Sunset's Quick & Easy Back to School Recipes

The start of a new school year brings a return to routine and busy schedules for the whole family. At Sunset Foods, we believe that a hectic week shouldn't mean compromising on quality or flavor. To help you navigate the season, we've gathered a collection of our favorite recipes for quick back-to-school breakfasts, easy school lunch ideas, and weeknight dinners for busy families. This year is all about protein-packed meals to fuel the day, globally inspired flavors for adventurous palates, and convenient one-pot dinners that make weeknights a breeze, making Sunset your back-to-school headquarters.

Quick & Easy Breakfasts

Easy Breakfast Muffin Tin Egg Bites

Start the day strong with these simple, protein-rich egg bites. They are the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings, ready in just 30 minutes.

Pro Tip: Meal-prep a batch on Sunday for a week of grab-and-go breakfasts, knowing you're starting the day with high-quality protein from our large selection of pasture-raised & Amish eggs.

Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos

Bring a taste of global flavor to your morning routine with these portable breakfast burritos. The air fryer gives them a perfectly crisp finish in minutes.

Pro Tip: These are easy to make ahead and freeze, making even the most hectic mornings a little easier.

Banana Chia Protein Overnight Oats

For a healthy, plant-based start with no cooking required, these overnight oats are a perfect solution. They're naturally sweetened and packed with fiber.

Pro Tip: For a richer, more decadent flavor, stir in a spoonful of cocoa powder before refrigerating.

Packable Lunches

Rainbow Pasta Salad

This vibrant pasta salad is a great way to pack more veggies into a lunchbox. It's a perfect make-ahead option that you can easily customize with your child's favorite colorful ingredients.

Pro Tip: Save time by visiting our produce department for a selection of fresh, pre-cut vegetables.

Chicken Caesar Salad Pita Sandwich

All the classic flavors of a Chicken Caesar salad packed into a convenient, on-the-go pita. This protein-packed lunch is a guaranteed hit.

Pro Tip: Use leftovers from one of our store-made rotisserie chickens from the deli for an even faster meal.

Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl

This hearty and healthy bowl meal is packed with fiber and nutrients. It's a delicious way to introduce kids to satisfying and flavorful plant-focused eating.

Pro Tip: Visit our new Bowl Bar in Lake Forest & Long Grove for a selection of greens, grains, & toppings to customize a Buddha Bowl exactly how you want it.

After-School Snacks

Nutella & Peanut Butter Energy Balls

The perfect healthy after-school snack, these protein-packed energy balls are easy to make and will keep kids fueled for homework and activities.

Pro Tip: Stop by our produce department for freshly ground peanut butter, or visit our grocery aisle for great nut-free butters that are allergen friendly.

Panko Baked Chicken Fingers

A kid-approved classic made better. This healthy swap uses a panko crust to give chicken fingers an irresistible crunchy texture without deep frying. Use our Miller Amish Air-Chilled Chicken for the best results.

Pro Tip: For an even crispier finish and to save time, cook these in the air fryer!

Easy Weeknight Dinners

For more meal inspiration, visit Sunset's Recipe Rack at recipes.sunsetfoods.com. And for those busy weeknights when you can't make it to the store, use Sunset eGrocer, now offering same-day delivery at egrocer.sunsetfoods.com.