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23 lunch box ideas for the first week back at school

Feel inspired before the school year starts.
Zucchini feta fritters.

And just like that, school holidays are over… While you may be cheering at the prospect of finally getting back into routine, one thing you’re probably dreading is daily lunch box prep. Having a long list of lunch box ideas on hand is key to surviving the school term – and that’s where we can help.

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When it comes to packing school lunches for kids, it’s important to consider the following questions: will they eat it, is it nutritious, will they eat it, will it sustain their energy throughout the day, will they eat it, will it keep and, most importantly, will they eat it? Then there’s the added complication of ensuring the food you pack remains appealing all the way up until lunchtime – because no one likes a soggy sandwich. 

The next thing you want to consider is how you can work smarter, not harder when it comes to lunchbox prep. Recipes like zucchini slice and mini quiches can be made in large batches and frozen. Slab cakes and fibre-rich muesli slices are also great options that make large yields. Here, we’ve rounded up x of the best kids’ lunch box ideas that will satisfy hungry tummies and make lunch box prep a breeze.

Lunch ideas for kids

Classic zucchini slice

The make-ahead life-saver

If you haven’t been packing zucchini slice in your kids’ lunchbox – this is your sign to start! Eggs are rich in protein and this recipe is packed with vegies, meaning it’s a lunchbox inclusion you can feel good about. Busy kids who are always on the move will also appreciate this recipe, because you can hold it and eat it on-the-go (or while kicking a footy).

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Cornish pasties

With lamb and roast vegie filling

Cornish pasties are another tasty lunchbox option you can make ahead. They’re also fairly economical to make, featuring versatile lamb mince and hearty vegetables. Serve with your kids’ favourite sauce or homemade relish and voila! 

Cucumber and egg sandwiches

Sandwich for lunch

… but make it high tea

It wouldn’t be a lunch box recipe roundup without at least one sandwich recipe, now would it? Cucumber and egg is a classic sandwich filling and can just as easily be made on wholemeal, or multigrain bread, for added fibre. To prevent the cucumber from making the bread soggy, place thinly sliced cucumber in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt. Allow to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing well and patting dry with paper towel. 

karen martinis classic mac and cheese recipe
(Credits: Con Poulos)

Classic mac and cheese

Hearty and perfect for a thermos

Lunchbox thermoses have come a long way in recent years, and if your kids seem to eat better when lunch is served hot, consider making them a batch of this filling mac and cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy and crunchy – thanks to the breadcrumb topping. Serve with fresh vegetables cut into batons and you’ve just packed a balanced meal.

Ham and pineapple pizza scrolls

Tempting for the whole family

Scrolls and mini pizzas are standard lunchtime fare – but what if you combine the two? Ham and pineapple pizza scrolls are delicious hot or cold. This recipe makes 12 scrolls – which is perfect if you’re packing multiple lunchboxes in the morning.

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Roast turkey toastie with cranberry and brie

Toasties are another great way to fill a lunch box and use up last night’s leftovers. Pair last night’s roast turkey (or other roast meat) with brie and cranberry sauce and you’ve got a gourmet lunchbox idea. This dish can be served cold, or, if your kids prefer it hot, try cutting the sandwich into fingers and keeping them in a thermos. (Just be sure to pre-heat the thermos beforehand by filling it with boiling water, allowing the boiling water to sit for 1-2 minutes before emptying it and wiping it dry).

chicken schnitzel wrap

Chicken schnitzel wraps

With garlic avocado dip

Schnitzel is everyone’s favourite, but it can be tricky to serve in a lunch box easily. Throw it in a wrap or on some flatbread with a bit of avo garlic dip to make a lunch that all the other kids will want. If you’re worried about making a soggy schnitty, you can always put your sauce in a smaller container, that can be poured over when it’s time to eat.

pork scrolls on a white plate
(Credits: (Photography: Tim Roberts, styling Michele Cranston, preparation Ismat Awan, recipes Kim Coverdale))

Having a sausage roll and a scroll mixed into one is in an interesting combination, but it is certainly enjoyable! Lemongrass and ginger will give a little zing and zest, while the pork provides the perfect amount of protein to keep your child energised for the afternoon. This lunchbox idea will have your kid wanting more for afternoon tea, so be prepared to make extra.

zicchini fetta fritters

Zucchini and feta fritters

A lunchbox staple

Fritters are one of the easiest meals to make, and are great for getting the right portion in your child’s lunch (as well as sneaking in a couple of vegies!). The best tip? Make a big batch and freeze them, so you’ve got plenty of backups if you run out of ideas. Simply defrost in the fridge the night before.

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air fryer recipes veg tart made in an air fryer
(Credits: Brett Stevens)

Air fryer roast veg tarts

It’s better than a pizza!

The air fryer is a lifesaver for making simple school lunches, and this recipe is no different. While claiming that it’s better than a slice of pizza is bold, this air fryer tart is much quicker to make, and it can be filled with almost anything in your pantry.

Lunch ideas for the thermos

Simple stir-fry

Super-simple stir fry

A 20-minute feast

Whether you’re making this for a weekend dinner, or just want a nice hot lunch for your child, a stir fry is always the most effective choice. Pair your noodles with all of the leftovers in your fridge for a feast they’ll love!

Minestrone

Classic minestrone

For cold days at school

If your child is heading to school in cold weather or has a cold themselves, then there’s no better remedy than a thermos full of minestrone for lunch. Add in a hunk of bread and let them feel like Oliver Twist – a very fancy version of course!

Colin’s spaghetti bolognese

Serve for dinner, and lunch the next day

Spag bol has long been an Aussie classic, and Colin’s recipe just takes it to the next level. Any kid that opens their lunchbox to find a container of this with a fork will be jumping for joy.

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Lamb, mint and rosemary pies

Lamb, mint and rosemary pies

Bite-sized and delicious

These cute little lamb pies are the ideal size for stacking into a thermos. If your child loves a hot lunch that isn’t soup or spaghetti, this is for them. Throw in a couple of julienned carrots and cucumber to the other half of the lunchbox to get their daily dose of greens.

Lunchbox snacks

Banana slab cake

Banana slab with blueberry

Slice into squares for the optimal portion

Banana and blueberry are such an iconic duo and make this treat shine. A slab cake is great for easy baking and serving, so all you have to do is wait until blueberries are on sale to make this lunchbox filler.

Lemonade scones

Light and fluffy

Make these 3 ingredient scones without any effort. Serve with a bit of jam and cream on the side for a snack that is hardy and deliciously fluffy.

chocolate cake tray bake covered in sprinkles

Chocolate tray bake cake

For lunchtime celebrations

For an extra special treat on a birthday or school milestone, chocolate cake is a must. This one is made in a tray, making it simple to serve to lots of classmates, or portion out over a week of school lunches.

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muesli-slice

Muesli slice

With a white chocolate drizzle

Muesli is not usually the first choice for most children, but turn it into a cute slice with chocolate, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Pair with a piece of fruit for the ideal healthy lunch.

banana oat honey singular muffin with honey icing on top

Banana, oat and honey muffin

With honey icing

Banana muffins are a lunchbox staple. This recipe adds a bit of fancy and flair, with an additional crumble and cream cheese icing on top. If there’s a special occasion coming up for your child, these muffins are a great option.

Roasted pumpkin, basil and parmesan muffins

Pumpkin and parmesan muffins are a great addition to any lunch. If your child doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth, then this is a perfect snack for them. These muffins would also work well as a side to any thermos lunches, especially soups and stews.

Spiced pumpkin and olive oil loaf cake

Spiced pumpkin and olive oil loaf cake

Sweet and savoury together

Feel autumnal with a spiced pumpkin loaf cake with sweet cream cheese icing. Add crystalised ginger on top for a bit of zing, and your child has got a delicious snack. The best part about a loaf cake is that it can be used to supplement their lunchbox throughout the whole week.

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blueberry muffins on a tray
(Photography Alan Jensen; Styling Michele Cranston; Food preparation Rebecca Lyall)

Blueberry muffins

They’re too-easy

Blueberry muffins are, of course, a given when it comes to a school lunch. This recipe only takes 40 minutes to make, and you’ve got enough muffins to last the week! Sprinkle on some icing sugar before putting it in the lunch box for that extra bit of sweetness.

fruit salaf

Fruit salad

With lime dressing

Finally, no lunchbox is complete without a bit of fruit. Make grapes and apples fun for your child by making it a salad, with a dressing to keep all of the fruits from oxidising and turning brown. Swap out fruits depending on seasonality, and revel in your kids enjoyment.

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