Now that the new school year is fast approaching, there are a million details on your mind. Your to-do list covers everything from back-to-school supply shopping to arranging this year's carpool — but now there is one chore you can check off: figuring out what's for lunch. Leave basic sandwiches behind and throw together these easy lunch ideas that are picky-eater approved. Check out these 14 back-to-school lunch ideas that are out of the box . . . er, make that brown bag.
Mummy's Pot Noodles
If your little one loves to eat ramen at home, they'll love this quick and easy do-it-yourself ramen recipe [1].
Meat and Cheese Wraps
Instead of a sandwich, wrap turkey or roast beef around pieces of string cheese. These little bites will make for fun finger food your kids will love come lunchtime.
Source: Instagram user sodamndomestic [2]
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Does your little one love mac and cheese? This cauliflower mac [3] is a delicious lunch treat everyone will gobble up.
Kid-Friendly Sushi
Kid-friendly sushi [4] is a great way to convince your kids to chow down on a mix of healthy veggies.
Homemade Hot Pockets
A simple batch of homemade hot pockets [5] can fuel a number lunches. Simply make a batch, freeze 'em, and heat them individually before packing them each morning!
Salmon Quesadilla
Skip a typical bagel, and whip up a healthy and yummy smoked salmon and cream cheese quesadilla [6]. Feel free to sub in more traditional meat and cheese options for picky eaters too.
Egg Fried Rice
No kid will resist eating veggies if they are mixed into a delicious batch of egg fried rice [7].
Assorted Dippers
Kids will love the chance to make lunch fun with this dipping mashup. If nut butters aren't allowed at school, swap for yogurt or hummus instead.
Source: Instagram user followinginmyshoes [8]
Beef and Noodle Stir-Fry
This quick and simple beef stir-fry [9] is an all-in-one lunch that is an easy way to sneak in extra veggies for your little one.
Bento Box Rolls
Your ordinary wrap can easily be transformed into a fun piece of "sushi" with a little imagination. These meat and veggie wraps [10] are cut into small pieces and packed with chopsticks to easily transform into "sushi"!
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
If you like packing leftovers, this chicken spaghetti casserole [11] is a kid-friendly pick.
Snack Skewers
Meat and veggie skewers are a playful swap for a typical sandwich. You can also swap savory bites for sweet fruits instead; just make sure the kids are old enough to handle the small skewers.
Source: Instagram user nourish_and_move [12]
Turkey Tacos
Use leftovers to throw together these turkey and cheese tacos [13] with a little bit of avocado or mild salsa. Or, if it isn't too messy, pack ingredients and let your chef-in-the-making assemble the tacos on their own.
Baked Orange Chicken Meatballs
Pull out a Thermos and fill it up with these baked orange chicken meatballs [14]. They're a fun alternative to traditional Italian meatballs, and they're guaranteed to be gobbled up!
