Snow days often catch us off guard. One moment you’re checking the forecast, and the next, school is canceled, roads are icy, and everyone is suddenly home and hungry. So, what do we feed our family on snow days?
The snowstorm this weekend had many of us worried about meal plans and grocery shopping. When are you planning to go to the store? Will the shelves still have what we need? What is everyone else panic-buying? And the biggest question – what is my snow day meal plan?
The struggle is real, and honestly, the panic is justified. But here’s the good news: in default mode, you already know what your people will eat.
I’m a big fan of maintaining a balance on snow days. Include enough protein to keep everyone full, a few vegetables so we feel good about ourselves, and all the comfort foods we love because, honestly, if we’re stuck inside, we want food that feels cozy and satisfying. These meals keep kids happy, prevent constant snacking, and make snow days a little more fun.
While some people enjoy using this extra time to make recipes they’ve cut out of magazines or try cooking from a new cookbook, you’re likely suddenly a home school teacher juggling work calls and other responsibilities. So, keep it simple with dishes you know will taste good since you’ve essentially become a short-order cook!
Below is a complete list of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack ideas for snow days, along with some additional tips to consider when preparing for time at home.
Snow Day Breakfast Ideas (Easy & Comforting)
Breakfast on snow days sets the tone for the whole day. These are warm, filling options that don’t require a lot of thinking—and most use pantry or freezer staples.
- Biscuits, eggs, and bacon
- Pancakes and bacon
- Monkey bread
- Quiche or frittata
- muffins and scrambled eggs
- Canned cinnamon rolls and frozen sausage patties
- Breakfast casserole with toast
- Monte Cristo casserole (savory bread pudding)
- French Toast Casserole
- Eggs in a hole
- Poached Egg Breakfast Sandwiches
- Breakfast Tacos
- Anything you’ve been saving on Pinterest (now is the time to make it)
Snow day breakfasts don’t need to be fancy. They just need to be warm, filling, and familiar. And, easy so you can get food on plates before you jump into virtual school days.
Snow Day Lunch Ideas the Whole Family Will Eat
Lunch during snow days can start to feel repetitive. These ideas are simple, flexible, and perfect for feeding hungry kids and adults without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
- Sandwiches
- Tuna fish and Fritos
- Chicken salad sandwiches with hummus and crackers
- Soups with cornbread – and yes, canned soup counts!
- Hammy sammies
- Sloppy joes – our family loves these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes and always with french onion dip and ruffles!
- Taco salad or Mexican pile-ups
- Caesar salad kit with a rotisserie chicken
- Ham and cheese party rolls or pizza rolls
- Rotisserie chicken with mac and cheese
- Tomato soup and grilled cheese
These are the kinds of snow day lunches that are simple to make but still comforting and filling.
Comfort Food Dinner Ideas for Snow Days
Dinner is where snow day meals truly shine. Comfort food dinners are warm, creamy, filling, and usually something you’ll want to eat again the next day. These are meals that stretch, reheat easily, and keep everyone happy when you’re home for several days in a row.
- Tacos or crockpot burritos
- Chicken pot pie
- Salisbury steak
- Hamburger soup
- Pulled pork tostadas
- Loaded potato soup, broccoli cheese soup, or corn chowder
- Chicken curry or butter chicken – you can typically buy a jarred or pouch sauce for both of these pre-blended at your grocery store, just cut and saute chicken and add sauce!
- Frozen pizzas
- Crockpot soups (just because you’re home doesn’t mean you want to cook all day)
- Beef stroganoff
- Roast or Shepherds Pie
- Easy Homemade Lasagna – or get the frozen kind and add garlic toast and a salad kit
- Sheet pan dinners
- Sausage sheet pan dinner
- Sheet pan nachos
- Taco soup
- Chicken and rice casserole
- Indoor camping with foil packet dinners
- Cheeseburger mac
- Chili
- Enchilada stack
Snow days are a perfect opportunity to finally try recipes you’ve saved on Pinterest. I always maintain boards for soups and stews, “make it” meals, and even some ethnic and international dishes I’ve been wanting to attempt.
Snacks to Have on Hand for Snow Days
Snow days lead to more snacking. Keeping the right snacks nearby prevents constant grazing.
- Hot chocolate – we love to make this with snow and it cools off faster and feels like a special treat!
- Popcorn
- Protein balls
- Nuts or trail mix
- Meat sticks to stave off hunger between meals
- Applesauce or applesauce pouches
- No-bake cookies
- Snacks you usually say no to (this is a great time to be a yes mom)
- Ingredients to make their favorite dessert
Other Things to Keep in Mind When Preparing for Snow Days
Snow days aren’t just about food, planning can significantly make the days feel calmer and more enjoyable.
- Do you have all the winter wear you’ll need? – try on coats, find snow boots and make sure you have the snow repellent gloves instead of cotton winter mittens.
- Do you know where the sleds or snow saucers are?
- Is this a good time to catch up on a hobby like drawing, watercolor, or crafting? – grab the supplies you will need and make it a priority to catch your own space.
- Do you have everything you need for your next seasonal wreath or craft project? – Get the supplies so you are ready with ribbon, wreaths, hot glue, and wire ties.
- Would making a project list help you feel more productive? – What do you keep putting off? Can you tackle something that doesn’t take much time?
- Do you need more books from the library? – make a run for books for the kids, and you!
- Are you stocked up on toilet paper?
- Do you have enough dog food?
- Is there birdseed for your feeders?
- Is your car gassed up?
Snow days often fall near Valentine’s Day, so we usually take advantage of this time and a virtual school day to make class valentines and decorate valentine boxes. It’s a simple way to stay caught up, or even get ahead. Grab your supplies, print what you need, and let everyone get creative.
Snow days don’t have to be stressful. With some planning and your favorite comfort foods, they can turn into the most cozy and sweet days of winter. And, a great place to make new family memories.
