Does the back-to-school season feel hectic for your family? If you're navigating a packed schedule and change in family routine, you're not alone. A survey commissioned by Bob Evans and conducted by Talker Research found that nearly 8 in 10 parents (77%) say back-to-school season makes everyday life feel more hectic and unpredictable.

One task that increases during the school year is driving. Between school drop-offs and extracurricular commitments, parents spend 6,858 minutes driving kids to and from activities during the school year — that's about 38 minutes a day which equates to 15 full workdays.

Mealtime is also a big stressor, with 66% of parents saying getting dinner on the table makes them feel overextended. A whopping 90% struggle to come up with appealing new dinner ideas during the school week.

If you're one of the 53% of parents who say finding easy-to-prepare meals would lower their personal stress levels, Bob Evans has got your back. During this busy season, Bob Evans brings comfort to the table with convenient, quick-to-prepare side dishes that make mealtime — and snack time — easier.

Here are tips and recipes to help you and your family settle into the school year routine.

Keep it simple

Setting up a regular rotation of 5-10 easy weeknight meals simplifies grocery shopping and establishes a familiar routine. On weekends, batch-cook or cut up veggies to have them ready for the week. Plan a couple of meals to be DIY-style, where kids can build their own burgers, pizzas or kebabs.

For weeknights that are especially busy with activities, serve easy staples like tacos or even breakfast for dinner.

Enjoy time-saving sides

Meal prep and cleanup are a breeze with comforting, family-favorite sides that can be prepared in just minutes. Bob Evans ready-to-heat dinner sides provide delicious quick-to-table options in less than 10 minutes, with no mess and no stress. Choose kid-pleasers like Bob Evans Macaroni & Cheese in a family size for everyone to share.

Bob Evans sides can be enjoyed as-is or incorporated in a variety of recipes for added flavor and convenience, giving you more time to enjoy special moments with your family.

Make the most of after-school snacks

After a full day of school, it can be tough for kids to make it until dinnertime without some fuel. Providing a hearty, tasty snack will help give kids the energy they need for homework, chores or playtime before sitting down with the family for a full meal or on weekends between activities. Bob Evans Single Serve Original Mashed Potatoes and Macaroni & Cheese offer convenient after-school options, or try one of these tasty recipes kids are bound to love.

Bacon Macaroni & Cheese Quesadillas

Crispy tortillas, creamy macaroni and cheese and smoky bacon combine for a satisfying, kid-friendly snack that's ready in minutes.

Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 28 ounces Bob Evans Family Size Macaroni & Cheese
• 6 burrito-size flour tortillas
• 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F; place 2 large baking sheets in oven while preheating.
2. Spread macaroni and cheese over one side of each tortilla.
3. Top with bacon and shredded cheese.
4. Fold side of tortillas over filling.
5. Spray preheated baking sheets with cooking spray.
6. Transfer quesadillas to pan and spray tops with cooking spray.
7. Bake 10 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.
8. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

Mashed Potato Cheese Sticks

This fun, kid-approved snack was made for dipping: crispy on the outside and gooey inside, and wrapped in rich, buttery mashed potatoes.

Prep time: 30 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 12-count mozzarella string cheese snack
• 24 ounces Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 15-ounce jar marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Unwrap cheese sticks.
2. Press potatoes around cheese sticks to coat; dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Lightly beat eggs in a shallow dish.
4. Stir together breadcrumbs, cheese, thyme, rosemary and garlic powder in a second shallow dish.
5. Dip coated cheese sticks in beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
6. Dredge in breadcrumb mixture to coat.
7. Place on lightly greased wire rack.
8. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
9. Spray air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray.
10. Place coated cheese sticks half-inch apart in air fryer basket.
11. Spray generously with cooking spray.
12. Air-fry in batches 5 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Turn and air fry 3-4 minutes longer.
14. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Get ready for the school year with the Bob Evans Back-to-School Giveaway

Bob Evans is helping families get ready for the upcoming school year by giving away 50 back-to-school kits filled with everyday essentials to support an easier start to the season. To enter to win, visit the Bob Evans Instagram page @BobEvansGrocery and follow the details listed in the giveaway post.

Find products to make your back-to-school meals easier at BobEvansGrocery.com or a grocery store near you.