20 School Lunch Ideas At Home

A list of 20 school lunch ideas for the upcoming school year. You can make them ahead of time for an easier transition during the day, or you can continue the education and let the kiddos help prepare their own lunches.

With the nation under lockdown and school season approaching, a lot of people are opting into virtual learning for their kids. There are so many new things to learn and decide, it can be stressful, to say the least.

I happen to be one of those people. My son is starting kindergarten this year and I've decided to venture into the world of homeschooling. I was a bit overwhelmed, honestly, and had no idea where to start. Then I realized, I'll start with something I know I can control: school lunches.

In this one area, at least, I can help other people going through the same work/life crisis by providing some school lunch ideas that you can make ahead of time. Preparing school lunches before you start the school/workday can help with general feelings of overwhelm. It can allow you to easily transition from learning to eating and back to learning.

If you have the time you could also make lunchtime another activity and let the kids help you prepare the food. Learning how to cook their own food and seeing how food works is a great opportunity to continue their education during the day.

It's important to remember that not everything will go right at first, at least that's what I tell myself. Anything you can do to make it easier is a huge bonus. Start with the things you can handle and work your way up from there.

These healthy school lunches are perfect for the school year ahead. There are some great options here. Some of them can even be set aside for your own meal which is a plus.

20 easy school lunch ideas

Waffle Iron Pizza (Kids love it!)

Waffle Iron Pizza crust is cooked by using a waffle iron. Pile on your toppings afterward and toast it up in the oven. Kids love helping to make these individual pizzas! You can make the crust gluten-free too.

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Protein Snack Pack - Lunch Meal Prep

These Protein Snack Packs are filled with hard-boiled eggs, almonds, hummus, and crunchy veggies. An easy and delicious Lunch Meal Prep Solution perfect for any protein lover, these fantastic little protein snack packs are perfect for school lunches, post-workout snacks, or picnics in the park.
- theforkedspoon.com

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Lazy Falafel (Vegan + GF)

This Lazy Falafel is SUPER easy to make, will take up less than 30 minutes of your time, and tastes every bit as delicious as the traditional version!
- rhiansrecipes.com

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Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

Crispy, spicy, and soft in the middle, these easy baked tofu nuggets are the perfect healthy vegan recipe that feels like a total treat. These nuggets are so easy to make, can be adapted depending on what you fancy (or have in the spice rack!), and tastes bloomin’ delicious. Dig in.
- bytheforkful.com

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Flourless Truly Crispy Chicken Nuggets In The Air Fryer

Welcome to my flourless truly crispy chicken nuggets in the air fryer. This is my latest recipe that combines delicious gluten-free cooking with the low-fat way of life thanks to air fryer cooking.

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Grilled Chicken Wraps

These grilled chicken wraps are perfect for a quick summer lunch! They’re packed with flavor, really easy and quick to make and perfect for packed lunches and picnics.
- littlesunnykitchen.com

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Tortilla Pizza

Need a quick and easy lunch idea that the whole family will love? These Tortilla Pizzas fit the bill. Set up a topping bar (with loads of veggie options) so your children can get creative and make their very own Pizza.
- healthylittlefoodies.com

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Instant Pot Corn Dogs Bites

The best thing is that you need only four everyday ingredients and a few minutes to whip up Homemade Corn Dogs that are so much healthier than fried corn dogs.
- recipesfromapantry.com

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Healthy Fish Fingers and Sweet Potato Chips

This healthy fish fingers recipe with a dash of curry powder in the crumb is perfect for when you start to introduce your family to more exciting foods. It all looks familiar but has great new flavours to explore.
- amummytoo.co.uk

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Vegan Egg Fried Rice

A vegan egg fried rice that is gluten-free, easy to make & is ready in under 30 minutes. A great high protein & healthy meal that only uses pantry staples!
- myplantifulcooking.com

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Creamy pasta with spinach and chickpeas

Delicious creamy pasta with spinach and chickpeas that is so creamy, you wouldn’t believe it has no cream in it!
- gohealthyeverafter.com

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Ritz Cracker Macaroni and Cheese

This is some of the creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese you will ever taste. I love the crunch of Ritz crackers on top!
- bitzngiggles.com

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Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is an easy, delicious, and healthier way to make a grilled cheese! You can easily crisp your sandwich in the air fryer using only a small amount of oil.
- skinnycomfort.com

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Crispy Vegan Potato Waffles

These Crispy Vegan Potato Waffles are like having hash browns for breakfast but in a waffle form. They are savoury, crispy on the outside and really amazing to have for breakfast or brunch.
- cravingavocados.com

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Hummus Veggie Wrap

This healthy hummus veggie wrap makes a perfect fresh lunch on a summer day! These wraps are very economical as they’re made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re vegan, and perfect for packed lunches and picnics.
- littlesunnykitchen.com

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Puff Pastry Tarts

These super easy Puff Pastry Tarts taste amazing and are a great way to expose children to a range of vegetables. A flexible recipe that is easy to adapt to suit taste or to the ingredients you have available.
- healthylittlefoodies.com

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Low Carb Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe with Keto Cheese Sauce

An easy keto cauliflower mac and cheese recipe with just 5 INGREDIENTS + 5 MINUTES prep time! Rich, cheesy low carb mac and cheese will satisfy your cravings for macaroni.
- wholesomeyum.com

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Homemade Healthy Pizza Pockets

A healthy homemade pizza pop (pizza pocket) stuffed with Mediterranean flavors like black olive, feta cheese and spinach. It's only 4 WW points on blue and a healthy lunch (hot or cold) for the kids' lunch box!
- foodmeanderings.com

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Back to School Kids Lunch Ideas

Back to School Kids Lunch Ideas. A list of foods, snacks, drinks, fruits and veggies to put in your child’s lunchbox. Healthy lunch ideas for kids.
- modernhoney.com

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Practical School Lunch Ideas, Cold and Hot School Lunch

Here are loads of practical school lunch ideas (for cold and hot lunches) including a recipe for easy tortilla pinwheels that your kids will actually eat!
- natashaskitchen.com

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