37 Easy School Lunch Ideas That'll Your Kids Will Be Excited to Eat

Instead of a classic ham and cheese sandwich, try these cute, bite-sized pinwheels in your kid's lunchbox! They're flaky and cheesy with an added layer of ranch dressing.

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These muffins are an anytime treat. Whether or not you add the cream cheese icing, their spiced flavor and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating are sure to be a hit.

Get Ree's Pumpkin Spice Muffins recipe.

This twist on chicken noodle soup is made with cheesy tortellini pasta instead! It's the perfect cozy lunch to add to your kid's thermos.

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Back-to-school season is also apple season! So after a trip to your local apple orchid, try making this childhood favorite. You can doctor it up with various warm spices or even a bit of maple syrup.

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Put leftover shredded beef from dinner the night before to good use with this easy recipe for crunchy taquitos. You can pack them wih a side of guacamole for dipping!

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This adorable treat was popular back in the '90s, but the homemade version will have your kids jumping for joy. The mini animal-shaped cookies and marshmallow fluff frosting are so much fun to eat.

Get the Homemade Dunkaroos recipe.

It's healthy, flavorful, and oh-so colorful! Pair this hummus with veggie sticks or pita chips for a pop of brightness in your kid's lunchbox. It would also make for a tasty spread on a hummus and veggie wrap.

Get the Beet Hummus recipe.

Get your kids to help build these yogurt parfaits! They can add their favorite fruits and granola. But best of all, they can feel good about helping make their own lunch!

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Use up the rest of your summer tomatoes with this simple sandwich idea. It only takes 5 minutes to whip up!

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Even kids who turn their noses up at crusts can't resist tea sandwiches. They're little, cute, and completely customizable for picky eaters. Honestly, anything bite-sized tends to magically disappear by lunchtime.

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You don’t need a big game to score points with your kids. These football-shaped cereal treats are a guaranteed lunchtime touchdown. Plus, they'll make your kid the most popular player at the cafeteria table!

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Pasta salad is a sneaky way to get a few extra veggies into lunch boxes. Bow ties are fun, easy to eat, and somehow more exciting than regular noodles. Kids approve, every single time.

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Even the simplest ham sandwich feels special when you add homemade quick pickles. It takes about five extra minutes, but suddenly you're not just making lunch, you're Mom of the Year.

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Tortellini for lunch feels a little fancy without being complicated. Toss it with fresh veggies, a quick dressing, and you've got a lunch that makes them feel grown-up enough to finish the whole thing.

Get the Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe.

Swap out juice boxes and sodas for a homemade sweet tea. Fresh blackberries give this drink a delicious fruity twist, and it's a refreshing surprise your kids will actually get excited about.

Get Ree's Blackberry Smash Sweet Tea recipe.

A chicken salad sandwich is so comforting, and Ree's version is the best around! No kid will be able to resist.

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When in doubt, chocolate chip cookies solve everything. Slip one or two into the lunchbox for a sweet and chewy midday surprise.

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Need a dip kids actually like? Roasted red pepper hummus is creamy, mild, and pairs perfectly with crunchy veggies or crackers. It's also secretly nutritious, but we won't tell if you don't.

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This recipe combines two lunchtime favorites: pasta salad and chicken salad. The sweet grapes and crunchy celery really make this creamy dish pop.

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These bite-sized calzones are basically like mini pizza pockets! The sausage and cheese filling makes them perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.

Get the Mini Calzones recipe.