Butcher.ie

Back To School Lunch Ideas

As the back-to-school season approaches, the team at butcher.ie has put together a collection of delicious and easy lunch ideas for your little ones. From nutritious lunch box fillers to satisfying after-school snacks, we understand the importance of feeding your family high-quality meats. Our suggestions focus on incorporating the best cuts while keeping preparation time to a minimum, giving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones. Embrace the hectic back-to-school period with these flavourful and convenient meal ideas that both you and your little ones will love.

 

Turkey and Cabbage Salad 

 

A fresh and nutritious Turkey and Cabbage Salad is the ideal back-to-school lunch option for a satisfying and healthy meal. Packed with lean protein and crunchy vegetables, this salad provides the perfect balance of flavour and nutrients to keep students energised throughout the day.

 

 Prep time: 20 minutes 

 Cooking time: 20 minutes 

 Serves: 4 

Product – https://butcher.ie/shop/poultry/irish-free-range-turkey-strips/

  

 Ingredients: 

 – 400g turkey breast, cut into thin strips 

 – 1 small cabbage, thinly sliced 

 – 2 carrots, grated 

 – 1 red onion, thinly sliced 

 – 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 

 – 100g cherry tomatoes, halved 

 – Handful of fresh parsley, chopped 

 – 2 tablespoons olive oil 

 – Juice of 1 lemon 

 – Salt and pepper to taste 

  

 Instructions: 

1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, red onion, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and parsley. 
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the turkey strips and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the turkey is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. 
3. Add the cooked turkey to the bowl with the vegetables. 
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. 
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. 
6. Serve the Turkey and Cabbage Salad immediately, or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

 

 

Creamy chicken and corn pies

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavours of creamy chicken and corn pies – the ideal lunchtime treat for busy days back at school.

 

Prep time: 20 minutes 

Cooking time: 35 minutes 

Serves: 4 

Product – https://butcher.ie/shop/poultry/diced-chicken/

  

 Ingredients: 

 – 2 chicken breasts, diced 

 – 1 onion, finely chopped 

 – 1 garlic clove, minced 

 – 1 cup corn kernels 

 – 1 cup chicken stock 

 – 1/2 cup double cream 

 – 2 tbsp plain flour 

 – Salt and pepper, to taste 

 – 1 pack ready-rolled shortcrust pastry 

 – Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of milk) 

  

 Instructions: 

  

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). 

  

2. In a large frying pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. 

  

3. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened. 

  

4. Return the chicken to the pan and add the corn kernels. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. 

  

5. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken mixture and stir well to combine. 

  

6. Slowly pour in the chicken stock and double cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

  

7. Roll out the shortcrust pastry and cut out 4 circles to line individual pie dishes. Divide the chicken mixture among the dishes. 

  

8. Cut out 4 slightly smaller circles of pastry for the pie lids. Place these on top of the pies and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the tops with the egg wash. 

  

9. Make a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking. 

  

10. Place the pies on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. 

  

11. Serve the creamy chicken and corn pies hot with your choice of side dishes. Enjoy!

 

Pork apple and fennel sausage rolls

Delicious and satisfying, these pork, apple, and fennel sausage rolls are the perfect addition to your child’s back-to-school lunchbox. Packed with flavour and easy to eat on the go, they’re sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

 

Prep Time: 20 minutes 

Cooking Time: 30 minutes 

Serves: 6 

Product – https://butcher.ie/shop/pork/handmade-pork-sausages/

  

 Ingredients: 

 – 500g pork sausage meat 

 – 1 apple, peeled and finely chopped 

 – 1 fennel bulb, finely chopped 

 – 1 onion, finely chopped 

 – 2 cloves of garlic, minced 

 – 1 tsp dried sage 

 – Salt and pepper to taste 

 – 375g ready-rolled puff pastry 

 – 1 egg, beaten for egg wash 

  

 Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). 
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork sausage meat, chopped apple, fennel, onion, garlic, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. 
3. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 6 rectangular pieces. 
4. Divide the sausage mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a sausage shape. 
5. Place a portion of the sausage mixture along the length of each pastry rectangle. Brush one edge of the pastry with the beaten egg and roll the pastry over the sausage filling to enclose. 
6. Press the edges to seal and place the sausage rolls seam side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. 
7. Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with the remaining beaten egg. 
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the sausage meat is cooked through. 
9. Serve hot or cold as a delicious snack or appetiser. Enjoy your Pork, Apple, and Fennel Sausage Rolls!

 

Mini Beef Wellingtons

A delicious back-to-school lunch idea, these Mini Beef Wellingtons are a bite-sized treat that will have your kids looking forward to lunchtime. Flaky pastry wrapped around tender beef fillet, with a rich mushroom duxelles and a touch of mustard for extra flavour. Easy to make and perfect for little hands to enjoy.

 

Prep Time: 30 minutes 

Cooking Time: 20 minutes 

Serves: 4 

Product – https://butcher.ie/shop/beef/fillet-steak/

  

 Ingredients: 

 – 400g fillet steak, cut into 4 equal pieces 

 – 1 tbsp olive oil 

 – Salt and pepper 

 – 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry 

 – 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 

 – 8 slices of Parma ham 

 – 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 

  

 Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. 
2. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then sear each piece for 1 minute on each side. Remove from the pan and allow to cool. 
3. Lay out the puff pastry on a clean surface and cut into 4 equal squares. 
4. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each square of pastry. 
5. Place 2 slices of Parma ham on top of the mustard. 
6. Put a piece of seared steak in the centre of each pastry square. 
7. Fold the pastry over the steak, sealing the edges by pressing down with a fork. 
8. Place the mini Beef Wellingtons on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. 
9. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg wash. 
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. 
11. Serve the Mini Beef Wellingtons hot, with your choice of sides. 

  

 Enjoy these delicious and elegant Mini Beef Wellingtons!

 

Doro wat and Injera bread

Doro wat is a traditional Ethiopian spicy chicken stew that is perfect for a back-to-school lunch. This flavourful dish is best served in injera bread, which acts as a wrap, making it easy for little ones to enjoy. If your kids love spicy food, this is a great option to add some excitement to their lunchbox.

Prep time: 20 minutes   

Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes   

Serves: 4   

Product – https://butcher.ie/shop/poultry/free-range-chicken-legs/  

 

 Ingredients:

 – 4 chicken legs 

 – 2 onions, finely chopped 

 – 4 cloves of garlic, minced 

 – 1 tbsp ginger, minced 

 – 3 tbsp Berbere spice mix 

 – 1/4 cup vegetable oil 

 – Salt to taste 

 – Water 

  

 Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. 
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. 
3. Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté for another 2 minutes. 
4. Add the Berbere spice mix and stir well to combine. 
5. Add the chicken legs and season with salt. Coat the chicken with the spice mixture. 
6. Add enough water to cover the chicken and bring to a simmer. 
7. Cook covered for about 1 hour or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. 
8. Serve hot with Injera bread. 

  

 Injera Bread: 

  

 Prep time: 5 minutes   

 Cooking time: 30 minutes   

 Serves: 4   

  

 Ingredients: 

 – 2 cups teff flour 

 – 2 cups water 

 – 1/2 tsp salt 

 – Vegetable oil for cooking 

  

 Instructions: 

1. In a large bowl, mix teff flour, water, and salt until you get a smooth batter. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to ferment slightly. 
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease with vegetable oil. 
3. Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the pan and quickly swirl it around to form a thin, crepe-like layer. 
4. Cover the pan and cook for about 2 minutes until bubbles start to form on the surface. 
5. Remove the Injera from the pan and repeat with the remaining batter. 
6. Serve the Injera warm with Doro Wat. 

  

 Enjoy your delicious Ethiopian meal!

 

Turkey strips on romaine lettuce with tomato

Turkey strips on romaine lettuce are a perfect alternative for a flour tortilla. They make for a delicious and healthy back-to-school lunch option that is easy to prepare and packed with protein.

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes 

Cooking Time: 15 minutes 

Serves: 4 

Product – https://butcher.ie/shop/poultry/irish-free-range-turkey-strips/

  

 Ingredients: 

 – 500g turkey breast, cut into strips 

 – 1 tablespoon olive oil 

 – 2 cloves of garlic, minced 

 – 1 teaspoon paprika 

 – Salt and pepper to taste 

 – 4 slices of wholemeal bread 

 – 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces 

 – Salad dressing of your choice 

  

 Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). 
2. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. 
3. Add the turkey strips to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Let it sit for 10 minutes. 
4. Place the marinated turkey strips on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. 
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the turkey is cooked through and slightly browned. 
6. While the turkey is cooking, toast the slices of wholemeal bread until golden brown. 
7. Once the turkey is ready, assemble the salad by placing a handful of romaine lettuce on each plate. 
8. Top the lettuce with the cooked turkey strips. 
9. Serve the turkey strips on romaine lettuce with the toasted wholemeal bread on the side. 
10. Drizzle with your favourite salad dressing before serving. 

  

 Enjoy your delicious and healthy Turkey Strips on Romaine Lettuce!

 

Are you looking for some sweet treat ideas to add to your back-to-school lunch menu? We’ve got you covered with some delicious and healthy options that are sure to be a hit with your little ones. Let’s dive into some mouth-watering treats that will complement your meat-filled delights. 

  

Homemade granola bars

 

Whip up a batch of delicious homemade granola bars for a nutritious and convenient back-to-school lunch option. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars are perfect for busy mornings and after-school snacks. Your kids will love them!

  

Prep time: 15 minutes 

Cooking time: 20-25 minutes 

Serves: 12 bars

 

 Ingredients: 

 – 200g rolled oats 

 – 100g nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews), chopped 

 – 50g dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots), chopped 

 – 50g seeds (such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds) 

 – 100g honey 

 – 50g butter 

 – 1 tsp vanilla extract 

  

 Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. 
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts, dried fruit, and seeds. 
3. In a small saucepan, heat the honey, butter, and vanilla extract over low heat until the butter is melted. 
4. Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is well coated. 
5. Press the mixture into the prepared baking tray, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon or spatula. 
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. 
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the tray before cutting into bars. 

  

 

Yoghourt parfaits

Yoghourt parfaits are a fun and nutritious option for kids’ lunches! These colourful and tasty treats can be easily customised with different fruits, granola, and nuts to create a balanced and delicious meal. Learn how to make the perfect yoghourt parfait for your child’s lunchbox.

 

Preparation time: 10 minutes 

 Serves: 4 

 

Yoghurt Parfaits 

  

 Ingredients: 

 – 500g Greek yoghurt 

 – 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup 

 – 1 cup granola 

 – 1 cup mixed berries 

 – 1 banana, sliced 

 – 1 tbsp chia seeds 

 – Fresh mint leaves for garnish 

  

  

 Instructions: 

1. In a bowl, mix the Greek yoghurt with the honey or maple syrup until well combined. 
2. In serving glasses or jars, layer the yoghurt mixture, granola, mixed berries, banana slices, and chia seeds. 
3. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled. 
4. Top each parfait with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and garnish with fresh mint leaves. 
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. 

  

Enjoy your delicious yoghurt parfaits!

 

Mini banana muffins

Mini banana muffins are a delicious and convenient snack for kids’ lunches. These bite-sized treats are made with ripe bananas for a natural sweetness and moist texture. Perfectly portioned for on-the-go snacking, these muffins are a hit with kids of all ages. Packed with nutrients and flavour, mini banana muffins are a must-have addition to any back-to-school lunchbox.

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes 

Cook Time: 12-15 minutes 

Number of servings: 12 mini muffins

 

Ingredients: 

 – 150g self-raising flour 

 – 1/2 tsp baking powder 

 – 1/4 tsp salt 

 – 50g caster sugar 

 – 1 ripe banana, mashed 

 – 50ml vegetable oil 

 – 1 egg 

 – 50ml milk 

  

 Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper cases. 
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the sugar. 
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed banana, vegetable oil, egg, and milk. 
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Do not overmix. 
5. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. 
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean. 
7. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 

 

Cashew Crispy Squares

Cashew Crispy Squares are a delicious and nutritious snack that kids will love in their lunchbox. These crispy squares are made with crispy rice cereal, butter, marshmallows, and chopped cashews for a delightful crunch. They are perfect for a quick energy boost during a busy school day. Your kids will enjoy the sweet and nutty flavour of these Cashew Crispy Squares, making them a great addition to their lunchtime routine.

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes  

Cook Time: 10 minutes  

Serves: 12  

  

 Ingredients: 

 – 200g marshmallows 

 – 50g butter 

 – 100g cashew nuts, roughly chopped 

 – 150g crispy rice cereal 

  

 Instructions: 

1. Grease a square baking dish and set aside. 
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. 
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the cashew nuts and crispy rice cereal until well combined. 
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down with a spatula to ensure it is evenly spread. 
5. Allow the mixture to cool and set for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares. 
6. Serve and enjoy these delicious Cashew Crispy Squares!

 

Adding these sweet treats to your back-to-school lunch rotation will bring a smile to your child’s face and keep them energised throughout the day. With a focus on health and flavour, these treats are sure to be a hit with both kids and parents alike.

We hope that the information provided in this article has been helpful in giving you some inspiration for creating delicious and nutritious lunches for your children as they head back to school. Remember that preparation is key when it comes to providing healthy meals, so take some time to plan ahead and ensure that your kids are getting the nutrients they need to fuel their busy days. 

  

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at butcher.ie. We are always here to help and provide you with the best quality Irish meats for your family. 

  

Wishing you and your little ones a successful and enjoyable school year ahead!