Looking for hot lunch ideas for school? We’ve gathered 20 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. Which 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 kids 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.
Back to School Hot Lunch Ideas
Looking for hot lunch ideas for school? We've gathered 20 delicious hot recipes that keep well in a lunchbox until lunchtime rolls around.
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!
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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