This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.
These back to school lunches are so creative and tasty. They include sliders, sandwiches, and cookies, perfect for keeping kids energized and satisfied.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Make these recipes a part of your lunchbox menu. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can get from just a few ingredients!
You can start with the quickest ones and then incorporate the kids’ favorite ingredients.
Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs
Soft-boiled eggs are always an amazing choice because they’re rich in protein and so easy to make.
Sprinkle them with everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor, then pack with rice crackers and sliced avocado.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs
Instant Pot Egg Bites Without Cottage Cheese
You can make these egg bites even on the busiest mornings.
They’re creamy and savory, with eggs, milk, tomatoes, mozzarella, and seasonings. You can store them for up to five days.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Egg Bites Without Cottage Cheese
Air Fryer Hand Pies
These hand pies are made with sloppy joe sauce, ground beef, store-bought pie crusts, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
Make sure to cool the sauce and chill the crust before use to avoid soggy pies.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Hand Pies
Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
This dish is perfect for making ahead and portioning into lunch containers for the week.
Main ingredients include russet potatoes, ham, cheddar cheese, milk, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and onions.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
These sliders can serve as appetizers, snacks, or as a side for heartier meals.
You’ll love this version! If turkey deli meat is not available, you can use boneless turkey breast.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Instant Pot Churro Bites
Imagine the joy on your child’s face when they find warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated bites in their lunch.
These churro bites are fun sweet snacks made with sugar, cinnamon, milk, butter, and flour.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Churro Bites
Instant Pot Pancake Bites
These pancake bites are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, perfect any time of the day.
Include them in your kids’ lunchbox alongside granola, fresh fruits, and scrambled eggs.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Pancake Bites
Air Fryer Tortellini
If you’re looking for a crunchy, cheesy lunchbox snack, this recipe is a must-try.
It’s done in 25 minutes, with eggs, dried cheese tortellini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Tortellini
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Make a big batch of these sausage balls in advance and share them with everyone at home.
They are cheesy, savory, and a little tangy thanks to hot pork sausage, cream cheese, baking mix, and cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Instant Pot Chicken Bites
Looking for the most flavorful finger foods?
These chicken bites are made with just a few simple ingredients like paprika, cornstarch, and onion powder.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Bites
Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies
These cookies are made with oats, whole wheat flour, carrots, walnuts, raisins, and other simple ingredients.
They’re dairy-free, egg-free, and a fun way to sneak in a little extra fruit and veggie goodness.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Herb and Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Time to experiment with healthier meals! This one is a smart alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
It’s a fun lunchbox side made with vegan butter, white onions, chopped cauliflower, garlic, and herbs.
Get The Recipe: Herb and Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Is there a sandwich more comforting than grilled cheese? This version is all about layers of flavor.
It features whole wheat sandwich bread, tomatoes, vegan pesto, and vegan butter.
Get The Recipe: Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Ready for an exciting baking project?
These pinwheels are ready in 25 minutes, with basil pesto, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard.
Get The Recipe: Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheels
California Chicken Salad
This salad is a fun addition to any lunchbox. It combines chicken breasts with mayo, Greek yogurt, grapes, and walnuts.
It’s a make-ahead option that tastes even better after the flavors meld.
Get The Recipe: California Chicken Salad
Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Here’s a Southern-inspired lunch that you’ll want to make again and again.
It comes with white cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayo, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
Get The Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Apple and Veggie Quesadillas
These quesadillas feature the flavorful combo of apples, spinach, and carrots.
Slice them into strips or triangles, then pack them in your kids’ lunchboxes alongside vegan cream cheese or hummus.
Get The Recipe: Apple and Veggie Quesadillas
Mini Quiches
Mini quiches are the way to go whenever you need something portable and protein-packed.
You can make these 30-minute treats for everyone anytime. You can also use ham, zucchini, or shredded chicken.
Get The Recipe: Mini Quiches
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Wondering what lunchbox treats you can make with cottage cheese? Try this egg salad.
It offers a lighter spin on the classic, with red onions, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and sea salt.
Get The Recipe: Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Taco Crescent Rolls
These rolls are made with only four simple ingredients, including ground beef and salsa.
Feel free to add more ingredients. Just make sure not to add too much, or else it will become hard to roll the bundles up.
Get The Recipe: Taco Crescent Rolls
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Use your air fryer to make the most delicious sweet potato wedges.
They’re lightly seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and parmesan, then air fried until tender inside with crisp, golden edges.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Zucchini Fritters
Enjoy zucchini in a fresh, new way. These fritters are loaded with savory, slightly sweet flavors.
Garnish them with herbs, and then pack with apple slices and cherry tomatoes.
Get The Recipe: Zucchini Fritters
Chicken Taco Pinwheels
These pinwheels are bound to be a favorite!
They come with chicken, light cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, and bell peppers for a bit of heat.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Taco Pinwheels
Mac and Cheese Quesadilla
Try this quesadilla recipe and you’re sure to get flavor, texture, and satisfaction in every bite.
It uses sharp cheddar cheese, but go ahead and add your favorite or mix and match various cheeses.
Get The Recipe: Mac and Cheese Quesadilla
Potato and Salmon Fish Cakes (Salmon Patties)
Got some leftover salmon? Combine it with mashed potatoes and make one of the best lunches ever.
These savory cakes freeze well, so you can make a big batch way ahead of time.
Get The Recipe: Potato and Salmon Fish Cakes (Salmon Patties)
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
These lunches can make the little one’s day a whole lot better!
Remember to use lots of fruits, vegetables, and snacks, and of course, bento box dividers to keep portions balanced.
If you’re packing sandwiches and fruits, you can use cookie cutters to make everything more exciting.
25 Back to School Cupcakes That Deserve a Gold Star Sticker
Surprise your kids with these back to school cupcakes. They feature cake mixes, apples, chocolate, ginger, sweet potatoes, and other exciting ingredients.
Read it here: 25 Back to School Cupcakes That Deserve a Gold Star Sticker
25 Back to School Meals That Make Weeknights Feel Effortless
These back to school meals will leave everyone satisfied after a long day and they’re great for busy schedules. From 30 minutes dishes to make ahead dinners, this collection has you covered when it comes to school weeknights.
Read it here: 25 Back to School Meals That Make Weeknights Feel Effortless
Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.
Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Looking for more delicious ideas for the kids? These back to school options will make your mornings stress-free: