It’s finally time for the kiddos to head back to school, and we have a feeling you’re probably fresh out of ideas on what to pack for lunch. Forget the old PB and J, and try your hand at one of these simple and delicious meals that your kid will happily devour during lunchtime.
Related: 5 Steps to a Better School Lunch With Junior Chef Showdown Winner Nazaree
Goat Cheese, Peach and Basil Panini
The best part about this panini sandwich is that it holds together in a lunchbox no matter how much they might throw their school bag around in the yard before going to the classroom for the day! Try swapping in their favourite cheese or herbs for a customized lunch they’ll adore.
Turkey Pizza
Even the most picky eaters can’t get enough of pizza lunches. This turkey pizza recipe can easily be customized to make the most of last night’s rotisserie chicken dinner.
Easy Air Fryer Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
Skip the chicken nuggets from the freezer aisle and try your hand at preparing this easy air fryer Taiwanese popcorn chicken instead. They’re perfect for little hands to dip in sweet and sour or any of their favourite healthy homemade condiments.
Mini Potato Leek Galettes
Kids with a more adventurous palette won’t be able to get enough of these mini potato and leek galettes layered with creamy fontina cheese.
Vegan Egg Salad
Families that follow a plant-based diet (or little ones that aren’t big fans of eggs) can’t get enough of this vegan egg salad recipe.
25-Minute Everything Bagel Smoked Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry
These everything bagel smoked sausage rolls with mustard dipping sauce are a perfect alternative to sending your kid another hot dog for lunch.
Japanese Fruit Sandos
This is sure to be the prettiest lunch at school. Fresh fruit and sweetened whipped cream sandwiched inside fluffy white bread is a fun and easy no-bake treat to make. Use your kiddo’s favourite seasonal fresh fruit and this sandwich is sure to get gobbled up in no time.
Buttery Bombay Sandwiches
The Bombay sandwich is one of India’s most loved street foods, and it’s sure to become a fave for your kiddo, too! This vegetarian sandwich is cool, crunchy, filling, and loaded with flavour. Sub in your kiddo’s favourite veggies, and be sure to tone down the spicy chilis if they aren’t comfortable with heat.
Cold Chinese Sesame Noodles
Is your kiddo noodle-obsessed? They’ll love slurping up these cold, refreshing Chinese sesame noodles at lunchtime!
Spam Musubi
Perfectly portable, this spam musubi recipe features pan-fried Spam that’s caramelized in a glaze of soya sauce and sugar, then wrapped in a layer of seaweed to hold it all together. They’re savoury, sweet, and the best part is, they’re best eaten at room temperature, so it’s the perfect lunch to pack for your kiddo.
Everything Bagel Breakfast Tarts
Breakfast for lunch? Yes please! Featuring flaky pastry sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning and stuffed with fresh herb cream cheese, this is going to be their new favourite grab-n-go lunch!
Puff Pastry Potato Samosas
Jam packed with bright flavours, these puff pastry potato samosas are baked, making them a little healthier and faster to put together. They’ll adore opening their lunchbox to these crispy, flaky delights.
Hawaiian Pigs in a Blanket
The ham and pineapple in these pigs in a blanket provide a delicious mix of sweet and salty, while the cheese and tomato sauce finishes off this comforting bite. They’re simple to make and even simpler to eat – just make sure to pack extra for sharing, because everyone who sees them will be asking for one.
Tamago Sandos
If they’re a fan of egg salad, they’ll go crazy for this Japanese take on the classic sandwich. Featuring Japanese mayo, scallions, and a gorgeously jammy yolk in the centre, it’s the ultimate egg salad sandwich.