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These lunchbox ideas for kids are all about bold flavors, simple prep, and fun presentations. You’ll find sliders, cookies, salads, sandwiches, and more!
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These new lunchbox ideas are full of fun colors and flavors. And yes, the kind kids will actually want to eat.
Check out these recipes, customize them, and just grab what you have to get started. You might even find yourself sneaking a bite.
Juicy Chicken
This chicken comes together with just six simple ingredients.
It turns out tender, moist, and bursting with savory seasoning, making it super appealing, even for picky eaters.
Get The Recipe: Juicy Chicken
Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs
Looking for an easy protein option? These air fryer soft-boiled eggs are a great addition to your kid’s lunchbox.
They’re a nice alternative to traditional hard-boiled eggs and pair well with fruit, salads, and other savory snacks.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs
Air Fryer Tortellini
This crispy finger food is ready in under 30 minutes.
Cooking time can vary, though, so make sure to arrange the tortellini in a single layer for the best results.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Tortellini
Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Got some extra ham and potatoes? Grab your crockpot and try this recipe.
It features a rich mushroom sauce the kids (and even adults!) will love.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
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Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Sliders are an excellent choice whenever you want to prepare something hearty and easy.
This version is so easy to throw together. Feel free to use your favorite cheeses and meats.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
These sausage balls are made with hot pork sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and baking mix.
Mix everything in one bowl, roll into balls, chill them, and bake until cooked through and golden.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Air Fryer Hand Pies
These hand pies have a satisfying filling made with ground beef and cheddar cheese.
As for the crusts, you can either go for store-bought ones or make them from scratch. So easy and delicious!
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Hand Pies
Pasta Chips
These pasta chips are perfect not just for lunchboxes but also for movie and game nights.
Whip up a batch and store it for the week. You’ll love the dipping sauce included in this recipe.
Get The Recipe: Pasta Chips
Bacon Jam
Give sandwiches or wraps a major flavor boost with this bacon jam.
It’s loaded with sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors! Pack it in a small, leakproof container and enjoy with crackers and sandwiches.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Jam
Puff Pastry Breakfast Pizza
Kids will love the idea of having “pizza” for lunch, especially when it’s this buttery puff pastry version.
It features chicken breast, turkey bacon, barbecue sauce, and mozzarella.
Get The Recipe: Puff Pastry Breakfast Pizza
Instant Pot Chicken Bites
These chicken bites are made with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and a bit of salt.
They’re quick to prep and easy to portion into any lunchbox. You can even pair them with quinoa or rice for a heartier meal.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Bites
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Sushi Bake Cups
These savory cups are like handheld bites of your favorite sushi roll.
Main ingredients include salmon, Kewpie mayo, green onions, and soy sauce. Just mix, layer, and bake in a muffin pan.
Get The Recipe: Sushi Bake Cups
Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These steak bites are bold, buttery, and surprisingly easy to pack for lunch.
Pack them in a stainless lunch container to keep them warm. They can be enjoyed either as an appetizer or a main dish.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Don’t forget about the sweet treats! These cookies come with bits of crispy bacon, making them a delicious and unexpected treat.
Wrap them in foil and pop them into the lunchbox as a sweet surprise.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Coconut Butter Cups
These no-bake coconut butter cups are made with just five simple ingredients.
Feel free to use your favorite chocolate, though dark chocolate brings out the best in the coconut butter and raspberry jam.
Get The Recipe: Chocolate Coconut Butter Cups
Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich
Ready for a plant-based twist on a lunch classic? This vegan recipe delivers creamy, savory goodness without the eggs.
It uses mashed tofu as the base, combined with vegan mayo, pure maple syrup, and white wine vinegar.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich
Vegan Meatloaf
This hearty vegan meatloaf is packed with flavor and texture, thanks to lentils, oats, flax egg, and dairy-free shredded cheddar cheese.
It’s a filling, wholesome option that even non-vegans will enjoy.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf
Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf Muffins
Craving traditional meatloaf but in just the right size for little hands? Then this recipe is for you.
It’s also a great make-ahead option. You can store them in the fridge for up to four days.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf Muffins
Chicken Caesar Pinwheels
These pinwheels are packed with the classic flavors of Caesar salad!
You can try this recipe if you have some leftover shredded chicken and Caesar dressing. Then, wrap them tightly in foil and slice just before packing.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pinwheels
Ham Sandwich with Piccalilli and Cucumber
This sandwich is made with cucumbers, piccalilli, whole wheat bread, lettuce, and a few slices of ham.
This combo already tastes delicious, but go ahead and add mayo if you like. You can make this in five minutes.
Get The Recipe: Ham Sandwich with Piccalilli and Cucumber
Taco Pasta Salad
If your kids love tacos and pasta, this recipe is a must-try.
It’s a standard picnic favorite, but it works for lunchboxes, too! It has lean ground beef, black beans, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes.
Get The Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad
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Risotto Balls
Ditch the boring lunchbox routine and try these risotto balls.
They’re crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, something you’ll love to pair with roasted broccoli, marinara, or pesto dipping sauces.
Get The Recipe: Risotto Balls
Sweet Potatoes and Guacamole Bowl
This colorful bowl is brimming with nourishing ingredients like sweet potatoes, avocados, spring onions, cucumbers, and leeks.
Sprinkle it with sunflower seeds before packing, and follow it up with an oat cookie for a fun dessert.
Get The Recipe: Sweet Potatoes and Guacamole Bowl
Bacon Spinach Egg Bites (Meal Prep)
These mini egg bites are a portable breakfast favorite that also work perfectly for lunchboxes.
You only need a few ingredients to make these, including eggs, milk, bacon, and tomatoes.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Spinach Egg Bites (Meal Prep)
Hummus Bagel (Veggie Bagel Sandwich)
In search of that perfect recipe that will help your kids fall in love with veggies?
Try this bagel sandwich. It combines homemade hummus with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocados.
Get The Recipe: Hummus Bagel (Veggie Bagel Sandwich)
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Tired of the same old sandwich? Try new, simple recipes that don’t require much prep.
Pasta salads, pinwheels, and sliders are fun ideas you can customize in so many ways. No fancy tools or techniques. Just include your kids’ favorite ingredients.
25 Make Ahead Casseroles for Effortless Family Dinners
These make ahead casseroles will help you get an easy dinner on the table without much effort. You can make the casseroles ahead of time so that you can freeze or store in the fridge for a weeknight dinner throughout the week.
Read it here: 25 Make Ahead Casseroles for Effortless Family Dinners
25 Friday Night Dinner Ideas You’ll Be Dreaming About All Week
Gather the family around the table for these Friday night dinner ideas. These dinners are easy to make, packed with flavor, and will be something the family will ask for over and over again.
Read it here: 25 Friday Night Dinner Ideas You’ll Be Dreaming About All Week
Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
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Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Looking for more easy recipes? If you’re tired of repeating the same meals, these will save the day: