Now that we are deep into the school year, if you’re anything like me, you’re running out of ideas to put in your child’s lunchbox. I have at least one picky eater on my hands, and after dealing with feeding therapy for several months years ago, I am very intentional about what I put in his lunch. I have never been one for fancy lunch box ideas, but rather a well-rounded balance of foods that will give him a full belly and the nutrition to grow into a strong little dude.
We have tried a variety of methods to mix up the lunchbox game, and having my kids help from time to time always seems to get them involved in choosing the right foods and the foods they want to eat at school the next day. So, after much trial and error, I came up with 10 easy recipes/lunch ideas for you to add to your child’s lunch routine.
But there is one catch: no sandwiches.
Idea #1: Mini Taco Pies
I’m starting off with the most high-maintenance recipe out of the 10. This one takes a little more preparation. This is a fun and tasty treat that pairs well with individually packed guacamole or salsa. Feel free to make it super fancy with a black bean salad on the salad.
Idea #2: Kid-Friendly Charcuterie Board/Protein or Veggie Plate
This is usually my “lazy mom” lunch go-to. We make these when I am desperate to go to the grocery store or just don’t feel like cooking. Items on these “plates” include cheese, salami, grapes, cottage cheese, and preferred fruits and vegetables. These fill up my kids, and they feel like they are snacking instead of eating lunch.
Idea #3: Wraps/Pinwheels
Okay, this one is sort of a sandwich, but we tend to mix it up with rotisserie chicken. My household’s favorite is a tortilla with rotisserie chicken, chopped cucumbers, and a little ranch drizzle. Roll it up and put in a toothpick for added fun! One of my kids’ favorite variations of this is to do the viral wrap with peanut butter, bananas, raspberries, and a few chocolate chips. They would have this every day if I let them. Pick their four favorite items and make it into a foldable wrap!
Idea #4: Quesadillas
You can easily prep this the night before. Make a quesadilla with whatever your child prefers inside. Make it Mexican-themed or even a BBQ version. The next day, it is still tasty in a cold lunch box.
Idea #5: Corn Dog Muffins
This recipe is great in a lunchbox or on a Saturday afternoon. These are a crowd pleaser, and I’ve also done a variety with my waffle maker. Don’t forget to pack a small amount of ketchup or have your child ask the cafeteria staff for condiments to make these state fair treat midweek!
Idea #6: Chicken and Waffle Sliders
Does your child have the first lunch of the day and feel like he/she is brunching every day of the school week? This is an easy recipe to make with whatever chicken nugget/popcorn/strip you have in your freezer with the mini toaster waffles. Merge them together to make a slider for your child to enjoy with some other brunch favorites like fruit kabobs or hard-boiled eggs.
Idea #7: DIY Pizzas
Raise your hand if you’re tired of buying expensive pizza lunchables and frustrated on how much additional junk they are adding to the food? Well, me too. I started making my own simple pizza lunchables using naan or pita bread, putting some pizza sauce into a small container, and then put your child’s favorite pizza toppings in there. Pepperoni, banana peppers, green peppers, and mozzarella cheese are favorite toppings in our household.
Idea #8: Air Fryer Pizza Roll-ups
To continue the pizza theme, my kids really like these pizza roll-ups. They are similar to pizza rolls but a less greasy version. With a small tortilla, piece of string cheese, a tablespoon of sauce, and any other pizza toppings inside, it is a quick and easy recipe to prep on Sunday and have ready to throw in a lunchbox mid week.
Idea #9: DIY Lunchables
This is sort of a repeat, but this is a great hack that saves money, and you can add healthier options. Prepping your child’s Bento box is perfect for adding slices of meat, cheese, and crackers into each little compartment. Add some other healthy options like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber to make an even better version!
Idea #10: Leftovers
Although the chances of your child getting the staff on lunch duty to warm up last night’s pasta is probably a no-go, let’s think outside the box. There are hundreds of food options that are just as great on the second day, cold. Channel your inner 20-year-old self and serve your child leftover pizza, macaroni and cheese/pasta, or even a Mississippi chicken sandwich. And if serving it cold isn’t your thing, there are great thermos out there to give your child that warm meal they may be longing for.
Bonus: Don’t forget to mix up the game with fruits and vegetables! Try to get new types, and if you have the time or energy, put them on small toothpicks or make shapes with cookie cutters. Hopefully, these ideas will get you out of the lunch packing rut, and you can add a little joy to one of the countless parent responsibilities you have for the evening. And don’t forget to include your children in the lunch packing fun. It is a great life skill to start early in life. Happy packing!
