11 Make-Ahead Grab-and-Go Meals for School Days

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Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a nutritious and delicious make-ahead breakfast option, perfect for busy mornings as kids head back to school. This easy and customizable meal can be prepared the night before, allowing for a wholesome start to the day without the need for morning prep. Simply combine oats with your choice of milk and toppings, and let it soak overnight for a creamy, convenient meal.

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl or large jar, combine the oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
2. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the oats are fully submerged in liquid.
3. Layer in your choice of fruit and optional nuts or seeds on top.
4. Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
5. In the morning, stir the oats and enjoy them cold or warm them up in the microwave.

Egg Muffins

Egg muffins are a versatile and protein-packed make-ahead meal that can be customized with your favorite vegetables, meats, and cheeses. These mini frittatas are perfect for busy mornings and can be prepared in advance, making it easy for kids to grab a nutritious breakfast on their way to school. They’re also great for lunchboxes and snacks!

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Stir in the diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, cheese, and any optional ingredients like sausage or green onions.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly into the muffin tin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
5. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the egg muffins are set and lightly golden on top.
6. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before serving.

Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are a flavorful and convenient make-ahead meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. Packed with protein and veggies, these burritos are easy to customize with your favorite fillings. Prepare a batch over the weekend, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat them quickly in the microwave for a satisfying meal that will keep your family fueled for the day ahead.

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell peppers over medium heat until softened.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into the skillet, add the cooked sausage and spinach, and scramble until the eggs are fully cooked.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
4. Lay out the tortillas, and divide the egg mixture evenly on each. Roll the tortillas tightly, folding in the sides to prevent filling from spilling out.
5. Wrap each burrito in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
6. To reheat, microwave the burrito for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Serve with salsa if desired.

Yogurt Parfaits

Yogurt parfaits are a delicious and nutritious make-ahead meal that make for a perfect breakfast or snack option. Layered with creamy yogurt, fresh fruits, and crunchy granola, these parfaits are easy to prepare and customize based on your family’s preferences. Prepare a few jars at once and store them in the fridge for quick grab-and-go options throughout the week.

Instructions:

1. In a cup or jar, add a layer of Greek yogurt to the bottom.
2. Top the yogurt with a layer of mixed berries and slices of banana.
3. Add a layer of granola on top of the fruit.
4. Repeat the layers until the jar is full, finishing with a layer of yogurt and a sprinkle of granola on top.
5. Drizzle honey or maple syrup if desired, and sprinkle chia seeds for added nutrition.
6. Cover the jars with lids and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy them cold and ready to go!

Smoothie Packs

Smoothie packs are a fantastic make-ahead meal solution for busy mornings. These pre-portioned bags of frozen fruits and vegetables allow you to whip up a nutritious smoothie in just minutes. Simply blend the contents with your choice of liquid, and you’ve got a rejuvenating and healthy breakfast or snack that’s perfect for back-to-school hustle.

Instructions:

1. In a large freezer bag, layer spinach or kale as the base.
2. Add the sliced frozen banana, mixed berries, and frozen mango.
3. If using, add Greek yogurt and chia seeds to the bag.
4. Seal the bag tightly, label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. When ready to make a smoothie, pour the contents into a blender, add your choice of almond milk or juice, and blend until smooth.

DIY Granola Bars

DIY granola bars are an easy and nutritious make-ahead meal perfect for busy school mornings or as an after-school snack. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they can be customized to suit your taste preferences while providing sustained energy throughout the day. Making them at home allows you to control the sweetness and avoid preservatives found in many store-bought options.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, chopped nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well-combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down firmly to create an even layer.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown around the edges.
5. Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into squares or bars. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Mini Quiches

Mini quiches are a versatile and delicious make-ahead meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack anytime during the busy school week. These bite-sized treats can be filled with a variety of vegetables, meats, and cheeses, making them customizable and perfect for using up leftovers. They store well in the refrigerator and can easily be reheated, ensuring a quick and satisfying meal option for busy families.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin or line with pie crusts or phyllo dough.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Stir in the cheese, spinach, bell pepper, onion, and optional meat until evenly distributed.
4. Pour the egg mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about ¾ full.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mini quiches are puffed up and golden brown. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, and reheat as needed.

Fruit and Nut Energy Bites

Fruit and nut energy bites are a fantastic make-ahead snack that packs a nutritious punch, ideal for busy school days. These no-bake treats are simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients. They combine the natural sweetness of dried fruits with the crunch of nuts and seeds, making them both energizing and satisfying. Perfect for an after-school snack or a quick breakfast on the go, they can be stored in the refrigerator for easy access throughout the week.

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, nut butter, honey, dried fruit, chopped nuts, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed and form a sticky dough.
3. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
4. Place the energy bites on a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, grabbing them as needed for a quick snack.

Pasta Salad Jars

Pasta salad jars are an excellent make-ahead meal option for busy school days. These colorful, nutrient-packed jars can be customized with your favorite ingredients and are perfect for lunches. They are easy to prepare, transport, and enjoy either cold or at room temperature, making them a convenient choice for the whole family. Simply layer the ingredients in a jar for a delicious and healthy meal ready to go when you need it.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, feta cheese, black olives, spinach, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Layer the ingredients in mason jars starting with the heavier items (pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers) at the bottom and ending with spinach on top.
4. Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate for up to five days.
5. When ready to eat, shake or stir to combine the ingredients before enjoying!

Chicken and Veggie Wraps

Chicken and veggie wraps are a fantastic option for make-ahead meals that are both delicious and nutritious. These wraps can be filled with a variety of fresh vegetables and grilled chicken, making them a perfect lunch or snack for busy school days. Easy to prepare and portable, these wraps can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, ensuring kids have a tasty meal ready to go.

Instructions:

1. Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface and spread a layer of hummus or ranch dressing evenly over each tortilla.
2. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken, red bell pepper, cucumber, grated carrots, and spinach on the tortillas.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly to enclose the filling, then slice each wrap in half.
5. Wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to four days. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature!

Freezer-Friendly Pancakes

Freezer-friendly pancakes are a wonderful make-ahead breakfast option that’s both simple to prepare and perfect for busy school mornings. These pancakes can be cooked in advance, frozen, and reheated in a matter of minutes, providing a warm and satisfying start to the day. They are highly versatile and can be enjoyed plain or topped with syrup, fruit, or yogurt.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease lightly.
5. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
6. Allow the pancakes to cool completely, then stack them in groups of two or three and wrap in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
7. To reheat, microwave frozen pancakes for about 30-60 seconds or until heated through, or toast in a toaster until warmed. Serve with your favorite toppings!