Back to School 101, Meals to Help You Thrive Not Just Survive

The end of summer is here, and with it, an often hectic return to school. Prepare yourself for back-to-school “daze” and nights in the kitchen with these simple recipes that let you ease your way into the school year and avoid the cafeteria altogether. Say bye to mystery meat and hello to homemade meals, revamped school lunches and classic, easy school night dinners, that save time, effort, and maintain your health.

Old Fashioned PB&J: Upgraded

Traditional PB&J can get old, and … fast. The remedy? Put a spin on this school sandwich classic by making your own Homemade Nut Butter. Swap peanuts for almonds in this healthy alternative. Simply place unroasted, unsalted almonds in your Kalorik 8-Piece Nutrition Blender Set. Blend on low for 5 to 7 minutes, add salt, and blend again to desired consistency. Gone are the added oil and sugars found in some nut butters.

Spinach and White Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Another lunchtime go-to is the grilled cheese sandwich, but why stick to the American cheese rendition when you can experiment with so many delicious variations? This Spinach and White Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich is packed with flavor. White cheddar adds sharp notes, while spinach, the ultimate superfood, packs a healthy punch of vital nutrients, and feel free to add tomato to the mix. Dark, leafy greens like spinach are important—they provide much-needed protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals essential in keeping students at their healthiest.

Brie and Date Grilled Cheese

This Brie and Date Grilled Cheese sandwich takes gourmet to the next level. Brie cheese is a true delicacy— an oh-so-smooth, creamy dream. Each bite into this delightful sandwich will surprise you with its nutty, savory and sweet flavors, and soft and crunchy textures. The addition of dates adds the sweet taste of an all-natural sugar. Grill all of these recipes using the Kalorik 4-in-1 Eat Smart Grill, the ooey-gooey results combined with the toasted crispiness of your favorite bread will amaze.

Chili-Garlic Broccoli

If you’re looking for healthy additions to school lunches, expand your reach and try this flavorful veggie recipe. Chili - Garlic Broccoli adds a surprising kick to any lunch. Combine broccoli florets with chili, oil, garlic, and ginger, then place in your Kalorik Air Fryer Pro. And there you have it, a spicy treat just for you. The broccoli itself is an excellent source of fiber and protein, while ginger can help fight infection, keeping you in tip-top shape for another busy school day.

Grilled Asparagus

The Romans once said “It’s as quick as cooking asparagus,” to express something done quickly. Grilled Asparagus is a cinch to cook in your Kalorik Air Fryer Pro, and great for someone short on time. In a mere 6 minutes, you’ll have a rapid-fire dish on hand that is also lunchtime friendly. The holy trinity—olive oil, salt and freshly-cracked pepper—leave you wanting more.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

This Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe has a bevy of ingredients known to enhance health. Riced cauliflower, carrots, ginger, peas, and scallions hit all those sweet spots while also delivering nutrient-packed ingredients your body needs. Choline, an important element in cauliflower, can help with learning and memory, two things every student would like to enhance. For our scholar athletes, carrots strengthen bones. Ginger energizes, while peas and scallions contain vitamin C, great for boosting the immune system. This scrumptious Cauliflower rice recipe can be cooked in your Kalorik Air Fryer Pro.

Sweet & Spicy Tofu Jerky

Sweet and Spicy Tofu Jerky is a snack with an edge, an extra piquant delight. This recipe calls for extra firm tofu, an excellent source of protein. The spice factor is concocted from low-sodium soy sauce, sriracha, and liquid smoke. Maple syrup adds a slight sweetness to this dish. This on-the-go snack is perfect for the student who needs something to munch on between classes.

Zucchini Chips

Zucchini Chips are a mouthwatering after-school snack. A combination of zucchini with panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese makes these golden, savory, and very crunchy bites a hit amongst students who return from school famished. They’re just filling enough to hold someone over until dinner.

Tomato Basil Focaccia Cheese Pizza in the Air Fryer

After a busy day of school, most people are pressed for time. But don't skip out on pizza night! These time-saving recipes are lifesavers for the overworked. Tomato Basil Focaccia Cheese Pizza uses focaccia bread, which is thick and soft on the inside, and crunchy on the outside. Turn up the flavor and indulge square by square with a few simple additions like fresh mozzarella and basil that will have you begging for more.

Portabella Caprese

Accompany your pizza with Portabella Caprese—a delectable mushroom-based appetizer that combines Roma tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, and balsamic glaze. This appetizer can be cooked in ten minutes and requires minimal effort. Let your Kalorik Air Fryer Pro do the heavy lifting.

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna takes mom’s lasagna to the next level. This hearty down-home vegetarian dish is made of spaghetti squash, pesto, spinach, and a variety of cheeses—Parmesan, fontina, mozzarella, and ricotta. It’s low-carb, so you can enjoy this indulgent meal guilt-free. Spaghetti squash lasagna is air fryer-friendly and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for the dietarily mindful student. Even better, this recipe yields enough for leftovers! It’s also just plain delicious. The only thing this recipe doesn’t do is clean up after itself.

Cinnamon Grilled Peaches with Ricotta and Honey

Cinnamon Grilled Peaches with Ricotta and Honey are a quick fix when it comes to making dessert. Turn up your Kalorik 4-in-1 Eat Smart Grill to prepare this satisfying pleasure after a long week at school. Peaches go hand-in-hand with the last days of summer, their peak harvest is between July and August. Say goodbye to lazy summer days as you gear up for the school year with one last hurrah! Grill your peaches, then place them into a mixture of cinnamon and sugar,. Next you’ll want to brush them with butter. When you’ve completed this step, spoon a dollop of ricotta cheese onto the peaches and then drizzle with honey. Feel free to try other fruits like apples or plums.