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Explore new lunchbox ideas for school that go beyond the usual PB&J. Try these flavorful wraps, sandwiches, muffins, cookies, and other savory treats.
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School mornings can be hectic, so it’s best to have a list of recipes you can turn to each time.
These ideas are fresh, exciting, and so easy to pull off. They’re all great for lunchboxes, picnics, and potlucks!
Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs
Soft boiled eggs are packed with protein and so easy to make.
Here’s an idea: pair them with cucumber sticks and hummus. It’s one of the best ways to introduce the kids to healthier snacks.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs
Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
This cozy dish is made with potatoes, ham, cheddar cheese, milk, and condensed cream of mushroom soup.
Let it cook low and slow until golden and bubbly. Go ahead and add as much cheese as you want.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Sushi Wrap
These sushi wraps are an amazing choice not only for kids but also for busy office workers.
No rolling mats required! You can also customize them and create new sushi favorites.
Get The Recipe: Sushi Wrap
Juicy Chicken
This juicy and tender chicken pairs well with almost anything and everything.
It only uses six simple ingredients and goes nicely with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, or even roasted sweet potatoes.
Get The Recipe: Juicy Chicken
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Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Make a huge batch of these sausage balls today and enjoy them for the days to come.
Ingredients include hot pork sausage, cream cheese, baking mix, and cheddar cheese. You can also add parsley or any of your favorite herbs.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Tired of the same old sandwich? These sliders are so hearty and delicious!
Make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to four days.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Instant Pot Chicken Bites
These little bites are seasoned with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a bit of salt.
Go ahead and pack them with steamed broccoli florets and white rice for a heartier meal.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Bites
Air Fryer Hand Pies
These hand pies are made with ground beef, sloppy joe sauce, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and store-bought pie crusts.
Got lots of extra time? You can always challenge yourself and make your own crusts.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Hand Pies
Pasta Chips
Here’s something the kids would love to share with their friends.
These pasta chips are cheesy, savory, and a little garlicky. Don’t forget to try the dipping sauce included in this recipe.
Get The Recipe: Pasta Chips
Bacon Jam
This bacon jam is loaded with sweet and savory flavors! It can last for up to four weeks in the fridge.
Just make sure to use a secure, airtight container.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Jam
Puff Pastry Breakfast Pizza
This pizza is bound to be a lunchbox favorite. You and the kids can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, of course.
Go ahead and include lots of other delicious toppings.
Get The Recipe: Puff Pastry Breakfast Pizza
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Air Fryer Tortellini
Ready for another irresistible snack? This air fryer treat is cheesy and herbaceous, with a satisfying crunch and a tender inside.
Pack it in a sectioned container with dipping sauce.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Tortellini
Instant Pot Churro Bites
These churro bites are a sweet lunchbox surprise. But don’t worry!
You don’t need a lot of ingredients to make them. Just cinnamon, milk, brown sugar, flour, and a few more pantry staples.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Churro Bites
Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These steak bites look like fancy treats from an expensive restaurant, but they’re actually easy enough for a school lunch.
They hold up well in a thermos! Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley before closing.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Instant Pot Egg Bites Without Cottage Cheese
Customize these egg bites with different fillings.
This version comes with eggs, milk, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, but you can always tweak it and include bacon, cheddar cheese, and veggies.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Egg Bites Without Cottage Cheese
Vegan Meatloaf
If you’re tired of packing lunches that come home uneaten, it might be time for something new.
This vegan meatloaf is healthy and delicious, especially when paired with mashed potatoes and carrot sticks.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf
Vegan No Bake Cookies
Don’t forget about the desserts! These no-bake cookies are just the right mix of chewy, chocolatey, and sweet.
They’re made with oats and natural peanut butter.
Get The Recipe: Vegan No Bake Cookies
Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich
This egg-free “egg salad” is creamy, tangy, and a little crunchy, just like the classic.
If you’re not a fan of vegan mayo, you can use mashed avocado or hummus instead to add creaminess to the mixture.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich
Crustless Quiche
Love healthy, high-protein dishes? This crustless quiche is packed with savory flavor and bakes into a light, fluffy texture.
It’s a fun recipe that can encourage the kids to eat more veggies.
Get The Recipe: Crustless Quiche
Sweet Potato Tots (Air Fryer and Stovetop)
Back-to-school season is the perfect time to try a few new lunch ideas.
If you have some extra sweet potatoes, try this recipe. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and kid-friendly.
Get The Recipe: Sweet Potato Tots (Air Fryer and Stovetop)
Folded Kimbap Sandwich
This fun, Korean-inspired folded sandwich is a creative take on traditional kimbap.
It has a satisfying filling made with eggs, canned tuna, kimchi, and spam.
Get The Recipe: Folded Kimbap Sandwich
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Salmon Sandwich
If your kids love seafood, you have to explore this recipe.
It combines salmon fillets with onions, cucumbers, cream cheese, and fresh chives. So surprisingly simple and full of bright flavors.
Get The Recipe: Salmon Sandwich
Banana Zucchini Muffins
Not all muffins are created equal. The best ones come with fruits and veggies!
This recipe also includes Greek yogurt, which adds extra moisture and tenderness.
Get The Recipe: Banana Zucchini Muffins
Cream Cheese Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
These pinwheels are made with veggie wraps, ham, cheeses, red bell peppers, and seasonings.
They’re so easy to customize with different meats or cheeses, too! Pair them with berries, popcorn, or pretzels.
Get The Recipe: Cream Cheese Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Octopus Hot Dogs
These savory treats are smoky and salty like classic hot dogs, but the crispy edges and “tentacles” add a fun twist in texture.
Tuck them into bento compartments with veggie sides.
Get The Recipe: Octopus Hot Dogs
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You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make lunches your kids will actually love.
Play around with familiar ingredients like eggs, cheese, shredded chicken, rice, and soft breads.
You can mix and match them to make wraps, pinwheels, sandwiches, or even mini casseroles.
25 Lunchbox Ideas for Kids That Are Way More Fun Than Cafeteria Food
These lunchbox ideas for kids are all about bold flavors, simple prep, and fun presentations. You’ll find sliders, cookies, salads, sandwiches, and more!
Read it here: 25 Lunchbox Ideas for Kids That Are Way More Fun Than Cafeteria Food
25 Leftover Chicken Breast Recipes That Taste Brand New
These leftover chicken breast recipes are satisfying, delicious, and easy to make with your leftover chicken. It’ll change up your whole leftover dinner game!
Read it here: 25 Leftover Chicken Breast Recipes That Taste Brand New
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!
Need more tasty options that travel well? These meals are perfect for kids, teens, and even grown-ups:
- 25 Cooler Food Ideas That Are Pure Genius
- 25 Thermos Lunches for Kids Who Are Tired of the Same Old Sandwich
- 25 Sunday School Snacks Kids Will Look Forward To
- 25 Travel Snack Ideas for Long Flights, Road Trips, and Everything In Between
- 25 Car Friendly Snacks for Kids That Won’t Wreck Your Seats or Your Sanity