BACK TO SCHOOL LUNCH IDEAS
25+ LUNCH BOX RECIPES | KIDS LUNCH BOX RECIPES
Finding ideas for kid’s lunch box or snacks is one of the most challenging tasks for many moms, especially if the kids are fussy or demanding. Making and packing school meal for such kids is the hardest part. Kids can be very picky eater. Every kid’s lunch box would include carb, protein, fruits and vegetables which make the lunch box healthy and wholesome. Here, I would try to provide easy back-to-school lunch ideas for kids to make that morning rush a little easier!! You will find a variety of recipes to choose from to pack a healthy school lunch and snack for your children.
Things to keep in mind when packing school lunch box
- Never experiment – Even though you can be creative to some extent. But I don’t like to try any new food items which they haven’t tried before. Because there are chances that kids won’t prefer to eat them.
- Keep it Vegetarian – Never pack poultry or non-vegetarian items. Since it can cause food poisoning or bad odour when unboxing the lunch box.
- Always taste what you are packing. Make sure the meals are properly seasoned and in correct consistency.
- Pack a well-balanced meal.
- Foods which can melt or changes its consistency can be avoided.
- The meals should be balanced with fruits, vegetables, carbs, protein and nutrition.
Disclaimer: These lunch box recipes are my kid’s favourite food, comfortable for me to prepare in the mornings. Please just keep this as guidance and don’t forget to balance the other meals that meets with a day’s requirements.
Few TIPS FOR PACKING SCHOOL LUNCH boxes
- Prep in advance: Prep as much as possible the night before or over the weekend to make it less stressful in the mornings. Some vegetables can be chopped and kept refrigerated the previous night. Even tomatoes can be chopped and kept. Onions should not be chopped and kept as it can easily pick up the bacteria.
- Likewise, portion any dry snacks/chips or sweet treats the night before.
- Wash and dry the fruits on the night before that way they are ready to be packed.
- Always cool the rice before packing, otherwise it may become thick and cake like as it cools after packing. Plan ahead, which will make your packing easy and hassle free.
- Use aluminium foil for packing rotis and parathas, which keeps the breads fresh. But avoid packing too hot.
- Switch things up: Variety is the key to keep kids interested and intrigued about their lunchbox. Repetition and monotonous lunches will make it boring so always switch things up be in snacks, fruits, or main lunch. Example it is Ok to pack breakfast food at times for lunch as long as your kid loves it. Make sure you change your menu every week so that they do not get bored.
- Plan your lunchbox:It helps make mornings easier for packing school lunches. If you meal plan, plan your kid’s lunchbox alongside and make it an extension of your meal that way you are not making completely two different things.
- Involve kids in lunchbox planning – It helps them learn about new foods as well always results in them eating their lunch better
Kids Lunch Box Recipe Ideas
Masala Pav-
Masala pav is a yummy and spicy Mumbai street food. The aroma emitted from steaming pans at any street side pav bhaji vendor sends anyone’s senses and heart in a frenzy…The Masala Pav is a spin on the ubiquitous Pav Bhaji, deliciously comparable and yet with its own distinct personality! Soft melt in mouth Pav slathered in spicy tomato-onion masala, topped with fresh lime juice, chopped coriander leaves and shredded paneer. Masala Pav is ultimate spicy street food from Mumbai. The images and sounds of butter being smothered on sizzling pan as the Pav and Masala ingredients plunge into it, makes me crazy and can’t resist to enjoy this truly amazing delicacy.
Veg Grilled Sandwiches
Craving for an authentic Mumbai style Veg Grilled Sandwich? Try this super easy sandwich recipe that you can easily make at home. This Indian street food favorite is filled with spiced cilantro chutney, cheese and delicious vegetables, then grilled to perfection. Sandwiches are frequently consumed as snacks either in the mornings or evenings. Add some vegetables along with some cheese and butter and let your loved ones enjoy some amazing sandwiches.
Green Peas Idli –
Matar (Peas) Idli is a delicious, soft & fluffy Indian vegetarian breakfast recipe made using semolina and fresh green peas. It is an Instant idli recipe which means you don’t need to do any soaking or fermentation here unlike traditional idli recipes. These Matar Idlis turned out so good that I couldn’t resist myself from sharing here. They taste absolutely fresh and light with hints of ginger , green chilly and curry leaves. These idlis are healthier and perfect for everyday breakfast. On a winter morning, these soft warm idlis with a hot cup of filter coffee is an absolute bliss. Protein, carbohydrates and fibre rich Green Peas are best suited for diabetes and a variety of dishes can be made with this vegetable. In this Idli recipe, The idli was very soft and had a melt in mouth texture. The mild sweetness of peas was an interesting addition to the flavour. Also the green coloured idlis were really beautiful to look at. It will be ideal for breakfast , kids lunch box or as evening snack.
Crepe Parantha-
During those rushed morning hours when we try to utilize every minute available, cooking a wholesome and elaborate breakfast can be a challenging task. What if we say that you can now prepare a filling brekkie for yourself under five minutes, that too, without much hassle?! Wondering what it is? Play around a little with ingredients in your kitchen cabinet and make spicy crepe paratha at home. This recipe of crepe paratha will help you ace the quirky breakfast treat at home. Using milk in this recipe will add a soft texture to the crepe-like paratha. The crepe rolls display an amalgamation of a variety of bright colors; thanks to the addition of different healthy veggies in this crepe paratha. To make it more wholesome and nutritious, you may add seasonal veggies of your choice too. You can have it stand-alone, or pair it with schezwan sauce, ketchup or any other chutney /dip of your choice.
French toast-
This classic Eggless French Toast recipe is so delicious, easy to make and perfect for breakfast or brunch! Enjoy the BEST French toast in minutes with this recipe and helpful tips! There are many, fancy variations on this basic recipe. This recipe works with many types of breads.
Chickpeas salad-
This full of flavor Chickpeas salad is incredibly easy to make and adds a beautiful, bright pop of color to your breakfast table. Completely customizable and can be vegan too! Chickpeas are combined with juicy cottage cheese, tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, onions, peanuts and coriander – mint loaded with freshness all tossed in an easy homemade lemon kissed dressing.
Instant Masala Oats idli
Looking for a healthy breakfast to start your kid’s day? Try these Instant Masala Oats Idli. Savory steamed cakes filled made with oats, semolina and filled with veggies are a nutritious way to fill your kid’s lunch box and give a healthy start to the day!
Oats Upma-
A bowl of freshly cooked oats upma loaded with lots of veggies could be one of the healthiest breakfasts. If you are looking for healthy quick breakfast recipes for your weight loss journey, then this high fiber oats upma is perfect for that. Loaded with healthy vegetables, this superfood oats upma helps in shedding extra kilos. It’s low in calories, low in fat and high in protein and fiber which are essential for healthy weight-loss.
Chocolate Balls-
This moist & fluffy mini chocolate cake balls are easy to make and great any time snack recipe or a lunch box favorite for kids or even for a birthday or get-togethers. This is the perfect combination of the sweetness from Sugar & chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder and has the right balance of all the ingredients to make the best mini chocolate cakes. This mini chocolate cake is a No-Bake recipe and will save you from all the hassle of baking and you can easily whip up a good dessert whenever you crave a sweet dessert.
Dhokla-
Khaman Dhokla, the most popular signature snack of Gujarat is much loved in all parts of the country. It is low caloried, soft, spongy, airy, light and easily digestible breakfast cum evening snack. A savory, sweet, tangy and mildly spiced steamed cake is finally tempered with mustard seeds and topped with fresh coriander and grated coconut. This goes well with mint and coriander chutney. An instant, easy and convenient recipe is just for you to give a healthy -yummy start to your day.
Lemon Rice-
Lemon rice is one of the easiest comfort dishes to make. This flavorful rice is tangy, vibrant, and crunchy. Makes a great quick meal and is also vegan. Easy to cook and digest, a quick rice preparation enhanced with distinct flavours of lemon juice & specific spices tempts everyone with its fresh and tangy aroma and gorgeous look.
Moong Dal Cheela-
India’s love affair with moong has manifested in many dishes across the regions. The most favourite remains the quintessential Moong Dal Cheela. Moong dal is a storehouse of health benefits. they are a rich source of protein and fibre that makes it a heart-friendly food too. These fibres can help lower cholesterol and also contain a sufficient amount of potassium that may help keep blood pressure levels in check too. One of the most significant benefits of moong dal is its role in facilitating weight loss. Loaded with a wealth of weight loss benefits, a moong dal chilla is the best start you can give your day. Quick-to-prepare and made with bare minimum ingredients, this delicious snack should be on your diet plan today!
Mix Veg Paratha-
This delicious Dhaba Style Mix Veg Paratha is a Punjabi stuffed flatbread made using wheat flour and a spicy filling. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or any meal of the day, you are going to love it. Paratha is one of the most popular recipes from Punjab, India. It is packed with flavour and taste and when cooked along with ghee brings out that perfect crispness and taste. A tall glass of lassi, white butter, and pickle along with this paratha is all you need to make it an extravagant meal. Enjoy your Sunday with this special Paratha !!!
Bread Poha Cutlets-
Lunch box special !!!
Bread poha vada or Poha cutlets is a crisp & quick easy snack that is made with very few basic ingredients available at home.
Bread Balls
Easy and Quick lunch box snacks that is made with very few basic ingredients available at home. It is packed with flavour and taste and when cooked along with ghee brings out that perfect crispness and taste.
Kale Chane ki healthy Poori-
Ab health bhi aur taste bhi…. crispy, crunchy, nutritious and healthy fooli fooli pooriyan apke liye….. ek baar khaenge to baar baar banayenge.
These protein packed healthy pooris are not only tasty and crispy but easy, quick and hassle free as well. Perfect thing to be packed in Lunch boxes. Kale Chane Ki pooriyan are perfect vegetarian appetizer. Made with Bengal Gram or kale chane and a few blend of spices and healthiest vegetables these are crispy, crunchy and so flavorful. It is the best and healthiest option for kid’s lunch box.
Veg Mayo Sandwich-
This simple vegetable mayonnaise sandwich is a quick and delicious treat for kids and adults alike. It is versatile and adaptable to any ingredient. This easy and quick Vegetable Mayonnaise Sandwich teams up with a horde of crunchy vegetables to satiate you in a tasteful way when you are oh-so-hungry! These mayonnaise sandwiches also make for a light breakfast and snack. They also can be served as a finger snack during parties.
Potato Cheese Balls-
Potato Cheese Balls are an easy to make appetizer which is crunchy from outside and cheesy from inside. These delicious crispy potato cheese balls make an awesome party snack. These are flavourful, addictive and loved by kids and grown ups alike.
Rawa Uttapam-
Instant Rava/ Sooji uttapam is a quick breakfast recipe made with semolina, curd, and veggies. It’s one of the low calorie, healthy, light and nutritious brunch options for you. Take a look of this quick recipe.
Cheesy Macaroni Pasta –
Macaroni is one of the most popular dishes made across the world. It is loved by people of all age groups and can enlighten the mood. This Continental recipe can be made at home easily without a fuss. The ingredients required to prepare this delicious dish are simple and easily available. For bachelors, macaroni is the easiest breakfast and lunch option, as it will be ready in just half-an-hour. Macaroni is an incredible dish and can be prepared on occasions like potluck and kitty party. Since it is spill-free, you can easily carry macaroni for an outdoor picnic and even a road trip. It fills you up and so you will not feel hungry for a long time. You can add vegetables of your choice and make it taste and look more interesting.
Banana Muffins-
Quick & Easy Eggless Banana Muffins- Soft and moist Banana Muffins with your favourite nuts are the ultimate treat. These banana muffins are soft, buttery, and spiced with cinnamon. They’re wonderful plain, with chopped nuts, and goes over so well with kids. You need ripe banana and a few basic kitchen ingredients to get started.
Strawberry Muffins-
Strawberry Muffins are perhaps the most special and delectable way to make muffins. The sweet cakes when infused with the flavour of strawberries make for a sumptuous treat. This American recipe brings together the goodness of fruits and the rich delight of the muffins in the best way. To create a heavenly combo, serve these cottony soft muffins with a scoop of lip-smacking home made strawberry ice cream melting on top as a dessert… Yummy!!!
Masala Poori-
A weekend vegetarian comforting special breakfast dear to us Indians during the winter months is masala poori with potato curry. These crispy spicy sumptuous pooris can be served just plain with Indian chai or even with potato curry or paneer sabzi. It is an ideal lunch box recipe and is also known as instant kachori.
Healthy Pancakes-
Now a days providing kids a healthy, nutritious and complete meal which they can eat lovingly is a hard nut to crack for caring Moms. So, here’s the solution for your biggest trouble…. Yummy fluffy Pancakes with caramelized Banana. You can drizzle some melted dark chocolate, choco butter or honey on top and serve with jam or butter to impress your kids or friends happy eating!!!
Healthy & Nutritious Sprouts Pakodas-
Sprouted Moong, black gram, veggies and Onion Fritters recipe is quick, crunchy and delicious one. These deep fried snacks are made with gram flour and spices. You can serve them on wintry cold days with hot ginger tea. Serve these healthy, nutritious and crunchy pakoras along with green mint chutney or tomato ketchup.
Chocolate chip Cookies –
These eggless chocolate chip cookies are buttery, crispy, crunchy and crumbly kinds. Not only are these nutty & delicious cookies a healthier treat, they are easy to make in just one bowl. Trust me, you will fall in love with these decadent and rich cookies. I love this recipe because it is a pretty simple, no-fuss, classic chocolate chip cookie recipe that doesn’t call for any fancy ingredients. I know you’d not be able to say no to these delicious eggless chocolate chip cookies. They’re SO good!!
Dora cake-
Indulge your senses with the whimsical charm of a Dora cake, inspired by the beloved character who takes us on countless adventures! This delightful treat is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a celebration of flavors that will enchant both kids and adults alike. With its soft, fluffy layers and vibrant decorations, this cake is perfect for birthdays, themed parties, or any special occasion where a touch of fun is needed. Get ready to embark on a baking journey that brings a little magic to your kitchen and joy to your table!!
