With school starting soon, coming up with lunches your kids will actually have time to eat can feel stressful. It can be frustrating when a lunch comes home untouched because they didn’t like it, weren’t in the mood for it, or simply ran out of time. We all want our kids to have enough nourishment and energy to get through their school day and enjoy all the activities that come after it. But with short lunch periods, sometimes the challenge is finding foods that are not only easy for you to pack, but also quick and manageable for them to eat.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to think of quick lunch ideas, we’ve got you covered! These options are simple to put together and can be eaten in a short amount of time, leaving your kids more time to chat with friends, play, or enjoy whatever they like to do during their break.
1. Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups
Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups are a simple, satisfying lunch option that comes together in just a few minutes. Roll turkey and cheese in a tortilla, slice into bite-sized pieces, and you’re ready to go!
If you want a recipe, see: Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups
2. Mini Hot Dog Roll-Ups
Mini Hot Dog Roll-Ups are a fun, easy-to-eat option that’s simple to pack and quick to put together. Wrap a mini hot dog and cheese in a tortilla, slice into smaller pieces, and pair them with cut-up pieces of their favorite fruit for a little sweetness and added vitamins!
Check out this quick and easy recipe: Pigs in a Blanket with Crescent Roll Dough
3. Breakfast-for-lunch
Breakfast-for-lunch can be a fun way to switch things up! Pack mini pancakes with turkey sausage and their favorite berries for a lunch that’s easy to eat, satisfying, and a little sweet.
4. Greek yogurt pouch + cheese + fruit
For an extra-quick lunch, pair a Greek yogurt pouch with cheese and their favorite fruit. The yogurt pouch is easy to grab and eat, making this a great option when lunchtime is short!
5. Cheese cubes + turkey cubes
Cheese and turkey cubes make a simple, easy-to-eat lunch that’s ready in minutes! Pair them with their favorite fruit or crackers for a fun, snack-style meal that gives them plenty of options to choose from.
6. Mini egg muffins
Mini egg muffins are a quick, protein-packed option that can be made ahead and grabbed on busy mornings. Bake eggs with cheese and add-ins like ham or spinach, then pair with some fruit for a simple, satisfying lunch!
7. Mini quesadilla wedges
Mini quesadilla wedges are a simple, tasty option that’s easy to make and quick to eat. Make a thin quesadilla with cheese, then add ground meat or veggies for extra variety. Cut it into small triangles and pair it with their favorite fruit or veggies!
8. Mini ravioli
Cold, cooked ravioli can make a fun and easy-to-eat lunch option! Toss with a pesto or dressing and pair with their favorite fruit or veggies for a simple meal that’s easy to pack and enjoy during a short lunch break.
9. Mini Pita Pockets
Mini pita pockets are easy to fill with their favorite ingredients, such as turkey and cheese, chicken, hummus, or veggies. Keep the filling simple and pair with fruit for a quick lunch that’s easy to eat!
10. Make your own Lunchable
Making your own Lunchable at home can be simple and fun! Choose a protein, carbohydrate, fruit, and veggie from the options below to create an easy snack-style lunch with a variety of foods.
You can even get your child involved the night before by letting them help choose their foods or prep their lunch with you. Giving them a say can make packing lunch feel more fun and manageable!
Protein
Pick 1–2:
- Turkey slices/roll-ups
- Chicken bites
- Beef sticks
- Mini meatballs
- Turkey meatballs
- Cheese cubes/sticks
- Hard-boiled egg
- Egg muffins
- Edamame
- Greek yogurt
- Hummus
- Turkey sausage
- Chicken nuggets
Veggie
Pick 1:
- Cucumber slices
- Baby carrots
- Bell pepper strips
- Sugar snap peas
- Broccoli florets
- Cherry tomatoes
- Celery sticks
- Roasted sweet potato cubes
Carbohydrates
Pick 1:
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- Pita chips
- Mini naan
- Popcorn
- Tortilla chips
- Mini waffles
- Goldfish
- Rice cakes
- Pita bread
Fruit
Pick 1:
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Apple slices
- Mandarin oranges
- Melon
- Pineapple
- Banana
- Raspberries
- Mango
Interested in breakfast ideas instead? Check out the Healthy Breakfast Ideas blog for quick, nutritious, and healthy breakfast options for kids that fit easily into your daily routine.