Craveable speed-scratch: save on labor without sacrificing taste

In K-12 cafeterias, the goal of serving food that’s nutritious, that kids like and that’s easy and quick to prepare can seem daunting. Thankfully, speed-scratch preparations can be a big help. Using prepared components with fresh produce or proteins is a convenient way to get dishes out in a short amount of time while avoiding menu fatigue. Additionally, because speed scratch recipes can be tailored to regional preferences and students’ tastes, foodservice directors can opt to customize their menus to what kids want, versus only choosing from a set list of fully prepared meals.

Check out these five tasty speed-scratch recipes that kids will ask for again and again.

Global flavors are a popular menu item in many restaurants, but why should adults have all the fun? Pulled pork enchiladas offer a bit of Mexican flair while still being familiar. These use three speed scratch ingredients—queso blanco sauce, barbecue sauce, and pulled pork—with fresh tortillas, and come together in a snap.

Find the recipe here.

Chili mac is popular among young diners, and so are tacos, so why not combine the two concepts for a delicious taco-inspired mac and cheese dish? Combine prepared taco filling with prepared mac and cheese, and offer a toppings bar with salsa or pico de gallo, sour cream and shredded cheeses to let students customize their meals.

Find the recipe here.

Pizza always knocks it out of the park with kids—it’s familiar, and at home, it’s often served up as a treat on Friday nights with family. This twist uses a parbaked crust and prepared three-cheese sauce to save time, along with shredded fresh cheeses, diced chicken breasts, and fresh red pepper, onions, spinach and garlic to top it off.

Many K-12 schools already have a pizza day in place, and this option offers a couple of vegetables to boot.

Try it out with this recipe.

Teriyaki, with its sweet and tangy flavor, is a favorite among young eaters. This version pairs prepared sweet-and-sour sauce with prepared teriyaki pineapple meatballs, and combines matchstick carrots, broccoli florets and brown rice to complete the dish. What’s more, bowl meals are increasingly popular on menus all over, so offering something like what mom and dad might be having for dinner can be appealing for kids.

Offer it up today: recipe here.

Kids will likely already be familiar with the walking taco concept. Tear open a bag of nacho or corn chips, and top them with portions of prepared three-bean chili and queso blanco sauce, then add salsa or pico de gallo and shredded romaine lettuce to complete the meal. This fun meal is perfect for getting kids to eat healthy ingredients like beans and veggies, and takes virtually no time to prepare.

Get the recipe here.

JTM’s Three Bean Chili is the smart way to add more plant-based entrées to your menus. It’s packed full of flavor and is perfect for speed-scratch recipes like smothered nachos and chili mac. And, it works great for build-your-own potato or burrito bowl bars. Click here to get product specs, recipes and request a free sample!