Back-to-School Lunch Ideas
Hello mamas! Here we go again. In another lifetime, some of us joked that never EVER in a million years could we homeschool our children, and guess what? Jokes on us! Doing school from home is not easy, and when you’re trying to get your own work done as well, it can be super stressful. Having a meal plan before the week starts will help ease your mental load and anxiety. Make a dinner plan, and also make a list of school lunches that you can pull off with minimal effort. I’ve brainstormed a ton of school lunch ideas that might help you out during busy weeks, and I have a free meal planning webinar Thursday at 12pm! Be sure to register to reserve your spot. Let’s kick off the new school year with a bang!
Mains
PB&J sandwiches. Duh, I know! But why reinvent the wheel when you can rely on the fuzzy slippers of sandwiches. Kick it up a notch by warming your PB&J in a waffle maker or use homemade peanut butter or jam.
Mini pita sandwiches with hummus or deli meat, sprouts or lettuce and cheese.
Pimento cheese sandwiches.
Turkey-provolone-lavash pinwheels or Costco-copycats.
Mozzarella and tomato sandwiches
Cheese quesadillas. Or add beans, chilies, spinach, etc!
Soup (tomato, miso, chicken tortilla or veggie)
Bagel pizzas. Cut bagel in half, spoon on a tablespoon or so of Rao’s or your fave tomato sauce, add mozzarella and other toppings of choice (basil, mushrooms, peppers, pepperoni, etc). Cook on a sheeetpan at 425 degrees for 5-10 minutes.
Tortilla pizzas with marinara, fresh mozzarella and basil. Cook at 425 degrees for 5-10 minutes.
Salad Sides
Pasta Salad with Roasted Tomatoes. Make it as a dinner side one night and save leftovers for lunches.
Three Bean Salad. Such a great high fiber and protein side!
High Protein Snacks
Oatmeal Energy Bites–Great snack on the go, quick breakfast or high protein lunch side.
Hard boiled or deviled eggs. Skip the peas and dill if your kids won’t like them!
Homemade granola and a yogurt cup
Cauliflower hummus with veggies
Peanut butter with apple slices or celery sticks
Fruit & Vegetable Side Ideas
Obviously use what your kids will eat! The trick is to prep and cut things on Sunday or Monday so you have healthy snacks ready to go!
Baby Carrots
Celery Sticks
Sliced Cucumber
Cherry Tomatoes
Blueberries
Raspberries
Kiwi
Strawberries
Apple Slices
Orange or Tangerine segments
Frozen Grapes
Dips for Veggies
Jalapeño Buttermilk Ranch (leave out the jalapeño if you’d like!)
Extras and Treats
Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles
Salty and Sweet Chocolate Popcorn Bark
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Share your school lunch ideas in the comments below!
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