Need simple, fun things to pack? Check out these simple, nourishing healthy lunch box recipes your kids (and you!) will love having in their lunch.
You’ll never catch me dissing a simple sandwich (read: In Praise of Boring Packed Lunches). But if you’re looking for something a little different for your kids (or you!), consider these healthy lunch box recipes.
Pro tip: Make one or two of these recipes over the weekend to pack all week long.
15 Healthy Lunch Box Recipes For Kids
Veggie Nuggets
These Veggie Nuggets are a fan favorite! Pack them warm or cold with some ketchup or honey-mustard sauce for dipping. The recipe has 4.5 stars with nearly 400 reviews! GET THE RECIPE for Veggie Nuggets
Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
You need just five minutes and three ingredients to prep these for baking. Easily customize them with the meats and cheeses your family likes best. Pack them cold in a lunch box or serve warm after school. GET THE RECIPE for Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
Pepperoni Rolls
Forget packaged frozen pizza bites! These are an easy lunch box item and made with just five ingredients. Reviewer Kelli said: “My kids can’t get enough of these!” GET THE RECIPE for Pepperoni Rolls
Easy Mini Calzones
Let everyone personalize their calzone with the fillings they like using Flatout Foldits as an easy, time-saving crust. GET THE RECIPE for Easy Calzones
Pesto Tortellini
Don’t have basil (or just don’t like the flavor)? This pesto is made with easy-to-find spinach and kale. Make a batch to use in lunches all week. GET THE RECIPE for Pesto Tortellini
Sushi Rolls
Save money and make your own rolls with the fillings you prefer. This version is vegetarian but you can easily layer on imitation crab or smoked salmon. It’s easier than you think to DIY! GET THE RECIPE for Easy Sushi Rolls
Broccoli & Cauliflower Bites
Made in a mini muffin pan, these little bites are full of flavor (and veggies!) and the perfect size for packing. GET THE RECIPE for Broccoli & Cauliflower Bites
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars (Nut-Free, Banana-Free)
Made with wholesome ingredients like oats and applesauce, these snack bars are nut- and peanut-free (and banana-free for folks who don’t love that flavor). Reviewer Jenny said, “I made the bars tonight and my son said, “Mom, I don’t just like them, I love them!” This is going to be such a great snack for him to take to school with nut-free classmates this year. And they were so easy!” GET THE RECIPE for Nut-Free Oat Bars
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bars
These are a healthier twist on the classic Midwestern Peanut Butter Bars (aka “Lunch Lady Bars”!) and make a fun lunch box dessert. GET THE RECIPE for Gluten Free Peanut Butter Bars
Banana Oatmeal Cups
More satisfying and nutritious than most muffins, they’re just the right amount of sweetness. A mom at school said these were such a hit with her kids that she made a batch weekly for FOUR MONTHS! GET THE RECIPE for Banana Oatmeal Cups
Red Lentil Cookies
Red Lentil Cookies are made with simple ingredients and can help your family become more familiar with the taste and texture of lentils. GET THE RECIPE for Red Lentil Cookies
Lunchbox Oatmeal Bars
These bars taste like little handheld bites of fruit crisp. Use the kind of jam your kids like best. GET THE RECIPE for Lunchbox Oatmeal Bars
Nut-Free Snack Bites
Need a nut- and peanut-free lunch box treat? These hearty bites are made with just five pantry ingredients. GET THE RECIPE for Nut-Free Snack Bites
No-Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
Quick, hearty, and filling cookies, they’re made with simple pantry ingredients you probably have on hand. GET THE RECIPE for No-Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
Strawberry Fruit Leather
Skip the boxed fruit roll-ups and make your own with this recipe that uses real fresh fruit and honey. GET THE RECIPE for Strawberry Fruit Leather
