers guarantees you'll have a hot meal on the table before the last kids gets home from practice. Choose between complete meals or a la carte options, and be sure to check out the special kids' menu, as well.
Insider tip: When you gift a meal from Instead of Flowers, they contact your recipient, take their preferred order and delivery date, and even include an enclosure card letting them know that the dinner came from you. Sounds like an easy way gift for new parents to us.
With a weekly menu with multiple options—as well as three to four à la carte kits—and a delivery zone both ITP and OTP on Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays (plus multiple pick up locations), Garnish & Gather is as big on offering their customers options as they are on offering quality local ingredients. They work with Atlanta's best chefs for meal kit recipes, recently featuring menus from the chefs of Miller Union, Banshee, Revival and Tiny Lou's.
Insider tip: Garnish & Gather has "kid approved" menu items, like lemon caper chicken, that take 20 minutes or less to prepare. They'll also deliver local groceries from Georgia farmers and artisans to your doorstep.
Owner Carol Rice's goal has always been to help families of all sizes get supper on the table because she knows what it means to be a busy parent of younger kids. Expect family friendly meals that are totally customizable for your family (you add the desired amount of spice to all entrees from the included bag yourself). If you want something left out or put on the side, or low sodium, or vegetarian or gluten free, or want to switch meats, all you have to do is make a note of it during check out. Menus include 16-20 choices that change monthly, and delivery includes all of metro Atlanta.
Insider tip: We love that Carol used to have her children's friends over to taste test upcoming menu items. Clearly these meals are crafted with the family table in mind.
Bag'd Atlanta is your source for local vegetables and fruits delivered to your door, also featuring a variety of add-ons and health and wellness products. While this isn't a prepared kid per se, the robust local fruits and veggies have a week's worth of produce to inspire any aspiring chef. Serving Intown Atlanta, and offering free delivery to Decatur and Avondale Estates for orders over $25 (and a small delivery fee elsewhere), Bag'd lets you get dinner in the bag.
Insider tip: Check the website for availability of dairy, eggs, and meat, all sourced from Georgia farmers and can be delivered to your door.
This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The menu features over 45 choices every week, and the website tags meals as Family-Friendly, Under 30 minutes, Vegetarian or Vegan and other categories. Our favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help.
The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce.
Cost: starting at $10/serving + $10/box for delivery
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
Healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week and you'll enjoy options like Steak & Cheddar Melts, Salmon with Creamy Chimichurri, and Creamy Baked Penne Pasta.
Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are good for you and good for the planet. Choose from Quick & Easy, High-Protein, Gluten-Free or Chef’s Choice dinners and customize your choices to your liking. All meals are meat-free and easy to prepare, or you can select from prepared meals to be delivered to your door. You can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.
Good to know: We’re crushing on Purple Carrot’s Plantry ingredients like cauliflower snacking crackers and chocolate-covered oat bites that kids can grab and eat.
How about 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Then look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too). There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever. Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos, and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan.
Good to know: As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.
Sun Basket provides meal kit customers with organic produce and clean ingredients with paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and family menu selections. Consumers can also upgrade to premium meats like grass-fed filet and jumbo shrimp. Broaden your culinary horizons with family-friendly meals like chicken tagine and Taiwanese noodle soup. You can even select "super speedy" meals which can go from box to table in less than 20 minutes or "one pot" meals which keep the dishes to a minimum. Hooray!
Parents will love how Sun Basket encourages kids to participate in the cooking process (which has been shown to create more adventurous eaters). Each recipe includes a "Kids Can" section with suggestions of how kids can contribute to the meal prep by juicing a lemon, timing the orzo or strip the mint leaves.
Sun Basket recently released their Fresh & Ready meals and families will want to try them out for sure. Fresh & Ready is an ideal weeknight meal solution—the meals feature a complete dinner that is pre-cooked, packaged and can go straight into the oven or microwave, ready in 6 minutes or less, no additional prep required.
Chef-made, nutritionist-designed meal delivery service Territory Foods delivers meals free of gluten and refined sugars to Dallas families. With over 35 options that are updated weekly, you choose what you want, the items are cooked to order and delivered twice a week to keep your fridge stocked. Pause or cancel at any time. Try the chicken stir fry or BBQ pork with mashed potatoes as easy kid-friendly options.
They also recently started offering Territory Grocery. Options: Produce Box ($60) featuring a 15+ lb. mix of garden veggies, root veggies, fruit, leafy greens and herbs; or Produce & Pantry Box ($70) including all of the above plus 2-3 lbs. of grains and legumes.
When it comes to feeding families, One Potato has got you covered. Co-founder Catherine McCord's best selling Weelicious recipes are the basis of the One Potato meals. There's nothing fussy here—the organic, non-GMO ingredients come pre-chopped, pre-measured and ready to get from box to table in no time. Each recipe will be ready in less than 30 minutes, which makes weeknight meals a cinch. Bonus: there's cookie dough included in every box!
One Potato understands that not every family has two adults and two kids so they offer plans for two to six servings per meal. By indicating how many children are in your family, you'll receive kid-sized portions (about half of an adult-sized portion) for them. Choose two or three meals to be delivered per week, or skip that week if you'll be out of town.
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose among two-serving, four-serving, wellness and vegetarian menus to pick the options that are right for you. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
Freshly is a weekly subscription service delivering fresh (not frozen), chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in three minutes. Unlike meal kits, all you need is a microwave, fork and plate (optional!) to get a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table. Think “nutritionist meets personal chef” vs. TV dinner when it comes to quality and flavor.
With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.
While this meal kit delivery service isn't exclusive to Atlanta, it only preps and delivers gourmet three-step recipes (fist bump!). Their one-pan cooking with zero prep required means you cut down on the clean-up time, too. Plus, menu items are marked as "Certified" Gobble Kid Friendly, making it easy to pick the most foolproof meal for your little foodies.
Good to know: Gobble sends meal kits with the intent of 15 minutes or less of prep time, so you can spend more time hanging with your little gobblers—instead of stirring away over a hot stove.
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. With a variety of more than 20 different recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Skip a week any time you'd like, the meals are convenient and kid-friendly. The 15-minute meal kits include options like Mini Pesto Pork Pizzas. Or, opt for more sophisticated meals from the culinary collection like Crispy Chicken with Lemon Pistachio Butter.
Thanks to Ambs Loves Food, your cravings for a Korean beef bowl can be sated in just 20 mins. This simple ingredient list of pantry staples will pack your dish with so much flavor your little foodies will be asking for seconds. Pst – cooking the rice will take longer than the beef, so if you plan ahead and have pre-cooked rice to reheat, making this dish could take less than 20 mins!
Ingredients: 1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon crushed ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon veggie oil
1 tablespoon chives
roasted/steamed broccoli
cooked brown rice
Method: 1. Start with a large skillet and heat oil until hot. First add garlic and cook for a minute until you can smell it fragrantly. Add in ground beef.
2. While beef is cooking mix brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and lastly ginger in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Once beef is cooked and all crumbled, drain the fat. Pour in sauce mixture with chives, let simmer until hot.
4. Serve over brown rice with roasted broccoli.
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Textile designer by day, food blogger by night, Amber Knight is the author and photographer of Ambs Loves Food, a blog full of easy, delicious recipes. Her recipe index is filled with classical dishes that kids will love, like banana oat chocolate chip muffins to comfort mac and cheese. She even gets her craft on with fun DIY projects! Visit Ambs Loves Food by clicking here.
When it comes to feeding our families, parents know that despite our best intentions, sometimes all we can handle is what is quick and easy. But we also know that healthy food choices now set our kids up for better choices as they grow up. So what’s a busy parent to do? We asked some nutritional experts for advice on what to buy at the grocery store to set ourselves up for success, whether prepared foods, frozen veggies, or fresh. So even when you’ve got to bust out the mac and cheese once in a while, take their tips below, and you’ll be on the right track for a happy, healthy, well-fed family.
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
Whole Foods/Georg Beyer
Fresh Seafood
Registered dietician and Fresh Thyme Market's resident industry and retail expert Meghan Sedivy recommends parents make seafood a main source of protein twice a week if possible. “In addition to being a great meatless alternative, fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, trout or oysters are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain and heart health."
If you're not out there with a rod and a reel yourself, the frozen fish you find at the grocery store is usually flash-frozen for optimal taste and freshness, which makes it easy to have it on hand for a quick dinner. Sedivy reminds us that fatty fish is also, "a great source of vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, which aids in calcium absorption, immune function, and protecting bone, muscle, and heart health.”
Whole Foods
Have you ever heard the term “shopping the edges?” It means focusing on the exterior aisles of the grocery store—where the whole foods reside (all the processed food is in the middle). Renowned chef Gerard Viverito, aka “The Sustainable Chef,” stresses the importance of eating whole foods because that’s where you’ll get a nutritional bang for your buck. He says, "emphasize food quality over quantity by focusing on whole, unprocessed foods that are nutrient-dense foods, high in fiber and low in net carbs-but are still packed with other nutrients.”
Also, according to Nicolette M. Pace, MS, RDN, CDE, CBC, CDN, CFCS, and FAND, you should be paying attention to the labels. “Don't be fooled by packaged items that are marketed as ‘made with fresh fruit’ or ‘contains a full serving of vegetables.’ Single-ingredient foods like an apple or broccoli do not need labels they are whole foods." Instead, Pace recommends that you cut your selections to those with five or fewer ingredients. "More than likely, a paragraph of ingredients will contain additives, preservatives or flavor enhancers which if routinely eaten can harm a child's health.”
Plant-Based Snacks
Often, the snack foods our kids want for lunch or after school are just empty calories. Consider swapping some of them out with plant-based snacks. Kids will still feel like they're eating snacks, but they'll fill up on fiber and protein. Jill Castle, MS, RDN, is a huge believer in plant-based proteins for kids. “For plant-based snack ideas, try edamame in the shell or black bean dip with whole-grain crackers,” she says. Or, if they’re dying to have a favorite like mac and cheese, a plant-based version, like Banza, a high-protein, chickpea-based pasta, is a good substitution. “Not only does it deliver a plant-based source of protein, but it’s also a significant source of calcium and iron,” says Castle.
When it comes to healthy food, fresh is best. The best way to eat fresh produce is to try to eat seasonally and locally. If you can’t swing that, stick with what’s available or frozen veggies. It’s also important to try to “eat the rainbow,” Pace says. “Start with a list of different fruits and vegetables that are five different colors in a rich rainbow of healthy nutrition for a child's mental and physical growth. A colorful plate of food is not only appealing to kids, but the plant pigments in red, orange/yellow, green, purple, and even white are plant chemicals, which are super-smart superfoods that help keep kids healthy and develop well.”
Sedivy agrees with this concept. “I always recommend picking up fresh, in-season produce when grocery shopping. Not only do fruits and vegetables add a pop of color to your plate, but they add flavor, and texture and increase your nutrient intake. Aim for at least three different colored fruit or veggie options like blueberries, tomatoes, green beans, or Brussels sprouts to ensure that you are consuming a variety of nutrients.”
Healthy Fats
Fat can be an excellent source of nutrition; it just depends on what type you're eating, and yes, there’s a difference. Fats from things like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fish are all filled with healthy-boosting qualities. Chef Viverito is a big fan. His list of healthy fat sources includes grass-fed butter, ghee, avocados, coconut oil, MCT oil, olive oil, sesame oil, walnut oil and Malaysian certified sustainable palm oil. He mentions palm oil in particular. “Malaysian palm oil has scientifically proven benefits for the heart, brain and liver. It is loaded with carotenoids, much more than carrots and tomatoes. It’s also much better for cooking and grilling, as it holds up to high heat and has a neutral flavor.”
Pantry Staples
It’s important to have a few basic ingredients on hand at all times, so you can make a homemade meal instead of deferring to pre-packaged meals, so be sure to always have a running list before you hit the grocery store. If you're wondering what you can make with these few ingredients, check out our roundup of pantry meals.
We’ve known about this one for a while, but sometimes it can be tempting to let the kids have that sugar-free energy drink or even the juice box. There’s not only a ton of added sugar in sodas, juices and other flavored drinks, but there are also a lot of artificial ingredients. According to The Sustainable Chef, it’s important to avoid heavily processed fruit juices and sodas. “Clean hydration is important because they help flush your system,” he says. “Water, sparkling water, green tea, black tea, coffee, protein shakes, milk alternatives, vegetable juice, kefir, and kombucha can all offer interesting alternatives to often chemical-laden and heavily processed fruit juices and sodas.”
Processed Foods
Processed foods are another one to avoid if you can. Processed foods are likely to have far more additives and fewer of the micronutrients your body needs. What’s more, they are associated with several negative health effects, including weight gain, diabetes, overall mortality and heart disease. By choosing processed foods over nutritious, whole foods, you may become deficient in micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins C, D, and K,” says Chef Vivierto.
Non-Grass Fed or Organic Meats
This can get pricey, but it’s worth it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, while grass-fed meats are the best, organic meat is still better than nothing at all. The benefits of choosing these pricer cuts of meats range from being better for the environment to having more nutritional benefits like extra omega-3 fatty acids, less cholesterol and more antioxidants.
Pre-Packaged Deli Meats
Turkey, ham and chicken cuts can be a good source of protein for kids, but the pre-packaged stuff has tons of saturated fat and sodium. The Cleveland Clinic recommends selecting fresh deli meats because they have fewer nitrates, look for the leanest cut of meat or a low-sodium option.
When you can’t pop out to the grocery store and you’re looking at an empty fridge, a pantry meal can save the day. We’ve found a bunch of easy recipes to help you turn basic ingredients into showstopping eats the whole family will love. Scroll on to discover your next go-to meal!
If getting your fave Chinese takeout isn't on the menu, you can always turn to this super easy recipe! With just three ingredients (including frozen popcorn chicken), even the kiddos can help make it. Get the recipe from Dinner Then Dessert.
When you're desperate for a magical pantry meal, the magic word is casserole. This particular casserole includes a couple of cans of condensed soup and the rice you likely have on hand. It's creamy, comforting, and totally tasty. Get the recipe from It's Always Autumn.
Psst! That canned tuna in your cupboard is calling out for this easy dinner recipe. It takes just 15 minutes to make, and if you need to sub in dried parsley instead of fresh, that'll do just fine. Get the recipe from Salt & Lavender.
If pizza is always a winner in your house, you've got to check out this recipe from Fountain Avenue Kitchen. It takes your fave pizza flavors and combines them with tortillas for a no-muss meal. And just like a traditional pie, these pizzadillas are easily customizable with what you have on hand. Get the recipe here.
Do your littles get a kick out of breakfast for dinner? This recipe takes eggs and toast to the next level and is super easy to make—all you need is eggs, bread and seasonings of your choice! For the recipe, pay a visit to Gourmandelle.
Need a simple meal ASAP? Let's taco 'bout it. This idea from Mountain Mama Cooks has great flavors and just a few ingredients. Think of it as an elevated Taco Tuesday—and don't forget the salsa. Get the recipe here.
Sometimes all you need is a quick and delicious red sauce to turn your weeknight around. Cue this recipe from Budget Bytes, which tastes amazing drenched over whatever noodles you have in the cupboard. The sauce only sports five ingredients, and it's lick-the-spoon good. Get the recipe here.
We know this dish has "breakfast" right in the title, but there's no use limiting its deliciousness to just one meal. You can scramble this up on the quick with just a few basic ingredients, then add veggies for extra oomph and you'll have a dish that's irresistible. Get the recipe from Lexi's Clean Kitchen.
When all else fails, combine two of your kids’ favorite foods: spaghetti and hot dogs! You can always add in veggies like onions and bell peppers for an extra healthy kick. Best of all: this meal only requires one pot. Get the recipe from Kitchen Simmer.
Craving some Asian flavors? Just grab the peanut butter in your pantry, plus a few other ingredients, and you can whip up noodles that are salty, spicy, and even have a kick of umami. Get the recipe from Dinner Then Dessert.
Want to class up your weeknight dinners or go-to lunch? This recipe is simple, elegant, and easy to put together. You can customize the ingredients to suit what you have on hand and even indulge your kids' preference for sandwiches sans crust. For the full how-to head over to For the Feast.
Who says you can't have Thanksgiving in April? This recipe comes to us courtesy of Sarah Olson’s cookbook, The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms,and it couldn't be easier. Simply pack the ingredients into your slow cooker and voila! For the recipe, click here.
This recipe may not be traditional, but it's definitely delicious! This version of chicken parm from Baking & Creating with Avril is off-the-charts easy—thanks to the Crock Pot—and it only has three ingredients! To snag the recipe, click here.
Be clever with your condiments! This recipe from A Southern Fairytale makes great use of mustard and low-fat mayo, and it's a great way to use some other pantry staples like cereal. Get the how-to here.
Got mild white fish in the freezer? Well, this recipe is the perfect excuse to use it! With just a little extra magic (think panko crumbs, butter and parmesan), you can have a delicious and quick meal the whole family will love. Get the recipe from !Hola! Jalapeño.
Psst! Erin at Table for Seven claims that this three-ingredient recipe is so simple, you can make it with your eyes closed. It sounds like the perfect weeknight meal to us. All you need is some brown sugar and your fave salsa, and you're set! Get the recipe here.
If there's a reason you have a reasonably stocked spice rack, this is it. This recipe, courtesy of Moms Who Think, is a cinch to pull off and all you have to do is gather basic herbs. Did we mention it also uses your handy-dandy Crock Pot? For more, click here.
You know that stockpile of juice boxes your family has been collecting? This sweet recipe, courtesy of Oatmeal With a Fork, puts them to good use! This chicken is flavorful and easy to make—and we’re willing to bet it’ll be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. Get the recipe here.
When it comes to this black bean soup, the magic number is three. That’s because it only has three ingredients—but a major taste that the whole family will love. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or salsa, or dress it up with some cheese, and this is sure to be a winner. Get the recipe from Honey and Birch.
If your kiddos can’t get enough PB&Js, then you’ve got to check out this idea that gives the classic sandwich a creative twist. It works for just about any meal (hello upgraded lunchbox!), and you probably have all the ingredients already. Get the recipe from A Whisk and Two Wands.
Grab that jar of salsa in your pantry and turn Taco Tuesday into a real fiesta. Bonus: this recipe uses your slow cooker so you can set it and forget it until dinnertime. Get the recipe from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog.
You know those cans of tuna hanging out in the back of your pantry? They’re great for upgrading a standard grilled cheese! It’s hearty enough to satisfy kids and easy enough to whip up when you need a meal PDQ. Get the recipe here.
Just say no to piles of dirty dishes! This awesome pasta dish is a one-pot wonder for busy weeknights. If you’ve got pasta, canned tomatoes and veggie broth in your pantry, you’re already halfway there. Get the recipe here.
The perfect way to use up stale bread? This wow-worthy bread pudding. It’s got an awesome secret ingredient (Nutella!) and goes great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The only trick will be making sure it doesn’t get gobbled up in seconds! Get the recipe here.
This too-easy idea sports only five ingredients—and if you don’t happen to have ground turkey, ground beef works just fine! Feel free add your own toppings suited to your kiddos’ taste buds! Get the recipe from Sweet Phi.
Got hot dogs and 30 minutes? Then this simple recipe is just what you need. Thanks to a homemade sweet BBQ sauce, this dish gets a bit fancier than your average hot dog meal—but it’s sure to please little palettes. Get the recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron.
Great news! This recipe from Prevention RD uses ingredients you probably have on hand. And there’s a healthy twist: low-sodium chicken broth, whole wheat pasta, and lots of ways to change it up if you want to add your fave veggies. Get the recipe here.
