Back-To-School Recipes
It’s September, the kids are in school and it’s time to get back into the routine of family dinners. If you’re looking for inspiration this fall, here are a few mainstays at the Zimmern household. I’ll admit, these are not all 30-minute recipes and some may take planning ahead. But, they’re all fairly easy and I guarantee they’re crowd-pleasing meals the whole family will rally behind.
Easy Vegetable Dip
This super easy dip comes together in a flash and is perfect for a vegetable crudite platter, poached seafood, chicken wings, chips or french fries, and even doubles as a great salad dressing. Get the recipe >>>
Apple-Cider Roasted Pork
I make my family a version of this practically fool-proof savory pork dish a few times a month. Get the Recipe >>>
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Instead of opening a typical can of cream of chicken soup to bind it all together, make your own! It only takes a few minutes and tastes infinitely better. Don’t skip the homemade breadcrumb topping, it really makes the dish. Get the recipe >>>
Walking Tacos
Pork & Black Bean Chili
Be sure to serve this chili with lots of toppings—limes, minced chiles, hot sauce, sour cream, sliced avocado, crumbled aged cheddar cheese, corn chips and warm flour tortillas. Get the recipe >>>
Mozzarella in Carrozza
Mozzarella in carrozza is the ultimate cheesy sandwich with soft, gooey mozzarella nestled between egg-battered bread that’s fried until golden. I love to whip these easy sandwiches up for a special after-school snack, or a weeknight dinner accompanied by a big salad. Get the recipe >>>
Butter-Fried Chicken
This fried chicken entrée makes everyone happy. My son starts screaming “butter chicken” and runs up and down the hallways when he comes home from school and learns what’s for dinner. Get the recipe >>>
Foolproof Macaroni & Cheese
Of the dozens of recipes for this comfort food classic that I have in my recipe file, this one is unique. It’s cheesy and easy, and once you taste the browned buttery bread crumbs, you’ll be sold. Get the recipe >>>
Curry-Glazed Carrots
The flavor combination of carrots, curry, orange and ginger is amazing, not to mention incredibly nutritious. Get the recipe >>>
Roasted Chicken with Ratatouille
Family meal nights across America just got easier, and so did entertaining on a budget. Ratatouille paired with roast chicken pieces is a classic combination that even your kids will devour. Get the recipe >>>
Cold Peanut Sesame Noodles
This is a simple, approachable dish with complex flavors that speak to kids and adults. Topped with fresh cilantro, scallions and cucumbers, these cold peanut-sesame noodles have become a favorite meal in the Zimmern household. Get the recipe >>>
Perfect Pot Roast
Nothing says comfort food like a perfectly tender pot roast. It’s a staple in my cooking repertoire, and once you’ve tried it, I’m convinced it’ll become a regular meal at your house too. Get the recipe >>>
Lasagne al Forno
I prefer to make this classic Italian recipe with hearty eggplant slices and mushrooms in place of meat-heavy layers – it makes for a lighter, fresher meal. Get the recipe >>>
My Grandma’s Meatloaf
If you’re on the fence about meatloaf, this recipe will certainly change your mind. The whole family will love this meal and the delicious meatloaf sandwich leftovers you’ll be serving the rest of the week. Get the recipe >>>
Menietti in Vegetable Soup
These little menietti dumplings are my new favorite recipe. I can’t stop making them. Get the recipe >>>