11 Fun Bento Box Ideas for School Lunches

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Rainbow Veggie Wrap Bento

The Rainbow Veggie Wrap Bento is a healthy and vibrant lunch option that’s perfect for back to school. This dish combines colorful vegetables and a tasty spread, all wrapped up in a whole grain tortilla, making it both visually appealing and delicious. Packed with nutrients, these wraps not only keep lunchtime interesting but also provide a fun way to enjoy a variety of veggies.

Cooking Steps:

1. Spread a layer of hummus or cream cheese over each whole grain tortilla.
2. Layer the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, shredded carrot, spinach leaves, and avocado evenly on each tortilla.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roll the tortillas tightly, then slice them in half to create pinwheels.
5. Pack the wrap halves in a bento box along with a side of fresh fruit or veggie sticks for a complete meal.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Box

The Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Box is a delightful and nutritious lunch option that combines layers of creamy yogurt, fresh fruits, and crunchy granola. This easy-to-make dish is not only visually stunning but also provides a wholesome balance of protein, vitamins, and carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for kids heading back to school.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a cup or small bowl, start with a layer of Greek yogurt at the bottom.
2. Add a layer of mixed berries on top of the yogurt.
3. Follow with a sprinkle of granola and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
4. Repeat the layers until the container is filled, finishing with a layer of fruit and a sprinkle of chia seeds if desired.
5. Pack in a bento box with a side of additional fruit or a small spoon for enjoying the parfait!

Sushi Roll Bento

The Sushi Roll Bento is a fun and creative way to introduce your child to the world of sushi, without the raw fish! Perfect for back to school lunches, these sushi rolls can be filled with a variety of ingredients like fresh vegetables, crab sticks, or avocado. With a little bit of preparation, you can create a bento box that is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making lunchtime exciting for your child.

Cooking Steps:

1. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then cook according to package instructions.
2. Once cooked, mix the rice vinegar into the rice to season it. Allow it to cool slightly.
3. Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat or a clean surface, and spread a layer of sushi rice over it, leaving a small margin at the top.
4. Arrange cucumber, carrot, avocado, and imitation crab sticks in a line along the bottom of the rice-covered nori.
5. Roll the sushi tightly, using the mat for support, and seal the edge with a little water.
6. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.
7. Pack the sushi rolls in a bento box with a small container of soy sauce for dipping and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor!

Mini Pancake Stack Bento

The Mini Pancake Stack Bento is a delightful and playful way to enjoy breakfast for lunch! These small, fluffy pancakes are a hit among kids and can be easily customized with toppings and sides. Served in a bento box, they make lunchtime feel special and can be paired with fresh fruits and a sweet dipping sauce, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine pancake mix, egg, milk, and melted butter until just mixed; stir in chocolate chips if using.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour small amounts of batter to form mini pancakes.
3. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
4. Stack pancakes in threes and drizzle with maple syrup.
5. Pack the mini pancake stacks in a bento box alongside fresh berries and a small container of whipped cream for dipping!

DIY Taco Bento

The DIY Taco Bento is a fun and interactive lunch option that brings all the flavors of tacos into a bento box! This customizable dish allows kids to build their own tacos, making it a hands-on meal that can cater to individual tastes. By including a variety of fresh toppings and fillings, the DIY Taco Bento guarantees a delicious and nutritious lunchtime experience.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the ground beef or turkey in a pan over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water; simmer for a few minutes until well combined.
3. While the meat is cooking, prepare the toppings: wash and chop lettuce, tomatoes, and slice olives and avocado.
4. Pack the taco shells or tortillas in the bento box with the seasoned meat and all prepared toppings in separate containers.
5. Include small portions of salsa and sour cream for dipping and packing, guaranteeing a delightful taco-building experience at lunch!

Pasta Salad Delight

The Pasta Salad Delight is a colorful and nutritious bento box option that provides a rejuvenating mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for back-to-school lunches, this dish combines cooked pasta with vibrant vegetables, protein, and a zesty dressing, making it a delightful choice for kids and adults alike. It’s quick to prepare and can be easily customized to suit individual tastes.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, black olives, and cooked chicken or chickpeas.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning; pour over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
4. Gently fold in feta cheese and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
5. Pack the pasta salad into a bento box, making sure to keep it chilled until lunchtime for the best flavor!

Cheese and Crackers Picnic Box

The Cheese and Crackers Picnic Box is a fun and versatile bento box option ideal for back-to-school lunches. This dish is perfect for kids, allowing them to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures without the need for cooking. With an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and some fresh fruit and veggies, this picnic-style meal is not only easy to assemble but also visually appealing, making it an exciting choice for lunchtime.

Assembly Steps:

1. Arrange sliced cheeses on one section of the bento box.
2. Add whole grain crackers next to the cheese.
3. Fill one section with grapes and baby carrots.
4. Include a small container with hummus or ranch dressing for dipping.
5. Finish by adding sliced apple or pear and mixed nuts in the remaining section for added crunch. Enjoy this delightful and simple lunch!

Breakfast-for-Lunch Bento

The Breakfast-for-Lunch Bento is a delightful and hearty option that allows you to enjoy classic breakfast favorites at lunch. This dish combines scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, whole grain toast, and fresh fruit, making it a nutritional powerhouse that will keep your child energized throughout the school day.

Assembly Steps:

1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy; remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Pour egg mixture into the same skillet and scramble until fully cooked.
4. Toast whole grain bread with butter in the skillet until golden brown.
5. Assemble the bento by adding scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and a portion of fresh fruit in the bento box. Enjoy!

Protein Power Bento

The Protein Power Bento is a fantastic way to pack a punch of nutrition into your child’s lunch. This bento features a variety of protein-rich foods including grilled chicken strips, hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, and a healthy side of nuts. Together, these ingredients will provide sustained energy and keep your child feeling full and focused throughout their school day.

Assembly Steps:

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let cool and slice into strips.
2. Boil eggs in water for 9-10 minutes. Once done, cool in ice water, peel, and slice in half.
3. In a bento box, add grilled chicken strips, hard-boiled egg halves, Greek yogurt, a portion of mixed nuts, and fresh fruit.
4. Seal the bento and store it in the refrigerator until it’s time for lunch!

Veggie and Hummus Dipper Box

The Veggie and Hummus Dipper Box is a vibrant and healthy lunch option that makes eating vegetables fun for kids. This bento box combines an array of crunchy, colorful veggies with a delicious, creamy hummus dip. Perfect for school, this dish promotes healthy snacking while ensuring your child gets their daily servings of vegetables.

Assembly Steps:

1. Wash and cut all vegetables into sticks or bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bento box, arrange the carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, celery, and cherry tomatoes in separate compartments.
3. Spoon hummus into a small section of the bento box and add whole grain crackers beside it.
4. Seal the bento box and keep it refrigerated until lunchtime!

Sweet Treat Bento

The Sweet Treat Bento is a delightful and fun way to satisfy a sweet tooth while keeping lunchtime exciting. This bento box features a combination of healthy and sweet options that appeal to kids. With fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, and a touch of granola bars, this treat offers a balanced yet indulgent lunch that’s perfect for back-to-school meals.

Assembly Steps:

1. Wash and prepare mixed berries, slicing larger fruits as necessary.
2. In a bento box, place a portion of Greek yogurt in one compartment.
3. Add the mixed berries surrounding the yogurt.
4. Sprinkle granola on top of the yogurt and drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired.
5. Include pieces of granola bars and a few chocolate chips in separate sections of the box.
6. Seal the bento box and refrigerate until ready to serve!