Easy Meals for Work

This time of year is so often associated with the sending of kids back to school (in fact, we have several articles on just that topic), but the busy working adults deserve some attention too. The ­­recurring cycle of work-home-weekend-repeat can get pretty monotonous at times. It’s made extra challenging as the end of summer vacation season comes into view and the looming fall season brings with it an added workload and busyness of its own.

Thankfully we have food to break up the day. Beginning the morning with a well-rounded meal can supply us with the energy we need to jump-start our day. And a simple and delicious midday meal offers us a welcome break from our workday routine.

The good news is these meals can be both simple and satisfying—don’t stick to boring granola bars and sandwiches. Read on for some 5-minute meals, make-ahead recipes, and other great methods on preparing easy weekday breakfasts and lunches!

Breakfast

5 Minute Egg Sandwich

Did you know you can perfectly prepare an egg in under 2 minutes using this simple microwave technique? Simply whisk together two eggs and some water inside a greased bowl and microwave for 60-90 seconds, stirring half way through. Top with melted cheese and serve with sliced avocado and a few dashes of hot sauce to make this delicious 5-minute egg sandwich on Martin’s Potato Rolls!

https://potatorolls.com/recipes/5-minute-egg-sandwich

5 Minute Breakfast-in-a-Mug

Another easy breakfast option is to make a mini single-serving casserole using a large microwave-safe mug. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite breakfast meats, cheeses, and vegetables. The addition of an egg and some toasted potato bread makes this a satisfying and convenient meal to enjoy on your way out the door.

https://potatorolls.com/recipes/breakfast-in-a-mug

Make-Ahead Breakfast Sandwich

Another of our favorite quick breakfast methods is to prepare a bunch of sandwiches the weekend before to have on-hand for your busy week. Cook individual eggs inside 3-inch cookie cutters (the perfect size for your sandwich), then let cool and nestle each inside a Martin’s Potato Roll along with a slice of cheese or meat. Wrap each sandwich with plastic wrap and freeze; when ready to enjoy, just microwave and be on your way!

https://potatorolls.com/recipes/make-ahead-breakfast-sandwiches

For additional make-ahead breakfast ideas, check out https://potatorolls.com/blog/breakfast-muffin-tin-recipes.

Lunch

Panzanella Salad in a Jar {2 Variations}

Make work lunch exciting by using a mason jar to layer all your favorite salad ingredients including dressing, fruits and veggies, proteins, greens, and croutons. You can use this technique for any of your favorite salad combinations, just be sure to follow the general rule of thumb of layering any wet and hardy ingredients on the bottom and dry ingredients on top. Come lunch time, simply shake and serve!

Try these two Panzanella Salad variations using toasted cubes of Martin’s Potato Rolls:

• Caprese Salad with Toasted Croutons
• Simple Panzanella in a Jar

Cowboy Caviar with Martin’s “Pita” Chips

This “cowboy caviar” mixture of black beans, corn, avocado, tomato, onion, peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and seasoning makes for a great midday snack or lunch dish! Serve with flattened Martin’s Potato Rolls-turned “pita” chips.

Bonus tip: bento boxes, like the one pictured here are a great way to organize your lunch box—with individual compartments of varying sizes, you can easily portion out your main dish, sides, and any dips or dressings into separate sections.

https://potatorolls.com/recipes/cowboy-caviar-martins-pita-chips

Homemade Pocket Sandwiches

Another great weekday lunch option is to prepare some DIY pocket sandwiches ahead of time, then simply pop in the microwave or toaster oven at work to reheat. Try these yummy variations using three different preparation methods:

• Meatball Marinara Pocket Sandwiches
• Ham & Cheese Pocket Sandwiches
• Philly Cheesesteak Pocket Sandwiches

For more DIY lunchbox ideas, check out https://potatorolls.com/blog/best-lunch-ever.

Dinner

For some easy weekday dinner prep ideas like slow-cooker recipes and make-ahead meals, check out our blog post, 5 Ways to Master Weeknight Meals.