Now that school is back in session, it’s time to get back into the swing of things. If your house is like ours, the beginning of the school year can be a stressful time period for parents.
Our minds are on things like buying school supplies, school clothes, and enrolling our kids in various sports or extra-curricular activities. It is easy to be complacent when it comes to what our children eat.
We’ve have compiled an AWESOME list of the best school lunch ideas for picky eaters. We hope you enjoy!
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Main Dishes
LUNCHBOX EMPANADAS WITH HAM AND CHEESE
During the school year, my kids grow tired of the same old peanut butter and jelly. These empanadas are a great change of pace. Assemble and baking is easy. Best of all, mom can make these ahead of time.
SPAGHETTI AL POMODORO
Being Italian myself, I was raised on homemade spaghetti. One of the great things about spaghetti is that it can be made it very large quantities and it keeps for several days.
If you freeze the sauce, it can be kept even longer. This is another one of those great lunch box ideas that will keep your kids smiling when they open their lunch pale.
MEDITERRANEAN PASTA W/ ROASTED PEPPERS & ARTICHOKES
If your kids are like mine, then getting them to eat vegetables is like pulling teeth. Back to school time is always stressful. Hearing the children complain about what’s for lunch only adds to that stress.
School lunch ideas like this one are a perfect way to sneak those healthy vegetables into their diet. My picky eaters need all the encouragement they can get!
INSTANT POT CHICKEN TACOS + TUTORIAL {GLUTEN-FREE}
Instant pot recipes are very popular right now. For parents of school kids, they are a true blessing. Not only can you make large quantities of food, but you can also prepare them in record time.
These instant pot chicken tacos are tasty and gluten-free. And what kid doesn’t love tacos? My oldest son is a very picky eater, but he enjoys a quality taco.
This makes a wonderful school lunch idea for high-schoolers.
CUTE TEDDY BEAR SANDWICH BUNS
If you still have little ones, they’re going to love these cute teddy bear sandwich buns.
If you struggle with coming up with new school lunch ideas like I do, give this one a try.
SEASIDE HAM & CHEESE BENTO WITH FREE PRINTABLE LUNCH BOX NOTES
Bento boxes are a wonderful lunchbox idea that makes life a lot easier and takes the stress out of packing lunch.
Cutting the bread in the shape of a fish is a great way to capture your child’s attention.
MEAL PREP MEATBALLS WITH ZOODLES
One of the great things about meatballs is they’re versatile. Generally speaking, most kids love a quality meatball. This recipe incorporates a turkey substitute that is a healthier option for your little one.
COPYCAT CHIK-FIL-A CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE: MAKE YOUR OWN SANDWICHES
School lunch ideas don’t always have to be original. Whether your kids are in elementary, middle school or high school, most kids seem to all love Chik-Fila-A. This copycat recipe aims to please. If you’re struggling with creative lunches, give this a try.
THE 5 MINUTE TURKEY CLUB RANCH WRAP
These turkey club ranch wraps are bright and colorful. Their sure to immediately grab your young one’s attention. If you’re pressed for time, no worries. This dish only takes 5 minutes out of your day.
ONE PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS
Now that the kids are back in school, families are starting to get back into the groove of things.
Leftovers from dinner make perfect lunchbox ideas for your little angels. These one pan chicken fajitas are super simple easy to make.
Side Dishes
INSTANT POT EGG BITES WITH SPINACH & PROSCIUTTO
If you have a picky eater at home like I do, getting them to eat healthier is a chore. Give these egg bites a try.
Best of all, they can be prepared in no time inside an instant pot cooker. You can also modify the recipe to suit your child’s taste.
MEDITERRANEAN BREAKFAST EGG MUFFINS
Your child’s health is important. You’re raising your children to be health conscience, finding quality school lunch ideas is difficult.
These Mediterranean breakfast egg muffins are a great snack. Best of all, they can be taken on the go.
CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BARS (QUAKER COPYCAT)
These tasty chocolate chip granola bars are a healthier alternative than store-bought bars.
Instead of using sugar, honey stands in as a substitute. They are a mobile snack. Handy for track meets, soccer practices, swim meets, and other sporting events.
HARDBOILED EGG CHICK BENTO
The Easter holiday season doesn’t have to be the only time that your child enjoys the taste of hard-boiled eggs.
I love school lunch ideas like these. This cute chicks inspired snacks fits nicely into a Bento Box.
BUFFALO CHICKEN PINWHEELS
If your child loves spicy food like buffalo wings, this will be a great lunchbox snack to try. These pinwheels can be made fast and will fit nicely into a Bento box or Tupperware.
Lemony Chicken Orzo Salad
Pasta salad is a wonderful, healthy way to entice your child into eating vegetables. The added chicken will provide a great source of protein.
It can be made in large quantities ahead of time and enjoyed by the whole family.
OVEN BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS WITH MAYO
If your child loves chicken tenders or chicken nuggets, this is a great school lunch idea you should consider. They’re easy to make and your picky eaters will love them.
If Sriracha is too spicy for your child, try ranch, blue cheese, honey, or mustard.
BAKED CORNFLAKE CHICKEN TENDERS
I absolutely love this idea. Using Cornflakes for the batter is genius. Your kids will enjoy them as well.
MINI TURKEY APPLE MEATLOAF MUFFINS
A great finger food option for your picky eater. If they love meatloaf, they will surely enjoy these.
Turkey is substituted for beef for a healthier option. If you’re looking for creative school lunch ideas, look no further.
PEPPERONI ROLLS
If your child loves pizza rolls, you should give this recipe a try. Not only is it simple and easy to make but it’s also inexpensive and doesn’t require a large quantity of time. Your picky eaters will love these.
STRAWBERRY YOGURT OVERNIGHT OATS
Not only are these strawberry yogurt overnight oats healthy but they’re also delicious.
This terrific lunchbox snack can be made in no time, uses simple ingredients, and can be made in large quantities.
Wrapping it Up
If you enjoyed this AMAZING list of school lunch ideas for picky eaters, please be sure to comment below or share this post on social media. Also be sure to check out our other fantastic articles.
