Looking for hot lunch ideas for school? We’ve gathered 40+ delicious hot recipes that keep well in a lunchbox until lunchtime rolls around. All simple, tasty, and kid-friendly! From homemade chicken nuggets to low-sodium ramen noodles, there is a recipe for every kid to pick from.
As kids head back to school, we know that there are so many exciting yet overwhelming tasks to tackle. From registration to bus schedules, school supplies to new clothes or uniforms, the list goes on and on. This is why we are here to help keep lunch stress-free!
We pulled together our top hot school lunch ideas that have all been tested and are officially kid-approved. Easily packed in a kid’s thermos, any of these recipes will be a huge hit around the lunch table!
How To Fill A Thermos
Depending on the age of your child, they might be at the age to start packing their own lunch. As parents, we can help show our kids how to safely fill a thermos. Follow these easy step by step directions to guide your kids.
- Fill with boiling water. Heat water in a microwave-safe container until boiling. Let your kids watch for bubbles to start forming then use a hot pad to carefully remove from the microwave. Slowly pour the boiling water into the thermos. You can also try using really hot tap water and see if that keeps the food hot enough in your thermos.
- Place the lid on. After the water has been added, place the lid on and let the thermos sit for 2-5 minutes. During this time, instruct your kids to heat up the food in the microwave they are planning to pack.
- Pour out water. Pour out all the water from the thermos after the food is heated then and add the hot food to the thermos.
- Pack. Tightly secure the lid onto the thermos and pack in a lunchbox.
Our Qdoba chicken recipe is a delicious and flavorful chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs infused with the smoky heat of chipotle chilies and the bright tang of fresh lime juice. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy preparation steps, you can recreate the bold and zesty flavors of your favorite Mexican-inspired restaurant dish right in your own kitchen.
Our Steak Quesadilla Recipe is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover steak. This recipe takes tender and juicy steak and combines it with peppers and onions for a flavorful and filling meal. The melted cheese and crispy tortilla make this dish the perfect comfort food that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or after-school snack, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Homemade taquitos in the air fryer are quick and easy and taste amazing. Made with corn tortillas, cream cheese, adobo seasoning, and leftover chicken. Perfect for meals, entertaining, or as an after-school snack.
Our kid-friendly meatloaf is stuffed with mashed potatoes and baked. These meatloaf cupcakes are baked in a muffin tin for individual servings that kids love. Gluten-free.
Looking to make homemade frozen pizzas? Learn how to make par-baked pizza with a homemade pizza crust that’s simple to make and freezes great! You can even double the dough in this recipe and makes up to 8 thin-crust pizzas that save a ton of money and stock your freezer for quick meals!
Our Cheeseburger Tacos takes two kid favorites and blends them together. Taco-seasoned lean ground beef seared right on a soft taco, topped with melty cheese. Throw in some crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and Thousand Island dressing – and voila! You’ve got a dinner that’s not just kid-friendly, it’s mom-approved too. These Smash Tacos are a total win-win for those hectic weeknights when you need something tasty, quick, and bound to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Our loaded nacho fries are just like Taco Bell – but better! Ground beef nacho fries are loaded with lean ground beef, cheese sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes. A fun dinner that can be served right on the baking tray.
Instant Pot Chili Mac is packed with flavor yet easy to make. Ground beef is sauteed with onions, green pepper, and garlic, then cooked in broth with dry pasta and spices. This simple dinner is a kid-favorite!
Looking for an easy homemade turkey burgers in the oven? This simple kid-friendly baked turkey burger is flavor-packed with lean ground turkey, parmesan cheese, and sneaks in some chopped spinach for an extra nutrient boost!
A gluten-free crock pot mac and cheese recipe that’s creamy and delicious. This simple no-boil pasta is super creamy made with evaporated milk, chicken broth, and loads of cheese. It cooks in just 1 1/2 hours and is a great lunch option for kids.
Veggie Mac and Cheese is going to be your new go-to kid-friendly mac & cheese with veggies recipe! Our version has a nutrition boost from riced cauliflower and broccoli without losing the cheesy flavor kids love. It’s kid-approved!
Sausage Mac and Cheese is a healthy kid-friendly dinner idea packed with veggies. Made with butternut squash, tomatoes, and loads of cheese, this is a family favorite!
Our canned chicken pasta recipe is sure to become a family favorite. A 30-minute meal packed with chicken, gluten-free pasta, and lots of cheese. A kid-favorite.
Sweet potato egg cups are an easy, fun breakfast idea for kids. These kid-friendly mini egg frittatas are packed with sweet potatoes, spinach, and cheese.
Wondering what to do with leftover taco meat? We suggest making a Taco Quesadilla! This ground beef quesadilla recipe is made in the oven on a baking pan so you can cook the quesadillas all at one time!
Do your kids love Beef and Beans? Then this bean, beef, and cheese burrito is for them. Add this recipe to your list of easy back to school hot lunch ideas because it’s simple, delicious, and super customizable.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with canned salmon and packed with flavor. Kids love dipping them in their favorite sauce at lunch!
Add this Healthy Shredded Chicken Quesadilla to your list of easy hot lunches. A chicken quesadilla made with canned chicken, canned refried beans, and lots of cheese, this is an easy back to school meal for kids that comes together quickly!
A simple gluten-free chicken stir fry that uses chicken thighs for the juicy texture and flavor that kids love. Packed with broccoli, red pepper, and red onions tossed in a rich and tangy sauce, serve as is or on a bed of rice.
Gluten-free chicken tenders are double battered for a crispy outside and tender inside. Our chicken strips are baked, not fried, and are perfect for lunch or dinner. Pack the extras in lunchboxes the next day. Dairy-Free.
Our Veggie Nuggets are a tasty and healthy snack or meal option. Made with broccoli and carrots these delicious bite-sized nuggets are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them the perfect choice for both kids and adults. They’re easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
This Chicken on a stick recipe uses chicken tenderloins that are simple seasoned then baked. They take just 10 minutes to prep and are a handheld dinner that gets dipped in your kids favorite sauce.
Our gluten-free French toast is super simple and tastes amazing. With just 5 ingredients you likely have on hand you’ll have a hot breakfast served easily. Dairy-Free.
Eggs in the Oven, prepared in a muffin tin, offer a fun breakfast experience for kids. It’s a fantastic family activity, encouraging children to actively participate in the kitchen – from cracking eggs to choosing their favorite toppings. This method is quick and convenient, making it ideal for busy mornings. Eggs bake evenly and efficiently in the muffin tin, saving time while delivering a nutritious start to the day.
Air fryer gluten-free french toast sticks are simple to make and are easy for little hands to enjoy! Made with gluten-free bread combined with eggs, milk, and vanilla.
A gluten-free breakfast sandwich that freezes well. Perfect to make ahead of time and keep frozen for quick breakfasts or lunches. Kid-approved!
Mandarin Chicken Stir-fry with Green Beans | Power Your Lunchbox
Prep your thermos by adding boiling water to it while you heat the leftovers. Then, dump out the water, dry, and add leftovers. This will help keep them warm until lunchtime. Pack brown rice separately.
Keep these easy-to-make Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets warm in your kid's lunch box by insulating their lunch box with a napkin or small towel, pack nuggets when still hot and keep away from any cold lunch box items, before sealing the box completely!
If you are new to making takeout-style meals at home for kids to pack for lunch, Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect starter meal. It’s so easy to make, and the taste is incredible.
No matter if you're meal prepping or looking for a quick lunch idea for the kids, these air fryer Turkey Meatballs are the perfect answer. They are seasoned just right and pair well with all your favorite sauces!
Quick cooking delicious creamy tomato soup. This homemade soup can be in a thermos in just ten minutes! Use tomato sauce and tomato paste along with a few seasonings and you have the best tomato soup!
Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is an easy weeknight meal your family will love! Made with ground turkey, cheese, noodles and spices, this instant pot beef pasta will be a weeknight dinner winner! The leftovers can then be easily packed in a thermos for hot lunch the next day or two!
We hope your kids have a successful transition back to school and have a great year. Keep all of these recipes in mind and don’t forget to share your favorite lunch ideas with us! If your kids are enjoying lunch at home this school year, check out our Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids at Home and Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters round ups.
Cold Lunch Ideas
Now while we all love a good PB&J sandwich for lunch, there is always room in the lunchbox to change things up. Here are kid-friendly cold lunch ideas! Chicken & Cheese Pinwheel Recipe, Homemade Uncrustables, How To Make Tuna Sushi Rolls, Kids Protein Shake, Greek Yogurt Spinach Dip, Rainbow Bento Lunchbox for Kids Fruit & Yogurt Parfait. Let your kiddos pick a new cold lunch meal idea each week to keep lunch time fun and tasty!
If you enjoyed any of the recipes make sure to leave a comment below! Then follow me on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. I love seeing what you come up with!
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