How To Wow Your Kids At Lunch
Tired of packing the same old peanut butter and jelly sandwich or chicken fingers? If you're tired of it, we're guessing your kid is too. So to spice things up and give them a lunch they'll really enjoy, we have 20 fun and unique lunch ideas your kid definitely won't complain about, even if they're a picky eater. To make it a balanced meal, don't forget to throw in some fruit and vegetables so they get plenty of energizing nutrients too.
1. Homemade Pizza Lunchable
What kid could ever say no to pizza? Make lunchtime fun and creative by giving your kid a homemade pizza lunchable where they get to design their ideal pie. Give them toppings like pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and whatever else they like. We're sure they'll be all smiles with this yummy lunch.
2. Kid-Friendly Charcuterie Board
Kid-friendly charcuterie board was just another fun way of saying cheese and crackers. Allowing them to assemble and eat however they want to, load up a lunchbox with some ham, cheese, and crackers. It's simple but tasty, and is something even the pickiest of eaters tend to enjoy.
3. Ikea Style Meatballs
Did you know you don't have to go to Ikea just to enjoy their delicious meatball meal? Try making it yourself at home! We're sure your kid will be delighted to open their lunch to some Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and that deliciously rich gravy smothered all over.
Bssasidhar on Wikimedia Commons
4. Cheesy Quesadillas
Perfect for kids who are picky eaters, cheesy quesadillas never disappoint. That's because you can customize it however you want so you can best suit your kid's taste buds. Load it up with their favorite veggies and proteins that you know they won't complain about, and prepare some tasty dips to pair with it.
5. Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Having gone viral on the internet, we're sure your kids know about these deliciously crispy smashed potatoes. By smushing the potatoes down after boiling them, it allows them to get extra crispy when you roast them in the oven for a bit longer. We just know your kids will love these with a bit of ketchup or their favorite dips. Works great as a side to any sandwich, wrap, or main meal!
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6. Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Sticks
Since September is the beginning of the colder season, don't forget that you can always pack soup for lunch too. All you need is a really great thermos that doesn't leak and keeps the contents hot. And what's more comforting as we approach autumn than some warm tomato soup and grilled cheese? We recommend cutting the sandwich into sticks so they're easier to dip and pack.
pattyonflickr on Wikimedia Commons
7. Pan-Fried Gyoza With Dipping Sauce
Crispy, meaty, and delicious anytime of the day, pan-fried gyoza paired with a savory soy sauce is a surprising lunch idea you may never have considered before. It's so easy to prepare, easy to pack, and easy to enjoy. To keep them warm for longer, we suggest rolling it up in some tin foil to keep in that heat.
8. Breakfast For Lunch
Who says breakfast foods are only good in the morning? We say, have them whenever you want! Surprise your kid with a delicious and filling breakfast for lunch concept. Whether it's savory like bacon and eggs or sweet like waffles and crepes, we're sure they're going to love it.
9. Tacos
Everyone loves tacos! We're sure your kid will be so excited if you pack some of their favorites for lunch. From toppings to protein and even dips, the best part about this dish is you can customize it however you want. And hey, if it gets a little messy in the container, tacos are meant to be a messy meal anyway!
10. Chicken Nuggets & Dipping Sauces
Okay, this one might be a little basic, but every kid we know absolutely loves chicken nuggets and dipping sauces. It's an easy, hassle-free lunch you just need to throw in the oven in the morning. Toss them into a container alongside some ketchup, honey mustard, or whatever floats your kid's boat, and voila, lunch is served.
11. Homemade McDonald's
All kids love McDonald's and they're always asking for it. If you want to surprise them with a slightly healthier alternative by making it at home, we're sure they won't complain about it. Replace the fries with some cut up veggie sticks and prepare the hamburger with loaded fresh ingredients that make all the difference. If you want some similarities, don't be afraid to smother in some Big Mac sauce for that little touch of authenticity.
Photo by Yusuf Evli on Unsplash
12. Chips & Dip
If your kid loves variety, give them tortilla chips with a wide range of sauces they can dip into. From queso and salsa to guacamole, there are so many wonderful pairings. This works great as a side to whatever else you have packed for their lunch.
Photo by Frankie Lopez on Unsplash
13. Macaroni Soup
Heartwarming and comforting, warm up their hearts during the cold season with some delicious macaroni soup. Loaded with filling elbow macaroni, vegetables, and a soothing broth, this is one where they'll be able to feel your love in the cooking even if they're miles away at school.
Photo by Henrique Felix on Unsplash
14. Avocado Chicken Salad
For something a bit healthier, a great way to make kids eat salad is to make it trendy and to use colorful ingredients. Given how viral avocado constantly is, we're sure the appeal of avocado in the salad will do wonders. Toss in some chicken for protein, and use tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon to really add some color to the dish. It's a feast for the eyes and the stomach.
Photo by sheri silver on Unsplash
15. Lasagna Soup
The viral lasagna soup is perfect for everyone of all ages. Taking the classic, beloved Italian dish and turning it into something even more cozy, lasagna soup should be at the top of the list for your fall recipes. And hey, who says you can't serve it up in your kid's lunch too? Just make sure you've got a nicely heated thermos that will contain all the warmth of the flavors.
Photo by Jennifer Latuperisa-Andresen on Unsplash
16. Pinwheel Sandwich Rolls
It's safe to say kids love eating with their eyes first. If it doesn't look pretty or appetizing, they might not want to eat it! So to really wow them, instead of serving sandwiches the standard way, roll them up into pinwheels to make it more fun and exciting. The colors and shape will really have your kid digging right in. Make sure you choose ingredients that will be easy to roll like ham, cheese, and lettuce!
17. Nachos
Yes, nachos can be a fun lunch idea for your kid! Just bake it in a tray and transfer it over in some parchment paper to your kid's lunch box. Load it up with plenty of veggies, cheese, protein, and don't forget the sauces too. What are nachos without guac and salsa on the side? Your kid will be the talk of the classroom with a delicious and fun lunch like this.
Photo by Jay Gajjar on Unsplash
18. Salad Rolls
Go outside of the box to make some fun Vietnamese-inspired salad rolls for your kid's lunchbox. With their fun chewy texture, the inside can be loaded with noodles, lettuce, shrimp, meat, or really any veggies you want. It's a healthier lunch option that is also incredibly filling. Don't forget the peanut dipping sauce too! What's great about this option is that it's served cold so your kid won't have to worry about heating it up.
Alpha from Melbourne, Australia on Wikimedia Commons
19. Macaroni & Cheese
While boxed macaroni and cheese are definitely the most convenient, we recommend making a homemade version that'll really surprise your kids. You can make it as healthy as you want, by throwing in vegetables like broccoli, or making a sauce that contains hidden veggies. But whatever you do, the sight of macaroni and cheese will always instantly draw your kid in. It's a win-win!
Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash
20. Fried Rice & Sides
The beauty of fried rice? Not only do you get to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge, but you get to control how healthy you want to make it. It still tastes delicious regardless of how many veggies you throw in! Not to mention, it's a comforting and familiar dish that your kid will love. Toss in some extra sides like chicken karaage, vegetables, or whatever you have at home to make the most amazing complete meal.
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