Top 12 Best Lunchbox Recipes Kids Will Love 

Packing a lunchbox that your kids will eat - and enjoy - can be a challenge day-to-day. With picky eaters, packed schedules, and of course, balanced nutrition, parents often struggle to find meals that are kid-approved and easy to prepare.  To make your life easier, we gathered 12 delicious, healthy, and fun lunchbox ideas that are sure to make your little ones excited at mealtime. These recipes are nutritionally balanced, easy to prepare, and fit for school lunch boxes.

Let's get started!

1. Mini Pancake & Fruit Skewers

Why Kids Love It:

Fun, bite-sized, and sweet!  

Ingredients:

- Mini pancakes (store-bought or homemade)  

- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, grapes)  

- Yogurt for dipping  

Instructions:

1. Stack mini pancakes and fruit on small skewers. 

2. Pack a small container of yogurt for dipping.  

Pro Tip: Whole-grain pancakes for added fiber! 

2. Roll-Ups: Peanut Butter and Banana  

Why Kids Will Love It:

An alternative to the classic PB sandwich!  

Ingredients:

- Gluten-free whole wheat tortillas.  

- Peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter, for nut-free schools).

- Banana slices.  

- Honey or maple syrup (optional).  

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla.  

2. Add one layer of banana slices and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, if desired.

3. Roll tightly and slice into pinwheels for easy eating.  

Pro-Tip: Put chia seeds in for extra nutrients.  

3. Cheesy Veggie Quesadillas

Why Kids Will Love It:

Cheesy, crispy, and filled with hidden veggies!  

Ingredients:

 - Gluten-free whole wheat tortillas.  

- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella).  

- Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini, finely chopped.  

Instructions:

1. Slowly sprinkle cheese on one-half of the whole wheat tortilla with veggies.  

2. Fold tortilla and cook on a skillet until crispy.  

3. Cut into triangles for easy eating.  

Pro-Tip: Serve with a side of mild salsa or guacamole. 

4. Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels  

Why Kids Will Love It:

Easy to eat and filled with protein.  

Ingredients:

- Gluten-free whole wheat tortillas.  

- Sliced turkey.  

- Cream cheese or hummus.  

- Spinach or shredded carrots.  

Instructions:

1. Spread cream cheese on a whole wheat tortilla.  

2. Layer turkey and veggies.  

3. Roll tightly and slice to make pinwheels.  

Pro-Tip: Use cookie cutters with fun shapes.

5. DIY Lunchable-Style Box

Why Kids Love It:

It's just like the kind you buy at the store, but healthier!  

Ingredients:

- Whole grain crackers  

- Cubes of cheese  

- Slices of turkey or ham  

- Cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices  

Instructions:

1.  Put crackers, cheese, and meat in a bento box.  

2.  Could you add vegetables and a small treat (like dark chocolate chips)?   

Pro Tip:  Let kids make their own for more fun!   

6. Rainbow Pasta Salad

Why Kids Love It:

Colorful and customizable!   

Ingredients:

- Whole wheat pasta   

- Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers   

- Italian dressing or olive oil   

- Cubes of cheese    

Instructions:

1.  Cook and cool your pasta.  

2.  Stir in chopped veggies and dressing.      

3.  Pack in a container and keep cheese on the side.  

Pro Tip:  Use fun-shaped pasta (stars, dinosaurs, etc.)   

7. Apple & Cheddar Muffins

Why Kids Love It:

Sweet and savory in one bite!    

Ingredients:

- Whole wheat flour  

- Grated apple  

- Shredded cheddar cheese  

- Honey or maple syrup   

Instructions:

1.  Mix the flour, apple, cheese, and honey.   

2.  Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.   

Pro Tip:  Make a batch ahead of time so it is easier to pack!  

8. Ham and Cheese Mini Muffins 

Kids Love It Because:

They are perfect size for small hands!  

Ingredients:

Whole wheat flour, diced ham, shredded cheese, milk & eggs   

Instructions:

Mix the ingredients and pour into mini muffin tins. Bake at 375°F for approximately 15 minutes.  

Pro Tip: Add finely diced broccoli for extra vegetables!  

9. Yogurt Parfait Jars

Kids Love It Because:

It feels like dessert, but it is actually healthy!!  

Ingredients:

Greek yogurt, granola, fresh berries, honey drizzle  

Instructions:

Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit in a small jar and drizzle honey on top.  

Pro Tip: Freeze overnight for a lucky lunch with a cool twist!  

10. Pizza Muffins

Kids Love It Because:

The pizza flavor without the mess!  

Ingredients:

Whole wheat English muffins, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, mini pepperoni or veggies  

Instructions:

Spread sauce on English muffin halves, and add cheese and toppings. Bake at 375°F until melted.  

Pro Tip: Pack with a side of marinara for dipping!  

11. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sushi Rolls

Why Kids Love It:

 A fun and delicious twist on a classic!  

Ingredients:

- Slices of whole wheat bread (crusts removed)  

- Peanut butter  

- Jelly or sliced strawberries  

Instructions:

1. Use a rolling pin (or your hands) to flatten the bread.  

2. Spread peanut butter and jelly on the bread, then roll it tightly.  

3. Cut it into slices to resemble the shape of a sushi roll.  

Pro tip: Add some coconut flakes sprinkled on top for even more fun.  

12. Chicken & Veggie Wraps

Why Kids Love It:

It has protein and a crunch to it!  

Ingredients:

- Whole wheat wrap  

- Grilled chicken breast strips  

- Shredded lettuce, carrots  

- Ranch or hummus  

Instruction:

1. Spread ranch dressing or hummus onto the wrap.  

2. Add chicken and veggies, then roll it up tightly.  

Pro tip: For younger kids, cut the wraps into smaller sections.  

Final tips for how to pack the perfect lunch box

✅ Choose colors - Kids typically eat with their eyes first!  

✅ Get them involved - Let them pick the ingredients, so they will be looking forward to eating their lunch!  

✅ The right vege-types - Protein, fiber and healthy fats are key! Just think about having a balance of nutrients.  

✅ Fun containers - Bento boxes are a fun way to present kids meal times! 

With these 12 ideas, easy and delicious lunch ideas, your kids will be looking forward to lunchtime, every day! Which one of the recipes will you try first? Let us know in the comments! 

By following the recipes and tips, you can save time, reduce food waste, and help your kids have a balanced meal, all while ensuring they enjoy lunch! 🍎🥪