Make-Ahead Kid Lunches……an easy answer to the “what’s for lunch” question!
Whether you’re back to school face to face or doing the virtual thing like us, lunch still has to be made and lunch boxes still have to be packed! Here are some easy make ahead kid lunches you (and your kids) will love. All of these recipes are simple and easy, ready in under 30 minutes, and can be stored in the fridge and packed up or served when you need them.
Grilled Cheese Sticks with Marinara Sauce
Delicious strips of grilled cheese dipped in marinara sauce – does it get much better than that?! These are as simple as cooking a classic grilled cheese, cutting them into strips, and serving some jarred marinara sauce on the side. Grab a few for lunch or one or two when your kids need a yummy snack!
Teriyaki Noodles
Our version of Teriyaki Noodles was actually a copycat recipe from a school lunch! My daughters came home raving about it so we recreated it as best we could. Now it’s one of their favorite lunches or dinners. Spaghetti noodles, teriyaki chicken, peas, carrots, and any other vegetables your kids will eat make this a healthy, SUPER easy meal!
Popcorn Chicken
What kid doesn’t love a chicken nugget?? None of mine, that’s for sure! Our youngest would eat these for breakfast if I let her (and, really, during Covid….she probably has). The first time I made them she gave me the BEST compliment….she said they tasted just like Chick-Fil-A nuggets. These take a little time to make but you can make a huge batch at one time and eat off of them all week.
*Note – to keep them warm in a lunchbox, fill up a thermos with very hot water, put the top on it, and let it sit for 10 minutes or so. After 10 minutes, pour the water out and put whatever food you’re keeping warm in the thermos and immediately put the top on it. The contents will stay warm for hours!
Ham & Cheese Sliders
These bite-size Ham and Cheese Sliders are PERFECT for a lunchbox! They are delicious hot or cold and are hearty enough to keep kids full until the next snack time. Ham and swiss covered in a tangy butter sauce on Hawaiian slider rolls. They are also a great tailgate or party food!
Teriyaki “Chicken on a Stick”
One thing I know about kids….they’ll eat anything if you put it on a “stick”. My girls have always called these “Chicken on a Stick”. Although the proper name would be Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, their name for them is just so much better! The sauce for these has just 3 ingredients and they are ready in about 20 minutes. Pack a few in their lunchbox (or just keep them in fridge if you’re virtual learning) with some fruit and lunch is done!
Wonton Tacos
Wonton Tacos are little bite-size tacos packed full of ground beef (or chicken), cheese, and any taco toppings your kids love! These are perfect for a lunchbox meal, a quick lunch at home, or a family dinner. Make a dish full and watch how quickly they go. These will be a favorite for everyone in the family!
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