11 Growing Kids’ Lunch Ideas That Satisfy Big Appetites for Back to School

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Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups are a quick and easy lunch option perfect for kids. These simple wraps are made with deli turkey and cheese rolled up in a soft tortilla, creating a portable and nutritious meal that is both fun to eat and easy to assemble. Great for lunchboxes or a snack, they can also be customized with various spreads or veggies.

Cooking Steps:

1. Place the flour tortilla on a clean surface.
2. Spread cream cheese or hummus evenly over the tortilla (if using).
3. Layer the turkey slices and cheese on top of the tortilla.
4. Add lettuce if desired.
5. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the tortilla tightly to form a wrap.
6. Slice the roll-up into bite-sized pieces and serve.

Veggie-Packed Quesadillas

Veggie-Packed Quesadillas are a fantastic way to sneak some extra vegetables into a meal that kids will love. These cheesy, crispy tortillas are filled with an assortment of colorful veggies and can be customized to suit your child’s taste preferences. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also make for a fun and interactive lunchtime experience that can be served with dips like salsa or guacamole.

Cooking Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini; sauté until soft (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the veggie mixture from the skillet.
4. In the same skillet, place a tortilla, sprinkle half with cheese, then add the veggie mixture and top with more cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape; cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
6. Remove from the skillet, slice into wedges, and serve with salsa or guacamole.

Homemade Pizza Muffins

Homemade Pizza Muffins are a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza that kids will adore! These mini muffins are packed with a savory pizza mix of cheese, peppers, and toppings, making them a perfect, portable lunch option that can be enjoyed at home or on-the-go. They’re easy to prepare, versatile, and can be customized based on your child’s favorite pizza toppings.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, milk, and egg.
4. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
5. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce for dipping.

Chicken and Avocado Wraps

Chicken and Avocado Wraps are a healthy and tasty homemade lunch option that kids will love! These wraps are filled with tender chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. They are not only easy to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to add your child’s favorite ingredients, making lunchtime enjoyable and nutritious.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with mashed avocado, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Lay out the tortillas and layer each with lettuce, the chicken-avocado mixture, cherry tomatoes, and cheese.
3. Roll the tortillas tightly to form wraps and slice them in half for easy eating.
4. Serve immediately or wrap in foil for a portable lunch option.

Pasta Salad With Colorful Veggies

Pasta Salad With Colorful Veggies is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines pasta with an array of fresh vegetables, making it an ideal lunch option for kids. Packed with flavor and eye-catching colors, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also adaptable to suit your child’s taste preferences. Plus, it can be enjoyed cold, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch for busy days.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, and toss to combine thoroughly.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld. Enjoy as a cold lunch option!

DIY Lunchables

DIY Lunchables are a fun and customizable lunch option for kids, allowing them to create their own meal using a variety of ingredients. This interactive lunch idea not only promotes independence but also encourages kids to enjoy healthy eating by choosing their favorite components. Easy to assemble and perfect for packing, DIY Lunchables bring creativity to lunchtime.

Cooking Steps:

1. Begin by arranging the crackers, sliced cheese, and deli meats on a lunch tray or in a bento box.
2. Include fresh fruit and veggie sticks in separate compartments or on the side.
3. Add a small container of hummus or ranch dressing for dipping.
4. Sprinkle in some nuts or trail mix for an extra crunch.
5. Cover and pack for lunch; enjoy your DIY Lunchables!

Savory Breakfast Burritos

Savory Breakfast Burritos are a delicious and hearty option for kids’ lunches, combining flavorful ingredients wrapped in a soft tortilla. They can be made ahead of time and are perfect for packing, providing a filling and nutritious meal that kids will love. These versatile burritos can be customized with a variety of fillings, making them both fun and accommodating to different tastes.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and bell peppers until softened.
2. Whisk the eggs in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, then pour into the skillet with the sautéed veggies and cook until scrambled.
3. Add the diced deli sausage and shredded cheese to the egg mixture, stirring until the cheese is melted.
4. Lay a tortilla on a flat surface, spoon the egg mixture onto the center, fold in the sides, and roll into a burrito shape.
5. Wrap each burrito in foil for easy transport and serve with salsa if desired.

Hummus and Pita Bread Plates

Hummus and Pita Bread Plates are a fun, healthy, and interactive lunch option for kids. This dish includes creamy hummus paired with warm pita bread and colorful veggie dippers, making it a nutritious and enjoyable meal that kids can customize according to their tastes. It promotes healthy eating habits and is perfect for packable lunches.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if warming the pita bread.
2. Slice the pita bread into halves or quarters and warm in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
3. Arrange the hummus in a small bowl in the center of the lunch plate.
4. Cut vegetables into sticks or slices and place them around the hummus and pita bread for easy dipping.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the hummus and sprinkle with paprika if desired for extra flavor. Serve immediately or pack for lunch.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries and Dippers

Baked Sweet Potato Fries and Dippers are a delicious and healthy lunch option that kids will love. These crispy fries are a nutritious alternative to traditional potato fries, offering a sweet flavor and vibrant color. Paired with a variety of dipping sauces, this dish encourages kids to enjoy their vegetables and can easily be packed for lunch or served as a fun snack at home.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thin fry shapes.
3. In a mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
4. Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
5. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauces or pack for lunch.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits are a revitalizing and nutritious lunch option for kids that combine layers of creamy yogurt, fresh fruits, and crunchy granola. This dish is not only visually appealing but also promotes healthy eating habits by offering a delightful way for children to enjoy their vitamins and minerals while satisfying their sweet cravings. Layered in a cup or jar, these parfaits are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed at home or packed for school lunches.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a clear cup or jar, add a layer of yogurt at the bottom.
2. Add a layer of mixed berries and sliced banana on top of the yogurt.
3. Sprinkle a layer of granola over the fruit.
4. Repeat the layers until the cup is full, finishing with yogurt and a drizzle of honey if desired.
5. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to one day before serving.

Tuna Salad Stuffed Peppers

Tuna Salad Stuffed Peppers are a fun and nutritious lunch option for kids that combines protein-packed tuna salad with crunchy bell peppers. This dish is not only colorful and appealing but also allows kids to enjoy their veggies while getting a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Easy to prepare and perfect for packing in lunchboxes, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit with children of all ages.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds, creating a hollow cavity.
2. In a bowl, mix together the drained tuna, mayonnaise, chopped celery, red onion, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Spoon the tuna salad mixture into each prepared bell pepper until full.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to pack for lunch. Optionally, place the stuffed peppers on a bed of lettuce for presentation.