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Tired of uneaten lunches coming back home? These prek lunchbox ideas feature delicious kid-approved recipes like sliders, muffins, and sandwiches.
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These aren’t your average packed lunches.
Each recipe comes with a fun little twist made with kids in mind. Don’t worry, they’re also all easy to make ahead and pack.
Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs
Air fryer soft boiled eggs are one of the best options for quick, protein-packed lunches. Use your kids’ favorite spices and seasonings.
Then, pack them with mini waffles, cucumber rounds, or even fresh berries.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Soft Boiled Eggs
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
In search of the most filling finger foods? You and the kids have to try these sausage balls.
They’re savory and cheesy, made with hot pork sausage, baking mix, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
These sliders are a surefire hit with preschoolers who love anything cheesy and packed with flavor.
They’re made with just seven simple ingredients but are so flavorful and impressive.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Instant Pot Chicken Bites
These chicken bites are tender, lightly seasoned, and super quick to make using the Instant Pot.
Pack them with a variety of sauces and dips. The kids will never get tired of them.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Bites
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Air Fryer Hand Pies
These hand pies are sweet, slightly tart, and have a buttery crunch that’s hard to resist.
They are made with ground beef, sloppy joe sauce, cheddar cheese, seasonings, and store-bought pie crusts.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Hand Pies
Pasta Chips
Kids love crunchy snacks, so the challenge is finding healthier options for them.
Well, these homemade chips are baked, not fried. They also come with a tasty dipping sauce made with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and tomatoes.
Get The Recipe: Pasta Chips
Air Fryer Tortellini
Make these savory treats a part of your little one’s lunchbox menu.
They feature dried cheese tortellini, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a few seasonings. You can make them in under 30 minutes.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Tortellini
Instant Pot Churro Bites
Turn lunchtime into a little celebration with these soft churro bites.
They’re so easy to make, even on your busiest mornings. Just be careful not to overmix the batter, or they’ll come out dense.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Churro Bites
Instant Pot Egg Bites Without Cottage Cheese
Your Instant Pot can really make your life easier. Try these egg bites next.
This recipe uses mozzarella cheese, but go ahead and use any cheese you like.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Egg Bites Without Cottage Cheese
Instant Pot Pancake Bites
These ideas prove that healthy doesn’t have to mean bland.
These mini bites are made with a few pantry staples like all-purpose flour, milk, and butter. You can add berries or any mix-ins you like.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Pancake Bites
Vegan No Bake Cookies
Love cookies? Make these healthy ones and share them with the kids.
They’re vegan and dairy-free but still as delicious as their classic favorites. They’re made with oats, peanut butter, and agave.
Get The Recipe: Vegan No Bake Cookies
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Vegan Blueberry Muffins
These muffins will make the kids fall in love with plant-based treats.
They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with bursting blueberries. You can use unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk you prefer.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Blueberry Muffins
No Boil Mashed Potatoes
This recipe results in super smooth potatoes thanks to unsalted vegan butter and almond milk.
Make it ahead of time and store it for up to five days. You can easily reheat it in a skillet or the microwave.
Get The Recipe: No Boil Mashed Potatoes
Herb and Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
This light and flavorful side dish has the creaminess of mashed potatoes, but it’s made entirely with cauliflower.
Top it with anything from gravy and cheese to onions and mushrooms!
Get The Recipe: Herb and Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Sausage Rolls
These savory rolls are made with Dijon mustard, pork sausage, eggs, ketchup, and puff pastry dough.
They freeze great, so go ahead and make a big batch if you want. They’re perfect for lunchboxes and parties.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Rolls
Mini Quiches
Try this quiche recipe and use your kids’ favorite veggies and meats. Don’t have sausage?
You can use ham or chicken. Zucchini is also an amazing, healthy addition for extra nutrition.
Get The Recipe: Mini Quiches
Taco Waffles
This amazing lunchbox idea only requires a few simple ingredients, including peanut butter, berries, and yogurt.
If your kids love fruit jam, you can include that, too!
Get The Recipe: Taco Waffles
Lunch Box Mini Pizzas Made with Biscuits
These mini pizzas are built on fluffy canned biscuit dough and loaded with kid-approved toppings like turkey pepperoni, mozzarella, and pizza sauce.
Skip the takeout this time and try these homemade treats instead.
Get The Recipe: Lunch Box Mini Pizzas Made with Biscuits
Green Monster Muffins
Make these muffins and add some extra nutrition to your kids’ lunchbox.
They feature the wholesome combo of spinach, milk, avocado, and chocolate chips. You can also serve them at Halloween parties.
Get The Recipe: Green Monster Muffins
Homemade Cheez It’s
These homemade Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy, and way more flavorful than the boxed version.
They only require five simple ingredients. Make them in advance and just store them in an airtight container for up to one week.
Get The Recipe: Homemade Cheez It’s
Funfetti Banana Bread
If you’re just learning how to bake, here’s one of the easiest recipes you can try.
It results in tasty, moist bread bursting with banana flavor. It uses unsweetened oat milk, whole wheat flour, and overripe bananas.
Get The Recipe: Funfetti Banana Bread
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Vegan Mac and Trees (Kid-Friendly Mac and Broccoli)
Kid-friendly vegan mac? This healthier version comes together on the stove in just 15 minutes.
Remember to chop the broccoli into smaller pieces, like little trees, to make it more fun and easier to eat.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Mac and Trees (Kid-Friendly Mac and Broccoli)
No Bake Energy Bites
These energy bites will be a hit not only with the little ones but also with the adults.
They’re naturally sweet and have a nutty crunch. It’s up to you if you want to add coconut flakes.
Get The Recipe: No Bake Energy Bites
Air Fryer Beet Chips
This simple recipe can encourage your kids to love beets even more.
It only requires four simple ingredients. It pairs well with hummus, Greek yogurt ranch dip, and guacamole.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Beet Chips
Chopped Egg and Bacon Sandwiches
These sandwiches are made with hard-boiled eggs, real mayo, Dijon mustard, bacon, chives, and other simple ingredients.
Secure them with toothpicks and pack them in a lunchbox or small container.
Get The Recipe: Chopped Egg and Bacon Sandwiches
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Whether your child loves sweet or savory meals, there are plenty of recipes to explore.
Start with dishes they already enjoy. If your kids love pasta, sandwiches, or muffins, you don’t have to take those away, just make small tweaks.
For example, you can use whole wheat pasta, add finely chopped veggies into sauces, or bake muffins with bananas and oats instead of lots of sugar.
25 Healthy Lunchbox Ideas for Kids That Aren’t Just Fruit and Crackers
These healthy lunchbox ideas for kids are perfect for busy mornings. Try these sandwiches, muffins, pinwheels, and more! They’re all easy and delicious.
Read it here: 25 Healthy Lunchbox Ideas for Kids That Aren’t Just Fruit and Crackers
25 Healthy Snacks for School So Tasty, Kids Think They’re Treats
These healthy snacks for school will keep the kids fed and satisfied between meals. Each of these snacks is delicious and easy to make.
Read it here: 25 Healthy Snacks for School So Tasty, Kids Think They’re Treats
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Looking for more easy recipes? Even picky eaters will fall in love with these meals: