20 Back To School Lunch Ideas Your Kids Will Love

This post shares 20 back to school lunch ideas your kids will love.

School lunches will always be the bane of my existence. A handful of meals we eat can be turned into a thermos lunch and the kids can only eat so many sandwiches. If you are in the same boat and on the hunt for some lunch inspiration you have come to the right place. Here is my list of the best back to school lunch ideas.

 

1. Corn Dog Muffins

These mini corndogs are not only incredibly cute but also delicious!

 

Served either warm in a thermos or chilled they are sure to be a hit.

 

Be sure to serve them with whichever condiments your child enjoys. My personal fav is mustard.

 

2. Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups

I feel very confident that every single child out there is a fan of pizza! and for good reason!

 

These simple yet delicious pizza roll ups are quick to make in the mornings especially if they are prepped the night before.

 

Put in your child’s favorite pizza toppings or keep it simple with just sauce and cheese.

 

3. White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

 

The classic mac and cheese for lunch is such a staple in our household.

 

We love to make it ahead of time and then easily reheat it by adding in some milk and popping it into the microwave or on the stove top.

 

This creamy white cheddar mac is a slight twist on what your kids would normally have but I’m sure it will be a hit!

 

4. Caprese Pasta Salad

 

Pasta salads are a great option for a cold lunch at school.

 

This is a caprese salad however, the options are almost endless and you can fill it full of ingredients your child loves.

 

Ensure you add in some protein whether that be cheese, chicken, bacon, or whatever works for your child.

 

5. Egg Bites

 

Most of us may think that eggs are only for breakfast but they are fantastic for any meal including lunch

 

These egg bite recipe is super easy and allows for customization depending on your child’s preferences.

 

Even if your child just likes cheese added these a great for protein and you can add other things to their lunch to balance it out.

 

6. Crunchy Chicken Caesar Wraps

 

Easily throw some chicken fingers into the air fryer the night before, toss your salad together and assemble.

 

For when they inevitably get sick of their regular every day sandwich order.

 

7. Chicken Quesadillas

 

Quesadillas are a delicious warm food option for your kids school lunch.

 

While this recipe is for a chicken quesadilla you can fill it with whatever protein you like including just cheese, black beans, steak, fish, and more.

 

8. No Bake Energy Bites

 

If your kiddo isn’t huge on lunch or prefers to graze these protein energy bites are for you.

 

They are incredibly easy to meal prep a head of time to toss into their lunch.

 

They are also perfect for snacking as well! If they are being brought to school just ensure you use a nut free option like sunflower butter.

 

9. Chicken Noodle Soup

 

 

The fall brings chilly weather and soup is the best cure for that!

 

Homemade chicken noodle soup is the absolute best and the perfect thing to fill your kiddos thermos with.

 

Bonus if you had in some twirly pasta!

 

10. Chicken Burrito Bowls

These burrito bowls have all the taste of takeout but are much healthier

 

I love that you can eat these either hot and cold which is perfect for a school lunch.

 

You can switch out the protein to whatever you or your kiddo likes!

 

11. Turkey Cheese Crescent Rolls

 

A bit of a twist on a regular every day sandwich for lunch.

 

These tasty homemade sandwiches use just a couple of ingredients to make a lunch your kiddos will be excited to eat.

 

Feel free to add in any veggies your child may like for added crunch!

 

12. BLT Wrap

 

BLTs have been my own personal hyper fixation lunch for about a year now

 

My kids have preferred wraps over traditional bread and I’m loving the change up!

 

Add on a side of fruit and a bag of chips and you have yourself a complete delicious lunch.

 

13.  Bacon Chicken Ranch Pinwheels

 

These delicious chicken filled pinwheels will make your kids lunch the talk to the lunchroom.

 

With all the good stuff including cream cheese, bacon, cheddar, and more this is sure to fill your kiddo up for the day.

 

14. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

 

These pizza rolls taste great hot or cold which is fantastic for a school lunch.

 

Fill them with your choice of toppings including pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, and so much more!

 

You can make the homemade sauce in the recipe or just use a premade jar from the store.

 

15. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls

 

Teriyaki chicken rice bowls are one of our favorite hot lunches to send to school

 

Often thus is leftovers from dinner as it would be pretty difficult to throw together from scratch in the morning.

 

We fill ours with all of our kids favorite veggies and they absolutely love having it as their lunch

 

16. Cheesy Meatball Bites

 

These saucy and tasty cheesy meatball bites are the perfect mix of protein and carbs to fill your little one up.

 

I would recommend heating these up in the air fryer in the morning so you are able to get a good crunch on the shell.

 

17. Waffles

 

You have heard of breakfast for dinner but why not breakfast for lunch!?

 

Waffles are a great choice for a breakfast for lunch option. I would recommend slicing them into sticks so they easily fit in your thermos.

 

Serve with a side of maple syrup, fruit, and a protein of your choice.

 

18. Bento Box

 

Doing a bento box lunch is a fantastic way to include a variety of different foods your kids love

 

This is a Mediterranean style box that includes pitas, hummus, chicken, and some fruits and veggies.

 

19. Sushi

 

Sushi is a fun and unique school lunch that your kids are sure to be excited about!

 

You can have raw fish, veggies, or a mix of both like in the photo above.

 

Serve with soy sauce and maybe even a little wasabi if you kiddo likes the heat.

 

20. Mortadella, Burrata and Pesto Focaccia Sandwich

 

 

If you’re going to do a sandwich for lunch you need to do it up right!

 

This amazing sandwich is filled with some incredible Italian ingredients. You can always swap out the meat and cheese to suit your families needs.

 

 

Conclusion: Best Back To School Lunch Ideas

We hope our list of our favorite back to school lunch ideas has inspired you to think outside the sandwich. Please let us know which recipe you enjoyed and if you think theres something we need to add to our list.