It’s back to school season and these easy, tasty additions to the lunch rotation will make any kid happy.
It’s that bittersweet time of year again where we send the little ones back to school. No more fighting and arguing. No more dishes left all over the house.
I’m really going to miss it all. (He says, dripping with sarcasm.) Don’t get me wrong, I love being with my little tax deductions, but it’s time, am I right?!
They need school. They need structure. And we also want to make sure our kids are getting a good meal each day, because let’s face it, the school lunches leave quite a bit to the imagination. Our crumb snatchers deserve better.
It can be difficult coming up with fresh new ideas that keep the kids happy and parents from losing what little sanity they have left.
Lunch does not have to be boring and bland, but it also doesn’t need to be fussy, so here are 12 lunchbox upgrades sure to be a hit with your wallet drainer.
1
Stacey Mebs
Almond Joy Energy Balls Recipe
Sometimes you feel like a nut…actually, it’s most of the time if you’re a parent. Made with dates, almonds, coconut and chocolate, your kids will have no idea that these are made from dates and not straight fudge. Healthy, delicious, and easy. That’s a win in my book!
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2
Sarah Grossett
Oatmeal Raisin Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
The best snacks are ones where you can sneak in healthy ingredients without the kids noticing. These bars are the perfect example of healthy disguised as an everyday sweet treat. They’re also really tasty and loaded with flavor, so you might even want to sneak a couple into your own lunch.
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3
Emily Caruso
Herbed Deviled Eggs Recipe
I wish my parents would’ve packed me deviled eggs in my lunchbox…especially ones as tasty as these herbed deviled eggs! Then again, my classmates probably wouldn’t have appreciated that, if you know what I mean. Make sure to pop in an ice pack. No one wants to eat warm deviled eggs. No one.
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4
Karly Campbell
Biscoff Blondies Recipe
It’s recipes like this that are the reason I’ll never be a skinny man. I’ve accepted that. And your kids will think you’re a hero once you add these to their lunch! Our Biscoff blondies are also a nut-free treat that you can tuck into any lunchbox regardless of any classroom dietary restrictions. Win!
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5
Jocelyn Brubaker
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chunk Granola Recipe
This peanut butter banana chocolate chunk granola recipe is great for any time of day. If your kids are running short on time it’s a great as a quick breakfast on the go, or pack it in their lunch or it give it to them to munch on as a midday snack. It’s also healthy enough that when you end up eating the whole batch, you don’t have to feel bad about it!
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6
Stacey Mebs
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Cookies are my kryptonite. I love all sweets, but it’s cookies that make my knees buckle. I am weak. I’m especially weak for lemon anything. Tangy and sour, mixed with sugary sweet is the perfect combination. Your kids are guaranteed to feel the same way about these lemon sugar cookies. They’re super soft, and so easy to make, topped with soft lemon frosting – they make the perfect treat!
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7
Urvashee Patel
Cucumber and Mint Cilantro Chutney Tea Sandwiches
This lunchbox selection is one geared toward a slightly more adventurous eater. I have one kid that loves it and another that would strangle me in my sleep if I served her these tea sandwiches with cucumbers and a mint cilantro chutney. For those that like something a little different, this is a refreshing and delightful change to the average school sandwich.
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8
Stacey Mebs
Peanut Butter Banana Blender Muffins Recipe
We’re back with bananas and peanut butter with these peanut butter banana blender muffins. Can you blame us?! They go together so well! This muffin recipe is sure to have even the pickiest eater singing their praises from the windows of the bus. Pure decadence. Because the batter is made in the blender they’re literally the easiest thing to make, too!
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9
Brie Norris
Toaster Oven Chex Mix Recipe
Chex Mix is one of those things that everyone seems to love, even if they don’t like every ingredient. Personally, I hate pretzels, so I feed them to the dogs. The beauty of this homemade Chex mix is you can tailor it to you and your family’s preferences! Plus somehow it tastes even more delicious? This recipe is perfectly adapted to the toaster oven, too, making it a cinch to make!
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10
Amanda Powell
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe
You know what, just go ahead and make these peanut butter and jelly bars for yourself. The kids get everything, and you deserve it! Just make sure to hide them on a high shelf or in a box of frozen okra. Wait for your little gremlins to leave, pour a glass of milk, and go to town! You won’t be disappointed.
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11
Shihoko Ura
Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
Lunch for the kiddos doesn’t have to be cold! Make these teriyaki meatballs for dinner and serve up the leftovers for lunch the next day. Just reheat them in the morning and pop them into an insulated thermos. Your kids won’t thank you later, because they never do, but you can pretend they did!
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12
Stacey Mebs
Coconut Granola Bars Recipe
Another versatile snack that is easily tossed into a lunchbox or eaten for breakfast, we love making these coconut granola bars. Our kids are supposed to bring a daily snack for the afternoon, and these are always a big hit. Sure, you could buy them from the store, but they’re so easy to make and way healthier, plus the kids love lending a hand to whip up a batch.
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BONUS: Try some of these snack ideas for kids, too!