We’ve gathered 30+ lunch ideas for picky eaters because lunchtime can be a challenge when you have picky eaters at home. Most of these recipes would work great as school lunch ideas for those picky eaters as well.
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut of making the same sandwiches and snacks over and over again. That’s why we’ve put together this collection of lunch ideas specifically tailored for picky eaters. With a variety of tasty options to choose from, including quesadillas, salads, and creative twists on classic favorites, you’re sure to find something to please even the most discerning taste buds.
So if you’re tired of the same old lunches, read on for some delicious and easy-to-make ideas that will make lunchtime a little more exciting for everyone.
Even better, these recipes can be served at home or sent to school with your kiddos to eat around the lunch table. For more school meal ideas, check out our Healthy School Lunch Ideas.
Getting kids involved in the kitchen is one of the top ways to encourage them to try new foods – even picky eaters. Invite your picky kids to the kitchen the next time you create their breakfast, lunch or dinner meal to help along the way. You will be amazed how excited they are to eat any recipe they create all on their own!
Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters
Coming up with kids' lunch ideas for picky eaters can get challenging. Check out this list for fresh ideas to get lunch served without complaints!
Baked chicken nuggets are every kid's favorite! These tasty nuggets have a delicious crunchy crust just perfect for dipping!
These healthy gluten free chicken nuggets are easy and great for kids! They are made with only a few ingredients and come together easily. Kids love them!
Kids of all ages will enjoy this classic, creamy mac and cheese, and you'll love that it's made all together in one pot -- pasta and sauce -- in about 15 minutes.
These Homemade Pizza Cupcakes are like individual deep dish pizzas, baked in a muffin tin. They are not only delicious, but easy to make and the perfect snack for game day, movie night and packing along in a lunch bag!
For a quick and easy meal that your kids will love, make these blueberry turkey meatballs! Toddlers love these and don't even realize that there are veggies hidden in them!
These 5 ingredient puff pastry pinwheels with cheese and ham are always a favorite in our house!
These savory muffins are packed with four different vegetables but they are easy to adapt and customize to suit your child’s taste.
Made with only 4 ingredients, these carrot stars are a great lunchbox filler.
The kids will love this unique puff pastry pizza wheel for a lunchtime treat, fill the twists with your kids favorite savory food.
Crispy outer and soft melt-in-mouth texture inside Sweet Potato Patties is oh-so-delicious and kid-friendly dish made with mashed sweet potato, peanuts and few spices. These patties make a great dish to pack in a kid’s lunch box or as a burger patty.
These pizza quesadillas are all the flavors of pizza wrapped into a sandwich. Kids love them dipped in marinara sauce.
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is absolutely the best way to make these beloved sandwiches! Once you do them the your air fryer you will be hooked for life.
Ham Roll Ups will be your favorite back to school lunch solution! Super quick and easy to make, these tasty ranch ham and cream cheese roll ups are totally kid-approved.
Did you know you could make homemade pizza rolls in your air fryer? Delicious and super kid friendly - use their favorite toppings and watch their faces light up!
Dinner Recipes for Picky Eaters
Keep the menu planning going by selecting any of these dinner recipes to make for your picky eaters at home. Each one kid approved time and time again! Sheet Pan Pizza, Instant Pot Meatloaf, Par Baked Pizza, Nacho Fries Bell Grande, Homemade Low-Sodium Ramen Noodles, Quick and Easy Calzones, Instant Pot Chili Mac, Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs, Crockpot Chicken and Noodles.
Edible Crafts
Edible crafts are another great way to encourage picky eaters to try new foods and feel comfortable in the kitchen. Here are our top recommendations for edible crafts to make right at home. Edible Paint For Toddlers, Bread in a Bag, Peanut Butter Playdough, Pudding Slime, and Cake Pops. Each idea uses minimal ingredients and equipment that you likely already have on hand.
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