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Classic Tomato Soup

Classic Tomato Soup is a timeless and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly school days. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this creamy soup can be easily stored in a thermos, making it an ideal lunch option for students. This recipe is simple to follow and uses wholesome ingredients to guarantee a delicious homemade soup that will warm you up and keep you satisfied throughout the day.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Carrot | 1 medium, diced |
| Canned tomatoes | 2 cans (14 oz each) |
| Vegetable broth | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Fresh basil | A handful, chopped |
| Cream (optional) | ½ cup |
Cooking Steps:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and diced carrot and sauté until softened.
- Stir in canned tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil and optional cream for a richer taste.
- Let cool slightly before pouring into thermoses for school lunches. Enjoy!
Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic, hearty comfort food that is perfect for school lunches. This wholesome dish combines tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful broth, making it a nourishing option for students on busy days. Easy to prepare and store in a thermos, Chicken Noodle Soup will keep well until lunchtime and provide the energy needed for a full day of learning.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Carrots | 2 medium, sliced |
| Celery | 2 stalks, sliced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Chicken breast | 2 cups, cooked and shredded |
| Egg noodles | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups |
| Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Fresh parsley | A handful, chopped |
Cooking Steps:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add the cooked chicken and chicken broth to the pot, along with thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and stir in chopped fresh parsley before removing from heat.
- Allow the soup to cool slightly before ladling into thermoses for school lunches. Enjoy!
Pumpkin and Sage Soup

Pumpkin and Sage Soup is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly school days. This soup combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the earthy aroma of sage, creating a delightful flavor profile that both kids and adults will enjoy. It’s easy to prepare and can be stored in a thermos, ensuring it stays warm and satisfying until lunchtime.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Pumpkin puree | 2 cups |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Fresh sage leaves | 1 tablespoon, chopped |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Pumpkin seeds | for garnish (optional) |
Cooking Steps:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the chopped sage leaves, seaon with salt and pepper, and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender, then stir in the heavy cream.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and allow the soup to cool slightly before ladling into thermoses for school lunches. Enjoy!
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a hearty and cheesy dish that is perfect for warming up on cold school days. This soup features tender broccoli florets combined with a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce, making it a comfort food favorite for kids and adults alike. It’s easy to prepare in advance and will keep well in a thermos, ensuring a deliciously creamy lunch option that’s packed with nutrients.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Broccoli florets | 4 cups |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Nutmeg (optional) | a pinch |
Cooking Steps:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing to a simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to taste, then allow the soup to cool slightly before ladling into thermoses for a comforting lunch. Enjoy!
Spicy Bean and Corn Soup

Spicy Bean and Corn Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that brings a zesty twist to school lunches. Packed with protein from beans and fiber from corn, this soup is not only nutritious but also deliciously satisfying. It’s easy to prepare in advance and guarantees that kids will enjoy a warm and spicy pick-me-up during their busy school day.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Bell pepper | 1 medium, chopped |
| Canned diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Canned black beans | 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed |
| Canned corn | 1 can (15 oz), drained |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Chili powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Fresh cilantro (optional) | for garnish |
Cooking Steps:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then ladle the soup into thermoses for a spicy, satisfying lunch. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful and heartwarming dish that combines savory meatballs, fresh greens, and delicious broth, making it a perfect choice for a comforting school lunch. With its nutritious ingredients and rich flavors, it provides kids with the warmth and satisfaction they need during their busy school day.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced |
| Celery | 2 stalks, diced |
| Chicken broth | 8 cups |
| Small pasta (e.g., acini di pepe) | 1 cup |
| Ground beef | 1/2 pound |
| Ground pork | 1/2 pound |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup, grated |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Fresh parsley | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Fresh spinach or escarole | 2 cups, chopped |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
Cooking Steps:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente.
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper to form small meatballs. Drop the meatballs into the simmering broth and cook until they are fully cooked through.
- Finally, add the chopped greens and cook until just wilted. Ladle the soup into thermoses and enjoy a cozy, fulfilling lunch!
Vegetable and Quinoa Soup

Vegetable and Quinoa Soup is a nutritious and hearty dish that features a colorful medley of vegetables combined with protein-packed quinoa. This flavorful soup is not only filling but also provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent, health-conscious choice for a school lunch that keeps kids energized throughout their day.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced |
| Celery | 2 stalks, diced |
| Bell pepper | 1, diced |
| Zucchini | 1 medium, diced |
| Tomatoes (canned or fresh) | 1 can (14.5 oz) or 2 medium, diced |
| Vegetable broth | 6 cups |
| Quinoa | 1 cup, rinsed |
| Spinach or kale | 2 cups, chopped |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Fresh herbs (e.g., basil, parsley) | for garnish |
Cooking Steps:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini, cooking until they start to soften.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.
- Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat, and let simmer until the quinoa is cooked (about 15 minutes).
- Fold in the spinach or kale and cook until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into thermoses for a nutritious school lunch!
Beef and Barley Soup

Beef and Barley Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender chunks of beef with nutritious barley, vegetables, and rich broth. This comforting soup is perfect for school thermoses, providing a warm and filling meal that will keep kids fueled and ready to tackle their day.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Beef (chuck or stew meat) | 1 pound, diced |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced |
| Celery | 2 stalks, diced |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup, sliced |
| Barley | 1/2 cup, rinsed |
| Beef broth | 6 cups |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | optional |
Cooking Steps:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the diced beef until it’s nicely seared on all sides.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms, sautéing until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the rinsed barley, beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme; bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beef and barley are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove the bay leaf.
- Portion the soup into thermoses for a hearty school lunch!
Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup is a classic Italian dish that is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for school thermoses. This colorful vegetable soup is packed with a variety of seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it a versatile option that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes. It’s not only filling but also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for kids.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced |
| Celery | 2 stalks, diced |
| Zucchini | 1 medium, diced |
| Bell pepper | 1, diced |
| Canned diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Kidney beans (canned) | 1 can (15 oz), rinsed and drained |
| Small pasta (like ditalini) | 1 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Fresh basil (for garnish) | optional |
Cooking Steps:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until they are translucent.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper, cooking until they start to soften.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, kidney beans, and Italian seasoning; bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and add the pasta, simmering until the pasta is cooked al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve in thermoses, garnished with fresh basil if desired!
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the tartness of apples, resulting in a creamy, velvety soup that is perfect for warming up during chilly school days. This nutritious and flavorful soup can easily be packed into thermoses for a hearty lunch that kids will enjoy.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Butternut squash (peeled and diced) | 4 cups |
| Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced) | 2 medium |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Heavy cream (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh thyme (for garnish) | optional |
Cooking Steps:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the diced butternut squash and apples, stirring for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add ground cinnamon; bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree the soup until smooth; stir in heavy cream if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve in thermoses, garnished with fresh thyme if desired!
Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, corn, black beans, and a medley of spices, all topped with crispy tortilla strips. This comforting soup is perfect for school lunches and can easily be packed into thermoses to keep warm throughout the day. Its delicious flavors and satisfying ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Cooked chicken (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Black beans (canned, drained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Corn (canned or frozen) | 1 cup |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Tortilla strips | for topping |
| Fresh cilantro (for garnish) | optional |
| Lime wedges (for serving) | optional |
Cooking Steps:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat; sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the soup in thermoses, topped with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges if desired!
