30 Delicious Back to School Lunch Ideas for Kids

Finding back to school lunch ideas that are both nutritious and kid-approved can be a challenge.

Whether you’re packing lunches for summer camp or preparing healthy lunchbox lunches for the new school year, or looking for kids lunch ideas for home, these great lunch ideas are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

From easy lunches to make at home to quick meal ideas, here are 30 kid-friendly recipes to make your life easier.

1. Leftover Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a Leftover Turkey Slider held by a fork, showcasing tender turkey, cranberry sauce, and a golden sweet roll topped with a flavorful buttery garlic and herb drizzle.

Transform your leftover turkey into delicious sliders that are perfect for a school lunch.

These sliders are easy to assemble and packed with flavor, making them an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

2. Hamburger Mac and Cheese Casserole

A serving of Hamburger Mac and Cheese Casserole on a white plate, showcasing a gooey cheese pull, with the rest of the casserole visible in the baking dish in the background.

Combining two kid-favorite foods, this comforting casserole brings together hamburgers and mac and cheese in a way that’s both hearty and convenient.

It’s an easy kids meal that’s sure to be a hit at lunchtime.

3. Italian Caprese Sandwich

This Caprese sandwich offers a fresh and tasty option that’s simple to prepare.

Perfect for a quick meal idea, it’s packed with flavors that kids will love while also being nutritious.

4. Avocado Tuna Melt

Packed with healthy fats and protein, this avocado tuna melt is an excellent choice for a nutritious lunchbox recipe. It’s creamy, delicious, and will keep your kids full and energized.

5. Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly

Put a fun twist on the classic PB&J with this grilled version. It’s a simple lunch idea that takes minimal time to prepare but adds a unique touch that kids will love.

6. Homemade Ground Turkey Pasta

A fork twirling a generous serving of Easy Minced Turkey Spaghetti, highlighting the succulent, finely minced turkey and perfectly cooked spaghetti in a flavorful sauce.

This easy lunch for kids is hearty and satisfying, featuring ground turkey in a delicious homemade sauce.

It’s a great way to incorporate protein into your child’s diet while keeping them happy with familiar flavors.

7. California Turkey Club Wrap

These wraps are perfect for cold lunches and are loaded with turkey, bacon, and fresh veggies. They’re balanced, nutritious, and ideal for a refreshing lunch on warm days.

8. Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls

Baked Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls in a baking sheet.

Kids will adore these crescent rolls filled with pepperoni and cheese. They’re great for school lunches or as a quick dinner option that’s both fun and tasty.

9. Creamy Tuscan Tomato Pasta

Close-up of Rich and Creamy Tuscan Pasta, emphasizing the lush, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color.

A vegetarian lunch option that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. This pasta dish is perfect for kids who love rich and comforting meals.

10. Homemade Taquitos

These homemade taquitos are a fun and crunchy option that can be filled with a variety of ingredients.

They’re great for a unique and exciting lunch that breaks away from the usual sandwiches.

11. Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Peppers

A detailed view of a flavorful chicken stir-fry dish, featuring tender chicken pieces, broccoli, and sliced peppers, drenched in a savory sauce, epitomizing easy clean-up meals.

This stir fry is a healthy and colorful option packed with veggies and lean protein. It’s ideal for a well-rounded meal that’s both tasty and nutritious.

12. Breakfast Egg Wrap Burrito

A Scrambled Egg and Cheese Tortilla Roll, packed with creamy scrambled eggs, ham and rich, gooey cheese, all snugly wrapped in a soft, warm tortilla for a satisfying breakfast treat.

Breakfast for lunch? Yes, please! These egg wrap burritos are quick to make and perfect for an easy toddler lunch that’s both fun and filling.

13. Greek Chickpea Salad

Close-up of a vibrant Mediterranean Salad with chickpeas, feta, and fresh vegetables, dressed in olive oil.

A refreshing and healthy lunchbox option that’s both vegetarian and gluten-free. This chickpea salad is packed with fresh veggies and flavors that make lunchtime exciting.

14. Homemade Hot Pockets (Scratch-Freezer Friendly)

Make these hot pockets ahead of time and freeze them for a convenient and easy kids meal that can be reheated in minutes.

They’re perfect for busy days when you need something quick and tasty.

15. Shredded Chicken Tacos

Top view of a platter with three shredded chicken tacos on corn tortillas, generously topped with diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Tacos are always a hit, and these shredded chicken tacos are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

They’re great for adding a bit of excitement to your child’s lunch.

16. Beefaroni

Close-up image of Beefaroni, highlighting the glossy tomato sauce coating the macaroni and ground beef, with specks of Italian seasoning visible, served in a deep dish with a fork on the side, on a simple kitchen tablecloth.

A classic comfort food that’s simple to make and perfect for a hearty school lunch. This beefaroni is sure to be a favorite among kids who love pasta dishes.

17. Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

Close-up of Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries, similar to gourmet hot pockets, with steam rising from the flaky, golden crust. The layers of puff pastry are perfectly browned, revealing the hearty filling of savory ham and gooey, melted cheese inside.

These puff pastries are great for picky eaters, filled with ham and cheese and baked to golden perfection.

They’re a delightful and easy option for school lunches.

18. Macaroni Salad

Summertime favorite Macaroni Salad, with its mix of pasta, diced fresh vegetables, and a lightly seasoned mayo dressing, served in a bowl, ready to complement any outdoor meal.

A versatile side dish that can be customized with your kids’ favorite ingredients. Ideal for a summer camp lunch or as a side to other lunchbox recipes, it’s always a hit.

19. Fruity Chicken Balls

These chicken balls are fun, nutritious, and great for kids who enjoy a mix of sweet and savory flavors.

They’re perfect for a healthy kids meal that’s also exciting.

20. Skillet Hamburger Mac and Cheese

A one-pan meal that combines hamburger and mac and cheese, making it an easy and satisfying option for kids.

It’s a great way to make a familiar dish a little more special.

21. Mini Broccoli Quiche

These mini quiches are perfect for a healthy kids meal, packed with broccoli and cheese. They’re easy to make and ideal for a nutritious lunch that’s also delicious.

22. Easy Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You can never go wrong with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. It’s an easy lunch that’s always a winner and can be paired with a variety of sides for a complete meal.

23. Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

Closeup of a serving of Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole in a white bowl, highlighting the gooey mozzarella cheese, meatballs, and rotini pasta.

A no-fuss casserole that’s hearty and delicious, featuring meatballs and pasta in a rich sauce. It’s an excellent option for busy days when you need a filling and easy kids meal.

24. Pizza Pancakes

Kids will love these savory pizza pancakes, a unique and fun twist on traditional pancakes. They’re perfect for adding some excitement to lunchtime.

25. Authentic Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a versatile option that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. These chicken quesadillas are easy to make and perfect for lunch, providing a balanced and tasty meal.

26. Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef

Serving of homemade zucchini casserole with meat on a clean white dish.

This casserole is a great way to sneak in some veggies while still being delicious and kid-friendly. It’s a hearty option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

27. Chili Mac

A combination of chili and macaroni that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s an easy kids meal that’s sure to be a hit with its rich flavors.

28. Ham and Mac and Cheese Lunchbox Muffins

These muffins are a fun and portable way to enjoy mac and cheese. They’re perfect for a lunchbox and great for kids who love familiar flavors in a new form.

29. Baked Spaghetti

A close-up view of a baked spaghetti casserole with melted cheese and ground meat sauce. The dish is in a red baking dish, and a serving has been scooped out, showing the cheesy and saucy spaghetti strands. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color. Bowls of fresh greens are blurred in the background.

Baked spaghetti is a comforting and easy dish that’s perfect for a school lunch. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic pasta dish in a portable form.

30. Homemade School Snacks

These snacks are perfect for filling in the gaps between meals. They’re easy to make, healthy, and great for keeping kids satisfied throughout the school day.

These back to school lunch ideas are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep your kids energized throughout the day.

From cold lunches to easy dinners, these kid-friendly recipes are sure to become family favorites.

So, get ready to make lunchtime exciting again with these creative and healthy meals!