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These back to school lunch ideas will have everyone wanting to trade their lunch box with you! They’re also easy enough to incorporate into your weekday routine.
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Pack your school lunch with flavor, literally, with these back to school lunch ideas!
How amazing would it be to have chicken teriyaki pineapple bowls or Big Mac tacos waiting for you at recess?
Skip the cafeteria and make school days better with homecooked food.
Nigerian Meat Pie Recipe
Don’t you think the best lunch box meals should be mess-free? You don’t need utensils to enjoy these Nigerian meat pies, and I promise they’re a major upgrade from your usual meat sandwich at school!
Get The Recipe: Nigerian Meat Pie Recipe
Best Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl Recipe
This scrumptious-looking chicken teriyaki pineapple bowl only takes 30 minutes to make! Using the oven guarantees perfectly cooked chicken teriyaki, and it’s also mess-free.
Get The Recipe: Best Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl Recipe
Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese from the cafeteria is no match for this Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwich. It lives up to its name while being completely dairy-free!
Get The Recipe: Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Sushi Bake Cups
Get your kids excited for lunchtime with these awesome back to school lunch ideas! Try these delicious sushi bake cups – perfect for packing in lunch boxes.
If I were still a student, I’d happily eat this handheld lunch every day for an entire week!
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake Cups
Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta
Struggling to keep it interesting? These back to school lunch ideas add that fun twist to your child’s lunchbox!
Let them enjoy this kid-friendly lunch – a creamy delight made with simple yet tasty ingredients like pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and parmesan cheese. Healthy food can be yummy, too!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta
Marry Me Chicken TikTok Recipe
We all love the classic chicken pasta salad for a healthy school lunch. But for a more satisfying and balanced meal, try this special chicken pasta recipe.
It’s a fusion of creamy pasta and juicy, tender chicken – perfect for a busy school season when kids need an energy boost.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken TikTok Recipe
Big Mac Tacos
Say goodbye to the school cafeteria and hello to homemade meals. These Big Mac tacos are a breeze to make and pack.
Pair them with mac and cheese for an extra hearty and delicious lunch. Thanks to these back to school lunch ideas, midday school meals just got a lot more exciting!
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
School lunch recipes are now easier, quicker, and more delicious than ever! If you want healthy lunches for your kids, try this stuffed chicken.
It’s made with basic ingredients like chicken breasts, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and cajun seasoning. Simple, tasty, and good for them!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
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Easy Instant Pot Egg Bites
When I was a student, I always preferred a bento-style lunch box for a satisfying meal. But as an adult, I realized there are even more convenient, portable back-to-school lunch ideas I should have tried!
Like these mini egg bites, allowing kids to enjoy mozzarella cheese and tomatoes in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Egg Bites
French Onion Pasta
Short on time? These quick and easy back to school lunch ideas are here to the rescue! This pasta recipe is a one-pot wonder with yellow onions as the star ingredient.
Kid lunches don’t have to be boring – feel free to add extra protein to make it even better!
Get the Recipe: French Onion Pasta
Healthy Rainbow Sandwiches
Make lunchtime your child’s favorite part of the day with these creative back to school lunch ideas. Try these rainbow savory treats as an alternative to classic cream cheese sandwiches.
It’s one of those healthy school lunch ideas you can prepare in just a few minutes. The best choice for kids and parents with healthier ingredient preferences.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Rainbow Sandwiches
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Easy Egg Salad
Egg salads are ultimate lunch box favorites. Serve them in various ways – in lettuce wraps or sandwiches!
Get creative and pack them with carrot sticks, apple slices, cucumber slices, and other sweet treats for a fun lunch for the kids.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Salad
Three-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
Make going back to school exciting with these irresistible back to school lunch ideas! If your kid enjoys a breakfast-inspired lunch, check this banana pancake recipe.
It’s simple to prepare with just mashed banana, egg, and flour. Pack it with apple slices or other sweet treats for an awesome lunch box surprise!
Get the Recipe: Three-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
Cheese, Chutney and Apple Mini Pittas
How to encourage kids to stay healthier? Get them cute lunch boxes and explore delectable back to school lunch ideas. Consider this pita bread with cheese slices – a healthier twist on the usual cheese sandwich.
It’s the best lunch for kindergarteners! You can add peanut butter or lettuce leaves for an energy and nutrition boost.
Get the Recipe: Cheese, Chutney and Apple Mini Pittas
Stir Fry Eggplant Tofu
Preparation is key. Master your meal prep with our back to school lunch ideas. This stir fry eggplant tofu takes less than an hour to make and fits perfectly in small lunch containers.
Then, add apple chips, banana chips, or other dry snacks to your kids’ lunch box for a fulfilling midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Eggplant Tofu
One-Pan Vegan Japchae
Transform each delicious lunch box into a culinary adventure with these globally-inspired back to school ideas.
Try this vegan japchae, a gluten-free lunch featuring rice wine, soy sauce, shiitake mushrooms, and spinach. After enjoying this packed meal, they can savor fresh fruit for dessert.
Get the Recipe: One-Pan Vegan Japchae
Maple Walnut Muffins
Kids’ lunch box ideas are never complete without muffins. Cheese muffins and blueberry muffins are two of the most popular, but always make room for new variations.
This recipe showcases walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Children can enjoy it as it is or eat it alongside their favorite grilled cheese roll-ups.
Get the Recipe: Maple Walnut Muffins
Bacon Ranch Chicken Wrap
For the love of food and learning, explore this collection of back to school lunch ideas. In the mood for delicious veggie wraps?
Prepare this bacon ranch chicken wrap for yourself and as an on-the-go lunch for the kids. You can actually enjoy this anytime you want as long as you have fresh ingredients on hand.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Wrap
Homemade Pizza Rolls in Air Fryer
Trade in those prepackaged meals for something home-cooked with these back to school lunch ideas.
Try these 30-minute air fryer pizza rolls filled with savory goodness – baby spinach, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese! Best paired with some banana chips or lots of fruits.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pizza Rolls in Air Fryer
Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls
Chicken is the star of many back to school lunch ideas because it’s versatile and easy to prepare.
Try these sweet and sour chicken balls – perfect for a packed lunch or family dinner. Your loved ones won’t be able to resist these perfectly deep-fried chicken balls.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls
Veggie Sandwich
These veggie sandwiches are perfect for packed lunches and picnics. I’ve always enjoyed them when I was in school, and sometimes I even shared extra sandwiches with my friends.
I still do whenever there’s a need for lunch on the go. Need an extra protein boost? Add some chicken strips for a heartier handheld lunch meal.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Sandwich
Beef Quesadilla
Add a sprinkle of savory love and fun to your child’s packed meal with these back to school lunch ideas.
These beef quesadillas pair the tenderness of ground beef with canned corn, tomato paste, and seasonings. The kids will definitely want to share this with their classmates!
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadilla
Refreshing Chickpea Salad Recipe
I’ve never prepared packed lunches for kids, but I’ve made lots of savory, satisfying meals for my kid cousins and nieces, and they loved them.
One of them is this chickpea salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. This dish becomes ten times more delicious with lots of feta cheese and avocado!
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Chickpea Salad Recipe
Tuna Pasta Salad
No more repetitive menus! Spice up your child’s lunchbox with our back to school lunch ideas. Try this tuna pasta salad if you want to incorporate seafood in their packed lunch.
It’s the ultimate summer lunch favorite, but you can prepare it anytime throughout the year as long as you have canned tuna! You’ll love its light lemon dressing, made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, and Dijon mustard.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad
Buffalo Wrap Recipe
Got a tiny food critic at home? Win them over with our amazing back to school lunch ideas.
This plant-based lunch wrap with tofu, avocado, red cabbage, smoked paprika, and buffalo sauce is a huge hit for kids! Don’t forget to triple the recipe – you can also enjoy them for dinner!
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Wrap Recipe
Deli Style Roast Beef
Give your little ones a lunch they’ll look forward to with these mouthwatering back to school ideas. Prepare this deli style roast beef and pile it on pinwheels or sandwiches.
If you have some leftovers, you can also use them for your charcuterie tray as you enjoy a snacking session with the family the night after.
Get the Recipe: Deli Style Roast Beef
Baked Ham & Cheese Crescent Rolls
Boost your kids’ academic year with supercharged back to school lunch ideas. These cheese rolls are perfect for school time – satisfying, cheesy, and great for sharing.
All you need are salted butter, deli ham, cheddar cheese slices, and other handy ingredients. They’ll love the gooey cheese that comes with it!
Get the Recipe: Baked Ham & Cheese Crescent Rolls
Sweet Potato Muffins
Even as a busy parent, you can prepare delicious back-to-school lunch ideas. These nutrient-packed, moist muffins feature sweet potatoes and cinnamon!
If you find yourself running low on sweet potatoes while making it, you can always use some mashed bananas to reach the required cups.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Muffins
FAQ About Back to School Lunch Ideas
What can I pack for school lunch besides sandwiches?
Aside from sandwiches, you can prepare pasta dishes, wraps, muffins, and other easy-to-pack meals for school lunch.
What are good ideas for kids for lunch?
Protein-rich meals are an excellent choice for children, helping to keep their energy levels high throughout the day. Sushi bake cups and egg salad are some of tastiest, most nutritious choices!
What food should parents not pack in the lunchbox?
When preparing a lunchbox, it’s recommended to avoid foods that are difficult to eat or could create a mess. Furthermore, parents should be mindful not to include items that their children have previously expressed a dislike for.
Are Lunchables OK for kids?
While Lunchables can be convenient, they are often high in sodium, sugars, and processed ingredients, making them less ideal for kids.
Opting for homemade meals with fresh, nutritious ingredients is generally healthier and more beneficial.
Conclusion
Always prioritize school lunches and on-the-go meals with healthy, fresh ingredients! Preparing home cooked meals can be tough, especially for busy working parents who have to leave early for work. My mom was like that, too, when I was a kid.
She barely found time to prepare, but she still managed to experiment with good flavors and recipes.
Since I was a kid until now, sandwiches have always been a part of our packed meals, whether it’s for school or a busy day when we need an on-the-go dish.
Tired of meal planning stress? Save time, savor variety, and explore culinary creativity with our top 3 meal kit picks! 🍽️ Why not try Hello Fresh for diverse, exciting recipes, Blue Apron for gourmet cooking made easy, or Green Chef for eco-conscious dining?
Looking for healthier, more portable lunches to prepare for this school season?
25+ Lunch Ideas That Show Lunch Deserves the Same Love as Dinner!
These lunch ideas will help you beat the afternoon slump without much effort! Choose from light salads, hearty mains, freezer meals, and portable bites that will fit in your lunchbox.
Read it here: 25+ Lunch Ideas That Show Lunch Deserves the Same Love as Dinner!
25+ Weekend Lunch Ideas That Will Make Every Meal Feel Like a Holiday!
These weekend lunch ideas are perfect for a laid-back afternoon by yourself or for enjoying some quality time with loved ones. Whip up special meals like garlic butter steak bites and enchilada casserole without all the fuss!
Read it here: 25+ Weekend Lunch Ideas That Will Make Every Meal Feel Like a Holiday!
25+ 10 Minute Meals That’ll Have You Ditching Deliveries for Good!
These 10 minute meals give fast food a new meaning! From surprisingly vegan sandwiches to satisfying salads everyone will love, this roundup will wow your taste buds in a flash.
Read it here: 25+ 10 Minute Meals That’ll Have You Ditching Deliveries for Good!
Here are other recipes that you can explore. Get ready to add some delicious fun to your kids’ school days!
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