Looking for creative school lunch ideas? Want to step outside the sandwich zone for something new, different and tasty enough to appeal to even the pickiest eaters? Read on! These 10 easy lunch recipes are so delish, they wouldn't dare trade them!
1. Peanut Butter Banana Bread Sandwich
Stephanie Gallagher
Classic PB&J gets new life when you put it on banana bread. Use regular or gourmet peanut butter for this peanut butter sandwich.
2. Hard Boiled Eggs
Stephanie Gallagher
High in protein and vitamin A, hard boiled eggs make a tasty, lunch box treat, because you can make them in advance. This is my fool-proof recipe for perfect hard boiled eggs.
3. Bologna and Cheese Rollups
Stephanie Gallagher
With kids, it's all about the presentation. These rollups look fun to eat, and they take only minutes to prepare. Younger kids, especially, like to find these rollups in their lunch boxes.
4. Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Stars
Stephanie Gallagher
Say goodbye to boring peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. This homemade chocolate pretzel peanut butter is just as nutritious as store-bought peanut butter (with no hydrogenated oils) and it tastes divine.
5. Mexican Phyllo Cups
Stephanie Gallagher
These Mexican phyllo cups are cute little bite-sized treats that make a healthy lunch that's anything but ordinary. They are great for vegetarians, too.
6. Zucchini Bread Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Stephanie Gallagher
Healthy zucchini bread is topped with cream cheese, then cut into attractive finger sandwiches. The kids will go nuts over this sweet and creamy sandwich.
7. Roast Beef Wraps
Stephanie Gallagher
Deli roast beef and cheddar cheese are wrapped in tortillas for this tasty lunch recipe. I grill these wraps in a George Foreman grill, then let the kids eat them cold.
8. Hot Dog Soup
Stephanie Gallagher
This hot dog soup recipe is a hearty, satisfying meal the kids will go wild over. This creamy tomato-based soup gets punched up with hot dogs and bacon.
9. Cream Cheese and Jelly Sandwiches
Stephanie Gallagher
Kids love the combination of cream cheese and jelly. The rice cakes make a nice "bread" for this sandwich, because they keep the sandwich from getting soggy.
10. Mexican Rice
Stephanie Gallagher
This is a great make-ahead lunch recipe that's a meal in one dish. Rice, black beans, canned tomatoes, cheese and corn add flavor and nutrients to this healthy lunch recipe. Pack in a thermos, or heat up this rice before serving.
