Top 10 Quick and Easy Lunch Box Ideas for Busy Families
If you’re like many busy families, you don’t have time to sit down and make a full-fledged meal every night. But that doesn’t mean you can’t give your kids an appealing lunch box option! Take the stress out of making school lunches with these quick and easy lunch box ideas that are perfect for any family on the go.
1) Antipasto Sandwich
This hearty sandwich is perfect for a filling lunch. Packed with salami, ham, cheese, and vegetables, it will keep you satisfied until dinner. To make it, simply layer your favourite orite deli meats and cheeses on top of a piece of bread, then add your favourite rite condiments and vegetables. Pop it in a lunch box and you’re good to go!
2) Ham and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
These ham and cheese stuffed peppers are a quick and easy lunch box option that your whole family will love. Simply stuff a pepper with some deli ham and shredded cheese, then bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add a side of fruit or veggies and you’ve got a complete meal that’s perfect for on-the-go.
3) Mini Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
These cute little meatloaves are perfect for packing in a lunch box. Made with ground turkey, they’re a leaner alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. They’re also quick to make – you can have them ready in under 30 minutes. Simply mix together the ground turkey, bread crumbs, egg, ketchup, and spices. Then form into mini muffins and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Once cooled, pack them into a lunch box with some veggies and ranch dressing for dipping. This is one of my favourite orite lunches to send because it’s so versatile. You can change up the type of cheese or vegetables that go inside, and these mini muffins will stay nice and moist from all of those hidden veggies!
4) Frozen Fruit Smoothie Popsicles
These frozen fruit smoothie popsicles are the perfect quick and easy lunch box treat for busy families! Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Plus, they’re super easy to make ahead of time and can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Simply blend your favourite rite fruits with some yogurt or milk, pour into popsicle molds, and freeze! I love using bananas and strawberries as the base, but you could also add a scoop of protein powder if you need an extra boost. Bonus: They’re delicious served warm on those cold winter days!
5) Carrot Cake Bites with Whipped Cream
Carrot cake is one of our all-time favourite orite desserts, so why not enjoy it in bite-sized form for lunch? These Carrot Cake Bites are easy to make ahead of time and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. We like to top ours with a dollop of whipped cream, but you could also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or shredded coconut. If you’re feeling extra festive, try dipping them in melted chocolate. To make these bites, mix together 3 cups finely grated carrots, 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (we used canned), 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 eggs until frothy. Add the egg mixture to the carrot mixture and stir until well combined. Pour into a lightly greased 8×8 baking dish lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares – if desired – before refrigerating up to 7 days in an airtight container. Top with whipped cream!
6) Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels
These fun and easy pinwheels are a hit with kids and adults alike. Simply spread some pizza sauce on a whole wheat tortilla, top with shredded mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices, then roll it up. Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve cold or reheat for a quick and easy lunch.
7) Cream Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
If you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch box idea that’s sure to please, look no further than these cream cheese stuffed bacon wrapped dates. They’re salty, sweet, and packed with flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into your freezer until you need them. The only thing left to do is take one out of the freezer before bedtime on Sunday night, let it thaw overnight, then pack it in your child’s lunchbox on Monday morning. Trust me – this is a kid- approved recipe that will become an instant favorite! Simply cut some bacon strips in half (or thirds if you want smaller pieces) and wrap each date completely with a strip of bacon. Secure with toothpicks if needed and bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until bacon is crisp. You’ll want to watch carefully as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon slices or how many pieces are used per date. After removing from oven, place on paper towel lined plate to absorb any excess grease. Serve warm or allow to cool and store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
8) BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers with Avocado Salsa
These BBQ bacon wrapped chicken skewers with avocado salsa are a quick and easy lunch option that the whole family will love! Simply thread chicken onto skewers, wrap with bacon, and grill until cooked through. Serve with a fresh avocado salsa for a complete meal.
9) ZUCCHINI Noodles Caprese lunch box
Take 3 to 4 Zucchini and start by spiralizing the Zucchini noodles. Once they are spiralized, add them to a mixing bowl along with eight ounces of small balls of mozzarella. Then add eight ounces of cherry or grape tomatoes sliced in half. You will need to make homemade basil pesto to make this recipe taste amazing. To make it just add two tablespoons of pine nuts and 1⁄4 cup of raw cashews that you have lightly tasted to a food processor. Then add one packed cup of basil leaves, two garlic cloves, 1/3 cup of olive oil, one teaspoon of lemon juice, 1⁄4 teaspoon of salt, and a little black pepper. Blend them until smooth but still has a little bit of texture. Add this basil pesto to your Zucchini noodles mixture and stir gently to combine all the ingredients together.
10) Tuna Salad Sandwich
To make the tuna salad add a can of drained tuna fish to a mixing bowl along with 1⁄4 cup of mayonnaise, one stock of diced celery, two tablespoons of dried onion, one tablespoon of chopped parsley, 1⁄2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and some salt and pepper. Stir all the ingredients to mix well and add to some sandwich bread or you can place it in lettuce or colored green leaves for a tuna salad wrap. You can also add slices of fresh avocado to tuna salad sandwiches. Add the top piece of brad and slice the sandwich in half. The delicious tuna salad sandwiches are ready. Enjoy.