Try Nicky’s easy, budget-friendly batch & pack snacks for back to school
Batch cooking means you can spend less time cooking, and more time enjoying. For families who have to leave home early and get home late, batch cooking cuts down on time spent preparing food every single morning for the kids' lunchboxes, as well as minimising food waste and food costs.
Here are some of the basics for batch cooking:
Give yourself a day to plan and cook a week’s worth of packed lunches.
Choose recipes you can cook in large quantities and divide up to use in different ways.
Buy ingredients in bulk if possible – it’s more convenient and will help you save.
Divide your cooked recipes into smaller portions for easy storage in the fridge or freezer. Keep a selection of airtight containers for this, and don’t forget to leave plenty of storage space in the fridge and freezer for them.
01
Chicken and vegetable noodle pancakes
Packed with flavour, these bite-sized savoury pancakes make a perfect kid's snack. Storage tip: Stack cooled pancakes between sheets of baking paper. Then store in a reusable airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
02
Chicken and pea filo rolls
Wonderfully crispy and with a satisfying crunch, these nutritionally approved chicken and pea filo rolls are guaranteed to impress the kids. Storage tip: Cool rolls and sauce completely, then store in separate reusable airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
03
Air-fryer falafel scotch eggs
Cooked in an air fryer, these moreish falafel Scotch eggs will win over the kids at any time of day. Storage tip: Place cooled eggs in a reusable airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
04
Spinach and cauliflower rice muffins
Satisfy hungry tummies with these easy-to-make, nutritious spinach and cauliflower rice muffins. Storage tip: Place cooled muffins in a reusable airtight container in the freezer. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight before eating.
05
Sushi sandwiches
For a bite-size snack or to add to wrap or roll, these veggie falafels are quick, easy and delicious – and perfect for batch cooking. Just don’t tell the kids they’re healthy, too! Cook up a batch, and pack them up with some crunchy carrot sticks, a little tub of tzatziki and some wholemeal pita bread, and they’re good to go.
06
Blueberry puffins
Bring out the pie-maker and get ready to wow the kids with these blueberry puffins. They’re so simple and quick to make, and they’ll disappear even quicker. Why ‘puffin’, you ask? Because they’re a cross between a pancake and a muffin, that’s why! They’re also an irresistible sweet snack that’s perfect for a school lunch box.
07
Healthier bread empanadas with spinach pesto
For a quick take on a Mexican favourite, these healthier bread empanadas with spinach pesto are the business. They’re not only cheap and easy to make – think canned four-bean mix, corn kernels and diced tomatoes – but delicious, too. Cook up a batch, then pack them up with a side of tasty spinach pesto for a fun and satisfying lunch-box treat.
08
Healthier rissole pockets
For a quick, easy, budget-friendly weekday meal, rissoles are the go – and you can make them from any kind of protein you like, from classic beef, pork or chicken mince to a veggie version with canned chickpeas. These fast-to-make, easy-to-eat healthier rissole pockets also make a great lunch-box snack. Or pack them into pita pockets with salad for a tasty lunch.
09
Pie-maker dim sims
Everyone’s favourite kitchen gadget comes into its own in so many smart and easy recipe twists. Here’s a great way to whip up a batch of kid-friendly crunchy snacks. These pie-maker dim sims are quick to make and will vanish even more quickly. Add them to the lunch box with a little tub of dipping sauce and some carrot sticks for a fun school lunch.
10
Pie-maker vegetable frittata
Love frittata? This versatile family fave is the perfect way to use whatever veggies you might have in the fridge and turn them into something special. Take it to the next level of fun by making individual pie-maker vegetable frittata rounds to pop in the kids’ lunch box for a healthy midday meal.
11
Healthier frozen fruity yoghurt bark with muesli
Let’s not forget a sweet treat for the kids’ lunch box. This frozen fruity yoghurt bark isn’t only healthy, it’ll also help keep that lunch box cool – just remember to use an insulated one! This sweet and crunchy combo of raspberries, yoghurt, maple syrup, Woolworths summer fruit muesli and toasted coconut flakes is a winner. Make a batch for the freezer to use through the week.
12
Healthier apricot cereal balls
Here’s a yummy, summery snack that will disappear in a flash. These super-easy healthier apricot cereal balls are perfect little powerhouses of flavour. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, then pop a couple into the lunch box for a healthy nibble the kids will love. In fact, why not get the kids to help make them with you – they’ll love it.
13
Falafel with tzakiki
For a bite-size snack or to add to wrap or roll, these veggie falafels are quick, easy and delicious – and perfect for batch cooking. Just don’t tell the kids they’re healthy, too! Cook up a batch, and pack them up with some crunchy carrot sticks, a little tub of tzatziki and some wholemeal pita bread, and they’re good to go.
14
Vegie macaroni and cheese
Skip the standard sandwich and add some variety to their lunch box with this mac and cheese recipe. It’s also a clever way to sneak in an extra serve of veg.
15
Sushi burrito
Shake things up with these crunchy, colourful sushi burritos. They’re a nutritious lunchtime option, especially when made with brown rice.
16
Kids’ chicken noodle soup
Try another alternative to sandwiches. This chicken soup is a tasty option for winter. Make a batch to serve during the week, and freeze any leftovers to easily reheat another time.
17
Black bean burrito
Fill wholegrain wraps with black beans, avocado and corn for a delicious and filling lunch. It’s sure to become a lunch box favourite.
18
Mexican wrap
Makeover their lunch with last night’s leftovers — grilled meats, roasted veg or spag bol mince all make delicious fillings for wraps (or sandwiches). It’s also a great way to save time and money.
19
Meatballs
Kids love homemade meatballs — serve them with hummus or tzatziki as a dip. Make extra meatballs and freeze them so they’re ready to have later in the week.
20
Vegie falafels
Try these vegie falafels for an easy vegetarian lunch option you can make in batches. Serve alongside a mini salad of cucumber, tomato and pita.