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These kid friendly lunch ideas are a must-try for picky eaters and busy parents. They include wraps, pasta, pinwheels, salads, and other savory treats.
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If the kids are tired of the same old sandwiches every day, it’s time for a change.
These fun ideas are colorful, flavorful, and simple enough to put together even on your busiest days. Everyone, even the grownups, will look forward to these lunches!
Parmesan Potatoes
These Parmesan potatoes taste cheesy and savory, with Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and olive oil.
You can sprinkle extra cheese over the top before serving, and then pair them with ranch dressing or ketchup.
Get The Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce
Encourage the kids to eat more veggies with these wraps. They’re made with brown rice, chicken, cucumbers, lettuce, peanut butter, and ginger.
You can also add shredded carrots for extra color and flavor.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Use your Instant Pot to explore more mouthwatering kid-friendly recipes.
This pasta is ready in just around 20 minutes. Pair it with garlic breadsticks or a vibrant salad.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
One Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese
Time to elevate the classic mac and cheese.
This version is satisfying and indulgent, yet easy to make. It has whole milk, chicken broth, Monterey Jack cheese, and cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: One Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese
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Baked Salmon with Mayo and Cheese
Switch up your lunch routine with a new salmon dish. If they love seafood dinners, this recipe is for you!
It features Parmesan, mayo, lemon zest, and a few seasonings.
Get The Recipe: Baked Salmon with Mayo and Cheese
Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings
This dish is a one-pot wonder that you and the kids will love to enjoy even beyond fall.
Make it ahead of time, and if you’d like, you can even use leftover chicken for this recipe.
Get The Recipe: Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings
Instant Pot Chicken Bites
These chicken bites use only seven simple ingredients.
This version includes garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, but go ahead and add your little one’s favorite spices, seasonings, and sauces.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Bites
Puff Pastry Breakfast Pizza
Enjoy pizza for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—basically any time of the day!
This one is among the most flavorful you can try, with turkey bacon, chicken breast, mozzarella, and BBQ sauce.
Get The Recipe: Puff Pastry Breakfast Pizza
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast
Wondering how you can sneak some veggies into your kids’ meals? Check out this recipe.
It combines chicken breasts with broccoli, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and a few seasonings.
Get The Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast
Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs
If you’re looking for something quick and healthier, try these soft-boiled eggs.
Why not pair them with pan-seared salmon or baby carrots? You can also enjoy these combos for breakfast.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs
Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
This crockpot dish takes more than four hours to make, but it’s totally worth the wait.
If you don’t have condensed cream of mushroom soup, you can use chicken broth or heavy cream.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
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Gnocchi with Mushrooms
This gnocchi is a weekday lifesaver. And yes, you can whip it up fast with just a handful of everyday ingredients.
Craving something cheesy? Add some vegan Parmesan cheese.
Get The Recipe: Gnocchi with Mushrooms
Tempeh Chicken Salad Sandwich
The kids will be surprised at how satisfying this ‘chicken’ salad is.
It’s made with tempeh, vegan mayo, green onions, dill pickles, and other simple ingredients.
Get The Recipe: Tempeh Chicken Salad Sandwich
Vegan Black Bean Burger
This burger is so flavorful and firm, you might not even guess it’s vegan.
It’s made with black beans, oats, mushrooms, red bell peppers, onions, and smoked paprika.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Black Bean Burger
Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich
Here’s a clever vegan egg salad that even picky eaters might love.
It mimics that classic egg flavor with tofu, dill pickles, pure maple syrup, and turmeric. Serve it on sandwich bread with lettuce.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich
Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
You’ll never look at grilled cheese the same once you try this Zupas knockoff.
Don’t worry. It’s just as rich and comforting as the original. It has tomatoes, and vegan butter, pesto, and cheeses.
Get The Recipe: Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Pinwheels are always a fun choice, especially for kids.
You can try tons of versions. This one features bacon, chicken, onions, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Sloppy Joe Cups
These savory cups are made with only four simple ingredients.
They use ground beef, but you can also try other proteins like chicken, ground turkey, or even plant-based options.
Get The Recipe: Sloppy Joe Cups
Tuna Melt
This tuna melt recipe makes six delicious sandwiches you can share with everyone in the family.
It’s also perfect for potlucks and on-the-go lunches. Even picky eaters will love these.
Get The Recipe: Tuna Melt
Apple and Veggie Quesadillas
Variety is the secret to happier lunches. Be sure to add these quesadillas to your lunch rotation.
They’re colorful and kid-approved, with carrots, spinach, vegan butter, apples, and vegan cheddar-style shreds.
Get The Recipe: Apple and Veggie Quesadillas
Veggie Kale Mac and Cheese
Give kiddie favorites a healthier twist.
This mac and cheese recipe combines kale with whole milk, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and butter.
Get The Recipe: Veggie Kale Mac and Cheese
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Cheeseburger Pie
Ready for an effortless, filling dinner? This cheeseburger pie is a family-friendly and budget-friendly option you can make anytime.
Always add a dollop of ketchup or mustard on the side for dipping.
Get The Recipe: Cheeseburger Pie
Creamy Chickpea Salad
This 10-minute salad is made with chickpeas, cucumbers, red onions, Greek yogurt, mayo, and chives.
You can serve it as a side for burgers, paninis, or grilled chicken.
Get The Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Salad
Air Fryer Cucumber Fritters (No Bread Crumbs)
Got extra cucumbers? These fritters are perfect for older children who love bold flavors.
Pair them with delicious sauces like cilantro chutney and ketchup.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Cucumber Fritters (No Bread Crumbs)
Zucchini Noodles with Fresh Tomato Sauce
These noodles are made with zucchini, shallots, fresh basil leaves, black pepper, and other simple ingredients.
You can add chicken breasts to make it meatier, or turn it into a vegan dish by replacing feta with nut proteins.
Get The Recipe: Zucchini Noodles with Fresh Tomato Sauce
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These kid-friendly lunch ideas are all about flavor and convenience.
Remember, kids love variety, so always include something soft, crunchy, and juicy.
You can start with veggie sticks, pasta, and fruits. Pinwheels and muffins are also simple enough to make, even for beginner cooks.
25 Lunchbox Kids Ideas That Come Home Completely Empty
These lunchbox kids ideas are a great option when it comes to creating a filling and satisfying meal they can enjoy while at school.
Read it here: 25 Lunchbox Kids Ideas That Come Home Completely Empty
25 Kid Friendly Appetizers That Disappear in Minutes
From sweet to savory, these kid friendly appetizers will get them excited for any celebration. The appetizers are easy to make, filled with tasty flavors, and are fun to eat.
Read it here: 25 Kid Friendly Appetizers That Disappear in Minutes
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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 fun ideas? These recipes are easy, enjoyable, and guaranteed to please the little ones: