15 Back to School Lunch Box Ideas Kids Will Love

Packing school lunches can be easier when you have a variety of simple, tasty, and portable ideas ready to go. These recipes work well for busy mornings and travel nicely in lunch boxes. They range from hot and cheesy sandwiches to fresh wraps, kabobs, and easy air fryer creations. Each one is kid-friendly, customizable, and full of flavor.

Carne Asada Quesadilla

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Juicy strips of carne asada are paired with melted cheese inside a crispy tortilla. The grilled meat adds a smoky flavor. You can mix in peppers or onions for more texture. Slice into smaller pieces for a school lunch.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Quesadilla

Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Plate of chicken nuggets on a wooden serving board. — Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Made with chicken and a simple coating, these nuggets are quick to prepare. They cook up golden outside and tender inside. They’re great for dipping in ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce. A fuss-free lunch option for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Pigs in a Blanket

Hot dog buns with little smokies on a plate. — Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Mini sausages are wrapped in dough and baked until golden brown. They are soft, warm, and slightly salty. You can pack them with mustard or ketchup for dipping. They fit easily into a lunch box and stay tasty at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Vegetable Fritters

Grated vegetables are mixed with a light batter and cooked until crisp on the outside. The centers stay tender and flavorful. They work well in lunch boxes with a small container of dipping sauce. A tasty way to add variety to midday meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Turkey Egg and Cheese Sandwich

This hearty sandwich layers turkey, egg, and cheese inside bread, a bagel, or an English muffin. The egg adds warmth and substance, while the melted cheese ties everything together. You can add condiments like mayo, mustard, or hot sauce. It’s filling enough to get through the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Egg and Cheese Sandwich

Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

An egg and cucumber sandwich with pepper jack cheese, spring mix, and dill sauce is shown on a white plate over a rustic wooden cutting board. — Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slices of boiled egg and crisp cucumber are layered between bread with a creamy spread. The combination is light and refreshing. Cutting them into smaller pieces makes them easy to pack. They work well for both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

Chicken Kabobs with Yogurt Sauce

Chunks of chicken are skewered and cooked until golden, then served with a creamy yogurt sauce. The kabobs are fun to eat and easy to portion. The sauce adds tangy flavor and can be packed in a separate container. Works well with pita bread or vegetables on the side.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kabobs with Yogurt Sauce

BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

A stack of pulled pork grilled cheese on a plate. — BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This sandwich combines smoky pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions. The flavors are rich and satisfying. Grilling the bread adds a crunchy contrast to the soft filling. It’s hearty and great for a special lunch treat.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Keto Friendly Sushi Rolls served on a black board. — Low Carb Sushi Rolls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

These sushi rolls skip the rice and use thin slices of cucumber or seaweed to wrap the fillings. You can use cooked shrimp, crab, or vegetables inside. They’re fresh, crisp, and easy to pack. Serve with soy sauce or a small container of dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Turkey Roll Ups

A plate of turkey wraps with tomatoes and lettuce. — Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Thin slices of turkey are rolled with cheese and fresh vegetables for an easy handheld lunch. You can spread cream cheese or hummus inside for extra flavor. They are neat to pack and fun to eat. Pair them with fruit or pretzels for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Bite-sized chicken pieces are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. They’re juicy and flavorful even after cooling. Serve them with bread or rice to soak up the sauce. They make a great protein option for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Tender pulled pork is layered with melty cheese between slices of crisp, golden bread. The combination of savory meat and gooey cheese makes every bite satisfying. It’s simple to prepare and still tastes great at room temperature. Wrap in foil to keep warm until lunchtime.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Chicken Fajita Sliders

Slider on a blue plate with rice. — Chicken Fajita Sliders. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Mini buns are filled with seasoned chicken, peppers, and onions. The melted cheese holds everything together. They are flavorful and easy to eat without making a mess. Wrap individually to keep them fresh in the lunch box.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Sliders

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla. — Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A tortilla filled with cheese is cooked in the air fryer until crisp and golden. The cheese melts perfectly, creating a warm, cheesy filling. You can add extras like beans, vegetables, or shredded chicken. Cut into wedges for easy lunch box portions.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Easy Burrito

Someone stacking veggie burritos. — Easy Burrito. Photo credit: .

A tortilla is filled with seasoned meat, beans, cheese, and optional extras like rice or salsa. Everything is wrapped tightly for a convenient handheld meal. It’s simple to prepare and works well hot or cold. Wrap in foil for easy packing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito