11 Beginner Bento Ideas for New Back-to-School Packers

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Colorful Veggie and Hummus Bento

A Colorful Veggie and Hummus Bento is a perfect packable lunch option that combines vibrant, crunchy vegetables with a creamy and nutritious hummus dip. This bento box is not only visually appealing, but it also makes for a healthy and satisfying meal, ideal for school or work lunches. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized based on personal preferences or seasonal vegetables.

Cooking Steps:

1. Wash and cut all vegetables into sticks or bite-sized pieces for easy dipping.
2. Arrange the carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and celery in a bento box or a lunch container.
3. Prepare a small compartment or bowl for the hummus.
4. Optionally, drizzle olive oil over the veggies for extra flavor.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs, close the bento box, and it’s ready for packing!

Mini Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Mini Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups are a fun and satisfying lunch option for school or work that combines protein-rich turkey with creamy cheese all wrapped up in a simple, hand-held format. These roll-ups are easy to make ahead of time, portable, and can be customized with a variety of fillings or condiments according to personal taste.

Cooking Steps:

1. Lay out the tortilla wraps or lettuce leaves flat on a clean surface.
2. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or mustard over each wrap.
3. Place one slice of turkey and one slice of cheese on top of each wrap.
4. Add pickles or sliced peppers for crunch, if desired.
5. Roll the wraps tightly from one end to the other and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
6. Arrange the roll-ups in a bento box and garnish with fresh herbs, then pack for lunch!

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Bento

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Bento is a delicious and nutritious meal option that’s perfect for school lunches or picnics. This vibrant dish combines layers of creamy yogurt, fresh fruits, and crunchy granola, making it a tasty treat that’s easy to assemble and enjoy on the go. It can be made ahead of time and customized based on seasonal fruits or personal preferences.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a bento box or a small container, start by adding a layer of yogurt at the bottom.
2. Add a layer of mixed fresh fruits on top of the yogurt.
3. Sprinkle a layer of granola over the fruit.
4. Repeat the layers until the container is filled, finishing with a layer of fruits and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired.
5. Garnish with nuts or seeds and mint leaves for a fresh touch.
6. Seal the bento box and refrigerate until ready to pack for lunch!

Quinoa Salad With Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber

Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber is a revitalizing and nutritious dish that makes for a perfect school-packed lunch. This vibrant salad is packed with protein-rich quinoa, crisp cucumbers, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed with a light dressing. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and can be enjoyed chilled, making it an ideal option for a quick meal on the go.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss until well combined.
4. Add the chopped parsley or basil and gently mix.
5. Adjust seasoning if necessary, then transfer the salad to a bento box and refrigerate until ready to pack for school.

Cute Egg Muffins With Spinach and Cheese

Cute Egg Muffins with Spinach and Cheese are a delightful and nutritious dish that makes an excellent addition to school-packed lunches. These bite-sized muffins are filled with protein-rich eggs, fresh spinach, and melty cheese, making them not only tasty but also easy to prepare in advance. They can be eaten warm or cold, making them versatile for meal prep and school days alike.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin with olive oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Stir in the chopped spinach and shredded cheese, mixing until evenly distributed.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the egg muffins are set and lightly golden on top.
6. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Store in a bento box and refrigerate until ready to pack for school.

Chicken Teriyaki and Rice

Chicken Teriyaki and Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for school lunch packs. This meal combines tender pieces of chicken cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make in batches, making it an ideal option for meal prepping for busy school weeks.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken thighs. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and coated in sauce.
3. While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice according to package instructions.
4. Once done, slice the chicken and serve it over the cooked rice, garnishing with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
5. Pack into a bento box and refrigerate until ready for school.

Peanut Butter and Banana Sushi

Peanut Butter and Banana Sushi is a fun and nutritious twist on traditional sushi that kids will love. This quick and easy snack combines the creaminess of peanut butter with the sweetness of bananas, all wrapped up in a tortilla. It’s a perfect option for school lunches, providing energy and satisfaction without being overly complicated to prepare.

Cooking Steps:

1. Spread peanut butter evenly over each tortilla, covering the entire surface.
2. Place one banana on each tortilla and, if desired, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Roll the tortilla tightly around the banana to form a log.
4. Slice the rolled tortilla into bite-sized pieces, resembling sushi.
5. Optionally, serve with sliced strawberries on the side and pack into a bento box for school.

Pasta Primavera With Pesto

Pasta Primavera with Pesto is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines fresh vegetables with al dente pasta, all tossed in a delicious homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. It’s perfect for a nutritious school lunch option, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, vegetables, and healthy fats. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the bell peppers and zucchini until tender (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Toss the cooked pasta with the sautéed vegetables and pesto until well combined.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and pack into a bento box for school.

Cheese and Crackers With Grapes

Cheese and Crackers with Grapes is a simple yet delightful dish perfect for school lunches. It combines a variety of cheeses and crunchy crackers, complemented by sweet and juicy grapes, making it a tasty snack that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. This no-cook option is easy to prepare and is both visually appealing and satisfying for kids.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cut the assorted cheeses into cubes or slices and arrange them on a bento box.
2. Add a handful of whole grain crackers alongside the cheese.
3. Wash and dry the fresh grapes, then add them to the bento box.
4. If desired, include sliced apples or pears and a handful of nuts for added variety.
5. Pack the bento box securely and it’s ready for a nutritious school lunch.

Sweet Potato Wedges and Avocado Dip

Sweet Potato Wedges and Avocado Dip is a healthy and delicious option for school lunches that kids will love. The crispy baked sweet potato wedges are not only a great source of fiber and vitamins but are also naturally sweet, pairing perfectly with the creamy and nutritious avocado dip. This combo is easy to make and can be enjoyed both warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for school bento boxes.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges and toss them with olive oil, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Spread on the baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mash the avocados and mix in lime juice, garlic powder, and salt to create the dip.
5. Once the wedges are cooked, let them cool slightly before packing in a bento box with the avocado dip. Optionally, garnish the dip with fresh cilantro.

DIY Pizza Bento With Assorted Toppings

A DIY Pizza Bento is a fun and interactive lunchtime option that allows kids to create their own personal pizzas right in their bento boxes. This customizable meal is not only delicious but also encourages creativity as children can choose their favorite toppings, making lunchtime more enjoyable and satisfying. Plus, the ingredients can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient choice for busy school mornings.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and cut it into small rounds or squares.
3. Place the dough pieces on the baking sheet and spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on each.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add your choice of toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, and mushrooms.
5. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizzas and bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Once cooked, let the mini pizzas cool slightly before packing them into the bento box. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.