Here in Pennsylvania, school is starting in just about a week!
It’s an exciting time of the year, but I also understand that it can be a bit chaotic.
School shopping, coordinating transportation, and even figuring out what to pack for lunch can be tough.
And while I can’t help you with getting your kiddo to school, I CAN help you with a few simple ideas to keep their bellies full (so that they can stay focused throughout the day!).
Keep reading to find some school lunch ideas and snack ideas that I would have LOVED to eat as a kid!
Lunches for Kids
If you’re looking for new ways to keep lunchtime exciting, these school lunch ideas should do the trick.
Homemade Uncrustables
I’m sure you’ve seen those premade “Uncrustables” in the store.
You know, the PB and J sandwiches that have the peanut butter and jelly already sealed inside circles of bread?
Anyway… they’re super easy to make at home!
Ingredients:
- Bread of choice
- Peanut butter or another nut butter
- Any flavor of jelly
Instructions:
- Start by spreading peanut butter on both pieces of bread in a palm-size circle. Next, spread the jelly on top of the peanut butter.
- Place both slices of bread together as you would with a normal sandwich.
- If you have a sandwich cutter, place it in the center of the sandwich and press it down firmly. If you don’t have a cutter, cut a palm-size circle out of the bread, and use a fork to seal the sides (look at image above).
The best part about these sandwiches? You can make them ahead of time and freeze them for a last-minute lunch!
Lasagna Pizza Cups
This fun lunch idea is sure to have the whole class asking for a taste!
If your child is able to use a microwave at school, these lasagna pizza cups are a great way to change things up from a typical sandwich.
And let’s be honest… most kids LOVE cold pizza. So these cups can also be enjoyed cold!
HERE is how to make them.
Turkey and Cheddar Roll-Ups
If you know a child that loves turkey sandwiches, they’ll love these roll-ups.
The great thing about this lunch is that you can customize it to fit your child’s taste preference.
So, if they like ham more than turkey, or provolone over cheddar, you can get crafty!
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces of cream cheese
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 6 slices of deli turkey (or desired meat)
- 4 slices of cheese (any kind)
- 2 regular-sized tortillas
- 1/4 cup of shredded lettuce
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and green onions until combined.
- Lay one tortilla on a cutting board and spread half of the cream cheese all the way to the edges. This is what will hold the tortillas together!
- Sprinkle half of the lettuce on the tortilla, then layer 3 slices of your meat and two pieces of cheese on top. Be sure to place the turkey and cheese on the LEFT side of the tortilla, but not completely to the edge!
- Start by rolling the left end of the tortilla gently but tightly, and roll it until the tortilla is completely rolled up.
- Cut the tortilla roll-up in half, then cut each half into 5 pieces.
- Repeat all steps for the other tortilla and the rest of the ingredients!
Note: You can store the roll-ups for up to 4 days as long as they’re in an airtight container!
Slow Cooker Three-Bean Chili
When the weather starts to cool down, your kid might crave something to warm them up.
Snag a nifty Thermos from the store, and pack this tasty and hearty chili in their lunchbox!
You can even give it a “build your own” concept and put cheese, sour cream and crackers in little containers. Yum!
You can find the recipe HERE.
Breakfast for Lunch Bento Box
Bento boxes (a box with little compartments ) are all the rage right now.
Why? They’re fun to pack and even more fun to eat!
And while you can certainly put anything in a bento box, I love this “breakfast for lunch” idea.
Ingredients:
- 2 waffles
- 1 tablespoon peanut or nut butter
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced apple
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large hard-boiled egg, halved
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup grapefruit segments
Instructions:
- Spread 1 waffle with peanut or nut butter and layer on apple. Top the remaining waffle and cut into quarters.
- Place cottage cheese in a medium container and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Pack egg and tomatoes in a medium container and grapefruit in a small container.
If your kiddo isn’t a fan of the fruits or veggies recommended in this recipe, you can make some swaps!
The point is for it to be a well-balanced meal. But you can change it up!
Back-to-School Snacks
In addition to these school lunch ideas, I wanted to share some snacks as well. Enjoy!
Zesty Ranch Crackers
Savory, crunchy and oh-so good, these zesty ranch crackers are a favorite among any age!
I love to make this recipe as a “gift of food” around the holidays, but because it’s so good, I often keep a far of it around my house.
Find the recipe HERE.
No-Bake Energy Bites
If your child has an early snack time or after-school activities, they may need something with a bit more substance.
My no-bake energy bites are the perfect treat to keep them full!
Not only do these energy bites include ingredients that are substantial, they also include a good amount of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals.
Just keep in mind that they include peanut butter. So check with your child’s teacher to make sure there isn’t someone with a peanut allergy in the classroom!
HERE is the recipe.
Snickerdoodle Hummus
This sweet hummus may sound like dessert, but it’s made with garbanzo beans and cashew butter which makes it a fairly healthy treat!
Send your little one to class with a small container of this hummus and some dipping options.
I’d give them a bag of sliced apples and celery. You can also give them some crackers too!
Check out the recipe HERE.
Give these school lunch ideas a try and let me know how it goes!
And even if you don’t have a little one going to school, I’m sure these ideas would be great for anyone… even you!
From my kitchen to yours,
Jill
Did you know I have my own online shop? Check it out HERE!
School Lunch Ideas. School Lunch Ideas.
