Making meals for kids is sometimes, well, the worst. Throw in a picky-eater, and in our case food allergies, and it feels like the options are frustratingly limited. I know how it goes- we start the year being that mom, but soon after fall into a hole of serving the same easy, go-to foods, day after day. To escape that pattern, I challenged myself to create 5 school lunch ideas for kids that are still simple to make and inviting to eat.
I find it helpful to use different containers to organize. A bento lunch box allows smaller, compartmentalized, portions of a variety of foods.
My favorites are :
5 Favorite School Lunch Ideas
Here are some of my favorite creative (but simple!) and easy school lunch ideas for kids:
Hummus Dippers
- Hummus- we prefer traditional but roasted red pepper is also a fave!
- Mini Pita rounds (or cut regular pita into triangles!)
- Veggies: carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, celery, snap peas
- Turkey
- Other great dippers: pretzels, tortilla chips, crackers
- Fun variation: Dessert hummus with fruit and animal crackers! Yum!
Cutout Sandwich
- Such an easy modification, but of course eating a sandwich with a shape or letter cut out is obvi so much more delish!
- Use a cookie cutter for endless options or just a knife to cut out your own creation (like an initial)
- Round sandwich thins are another fun way to switch up a boring
ol ‘ sandwich. - Here are some of my favorite cookie cutters:
Chicken Nugget Caprese
- Ah, a fancy twist on the beloved, yet overplayed, lunch time staple: the chicken nugget.
- Use food picks to make a shish kabob from a cut up chicken nugget (or grilled chicken), cherry tomato and ciliegine (aka little mozzarella balls).
- Add balsamic vinegar to dip.
- Side of plain pasta to keep the vibe going
Almond Butter & Banana Rice Cake Pizza
- Another fun variation with endless options!
- Spread almond butter (or other nut substitute) onto a rice cake
- Add your choice of fruit (bananas, strawberries, & blueberries are some of our favorites!)
DIY Pepperoni Pizza
- My answer to the endless begging for Lunchables in the refrigerated aisle of the grocery store.
- English muffins or other flat bread (sandwich thins, bagel)
- Spaghetti sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni and/or other toppings (bell peppers, mushrooms, pineapple, ham, olives, etc!)
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What do you think?