Anyone who’s ever tried to feed a kiddo knows what picky eaters they can be. Attempting to give them something nutritious and filling, that they actually like, is not the easiest of tasks. Never fear! We’ve had our pickiest eaters put the following recipes to the test to bring you easy, kid approved recipes your little ones will be begging for. See which recipes make the cut and add them into your weekly recipe rotation!
Making lunches for every single day of the school year can be costly, but it's still better than purchasing school lunches (and healthier, in most cases). An easy way to make shopping for lunch ingredients easy and affordable is by subscribing to our emails for Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Sam's Club, and Costco so you always know about sales, deals, and coupons.
1. Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders with Barbeque Sauce
What kid doesn’t love ham and cheese? The addition of barbeque sauce put’s a messy and satisfying twist on an old classic.
Recipe from Meatloaf and Melodrama.
2. Pizza Wafflewich
Kids love pizza. Kids love waffles. So this pizza wafflewich is a no brainer! Prepare it today and watch the pure joy appear on their faces!
Recipe from It’s Always Autumn.
3. Gluten Free Paleo Chicken Tenders
Sometimes you have to sneak something healthy their way. If your kiddo struggles with gluten intolerance, this is a perfect alternative for store bought chicken tenders.
4. Cheesy Quinoa
The fastest way to get your kids to eat something healthy? Cover it in cheese. This quinoa recipe is so delicious; they won’t even know it’s good for them.
5. Caterpillar Chicken Tortilla Wraps
Perfect for small hands and big appetites. This recipe can easily be made with leftover chicken from last night's dinner. It's a fun surprise for your kid to open up at lunch, too!
6. Mini Taco Handpies
When you’re on the go, tacos can be a mess. Give your kids the same satisfying flavor in an easy, portable handpie.
7. Chicken Enchilada Roll Ups
Another south of the border favorite! These roll ups are lunch box friendly and are sure to win over the pickiest of eaters.
Recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything.
8. Cauliflower Nuggets
Veggies? What veggies? These nuggets are just as good as fast food favorites, without feeling guilty for feeding your kids junk.
9. Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese gets an upgrade with this pizza inspired variation that’s so satisfying you may steal a few bites.
10. Mini Corn Dog Muffins
Your child’s favorite flavor in small bite sized portions. These muffins can easily be made in advance, heated up, and tossed into a lunch box.
11. Broccoli Cheddar Bites
Does your kid turn up their nose to broccoli? Of course they do, they’re a kid. Sneak in their least favorite veggie in these tasty, cheesy broccoli bites.
12. Pizza Roll-Ups
Have we mentioned how perfect roll-ups are for kids? This recipe combines your kid’s favorite pizza flavor in a way that’s portable and convenient.
13. Lunch Kabobs
Pack your child one or all of these mini kabobs for lunch. They're fun to eat, taste great, and they're easy to assemble for you.
14. Nutella Banana Sushi
Okay, so maybe they’re not a fan of California rolls, but no kid can resist a combination of Nutella and banana. Maybe you just don’t tell them the word “sushi” is in the recipe name.
15. Cheesy Meatball Bites
Meatballs don’t are a perfect snack on their own, and when cheese is thrown into the mix they are completely kid approved.
Recipe from Butter With a Side of Bread.
16. PB&J Sushi Rolls
Kids love foods they can easily hold with one hand. That’s why this creative take on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich is sure to become a household favorite.
17. Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels
If you have a tough time getting your kid to eat their vegetables, this might solve your problem. It's a fun and cool-looking way of getting your veggies!
Recipe from Dinner at the Zoo.
18. Mini Taco Bowls
It’s a DIY taco box! What kid wouldn't love this? By giving them a chance to put the final touches on their lunch, they'll feel like a big kid in no time.
19. Teriyaki Chicken Lunch Bowls
You can make rice bowls portable by sending your child off to school with their own small container of their favorite combination. Just make sure to pack it in a thermos so it stays warm.
20. Sumbarine Lunch
One of the easiest, portable lunches you can make is a sandwich. Make it a more fun meal by turning it to a submarine, complete with Goldfish crackers swimming underneath.
