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Home » Recipes » Best Of

Easy Kindergarten Lunch Ideas

By Laura Fuentes Updated Dec 19, 2024

5 from 21 votes

Recipe

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Kindergarten lunch ideas that will provide your child with the energy they need in a way that's enjoyable to eat.

Need easy kindergarten lunch ideas you can pack fast? This post shows you a variety of healthy school lunches kids will love that are both healthy and fresh. Many of these can be made ahead of time to save you precious time in the morning while you help your Kindergartener get ready for their day.

six images of lunch ideas for kindergarten age kids
Jump to:
  • What to Pack for Lunch in Kindergarten
  • Easy Kindergarten Lunches
  • Best Lunchbox for Kindergarten
  • Easy Kindergarten Lunch Ideas | ABC Bento

Sending your kids to Kindergarten means they might be experiencing packed lunch for the first time ever, and eating lunch away from home where mom reminds them to “keep eating” for the first time.

When my kids started school one of the biggest things they struggled with was having a time limit on their lunches. They wanted to chat with friends and have fun, but sometimes ended up missing half of lunch because they were talking.

For Kindergarten, easy-to-eat lunches are a MUST, and finger foods that feel like snacking will be their lunchbox BFFs. And if you think your little one might be missing you a little bit, then be sure to pack one of these sweet lunch notes in with the lunch!

Today, I want to help you do just that by providing easy recipes and tips I learned packing school lunches for my three picky kids. Then, you can check epic snack ideas for Kindergarten for extra nutrition.

What to Pack for Lunch in Kindergarten

The best lunch ideas for kindergarten come down to nutritious foods you know your kids will like and are easily eaten and packed inside lunch containers. 

Ideas such as bento boxes, mini quiches, and quesadillas will provide them with energy they need in a way that’s enjoyable to eat. Along with the recipes below, I’ve also included lunch ingredients favored by kids in preschool and kindergarten: 

  • Rolled deli turkey or ham
  • Sliced cheese
  • Whole-grain crackers
  • Sliced berries
  • Sliced apples
  • Grapes
  • Flavored Greek yogurt
  • Baby carrots
  • Sugar snap peas
  • Olives 
  • Dips- such as hummus, Ranch dressing, and Veggie Dip

Also, adding an epic lunchbox snack to go along with the main lunch item is a nice surprise and makes the overall meal more fun to eat. It really is the small things that count.  

Watch this video to see three of the biggest favorites at my house and then grab all the ideas below.

Easy Kindergarten Lunches

These kindergarten lunches are made with simple ingredients and the opportunity to load up on healthy ingredients. You’ll notice there are very few ideas for sandwiches and wraps. While I often pack sandwiches for lunch, I’ve found bento-style and finger foods more appealing to smaller kids. Don’t be surprised if your child asks for mini quiches on repeat.

With no further ado, here are the recipes:

Ham Roll-Ups Lunchbox
5 from 34 votes
Rolling up deli cuts like ham and make them easy to eat! You can pack them bento-style with other fresh ingredients for a smorgasbord of healthy finger foods kids love.
Pack this lunch
tortilla pizza in a lunch box with tomatoes, baby carrots and apple slices
Easy Tortilla Pizza
4.95 from 17 votes
Recreate those leftover tortillas into a quick Tortilla Pizza. Top with chopped deli meat, pepperoni, fresh veggies, and bake to cheesy perfection.
Pack this lunch
Ham, Cheese & Tomato Skewers
5 from 21 votes
Lunch on a stick is so much more fun! Your little ones will love seeing their favorite ingredients served up on a little kabob.
Pack this lunch
Cut-Out Dinosaur Sandwich
5 from 21 votes
You can make this cute dinosaur cut-out sandwich with PB & J, ham and cheese, or any of your favorite fillings!
Pack this lunch
Blueberry Yogurt Parfait
5 from 19 votes
This homemade blueberry yogurt parfait makes a great lunchbox side for younger kids. It’s sweet and healthy and will instantly be a lunchbox fave.
Pack this lunch
lunch container with blueberries, snap peas and apple & cheese slices wrapped with ham.
Ham & Cheese Apple Wraps
4.93 from 26 votes
Sweet, savory, and cheesy, these Ham & Cheese Apple Wraps are a fun combo. You can swap out ingredients like ham for turkey and Cheddar for your child’s favorite cheese.
Pack this lunch
Fruit & Protein Bento Box
5 from 22 votes
Pack a variety for lunch with the fruit & protein bento box. It’s quick to assemble and makes the perfect idea for kids who love to snack.
Pack this lunch
Peanut Butter Nutella Sandwich Sushi
5 from 28 votes
Let me show you how to assemble these epic peanut butter and Nutella sandwich sushi for a kid-favorite lunch idea that parents will want to try too!
Pack this lunch
Homemade Fruit Cup
4.98 from 34 votes
Did you know you can swap the store-bought cups for your own homemade version (featuring only fruits your kid LOVES)?! Check out just how easy it is to making fruit cups & how to pack them for lunch here.
Pack this lunch
a chicken nugget being dipped into a sauce cup of Ranch dressing with a lunch container filled with chicken nuggets, veggies, and strawberries, in the background.
Homemade Chicken Nuggets Lunchable
4.96 from 24 votes
Turn leftover or frozen nuggets into a homemade chicken nuggets lunchable way healthier than the prepackaged kind!
Pack this lunch
homemade version of lunchables nachos
DIY “Lunchables” Nachos
5 from 29 votes
Learn how to assemble nachos and cheese for a balanced and healthy Kinder lunch!
Pack this lunch
How to Pack Thermos Macaroni and Cheese
5 from 19 votes
When alllllll they want to eat is macaroni and cheese, NO PROBS! I'll show you how to pack it so it's warm and ready for them when it's time for lunch at school.
Pack this lunch
two peanut butter and jelly sandwich pieces in a lunch container with fruit
PB&J Sandwich Bento
5 from 5 votes
This fun lunchbox takes a classic sandwich to the next level, with healthy sides!
Pack this lunch
broccoli tater tots
Broccoli Tater Tots
4.95 from 35 votes
Homemade Broccoli Tater Tots made with potato, Parmesan cheese, and broccoli florets. Pack with marinara or their favorite dipping sauce.
Pack this lunch
Banana Sushi Rolls
5 from 26 votes
Banana and peanut butter is a divine combination that kids can enjoy in a fun way, different from a sandwich.
Pack this lunch
Easy Peanut Butter Apple Sandwich
5 from 21 votes
A delicious switch from the usual PB & J, and just as easy to make in 5 minutes! Every bite has that sweet-salty combo we love with added crunch from the apple.
Pack this lunch
grilled cheese stick dipping into a small dish of tomato soup
Grilled Cheese Dippers Thermos Lunch
5 from 14 votes
Your kids will love these Grilled Cheese Dippers for lunch, especially paired with warm tomato soup, a perfect way to sneak extra veggies!
Pack this lunch
Fruit & Veggie Stoplight Bento
5 from 15 votes
Kids won't resist this tasty, fun, and colorful bento lunch! You can pack it with a sandwich and little bellies will keep full longer.
Pack this lunch
Image: mini quiches in a lunchbox
Taco Egg Cup Breakfast Bento
5 from 14 votes
Taco night leftovers turned into baked Taco Egg Cups. Use taco meat, black beans, cheese, or salsa for a perfect kindergarten lunch!
Pack this lunch
PB & J Roll-Ups
5 from 20 votes
These PB & J Roll Ups are a fun way to serve the classic sandwich! Pack them with fresh fruit and Greek yogurt for protein.
Pack this lunch
a stack of 3 uncrustables filled with peanut butter and jelly
PB & J Uncrustables
5 from 67 votes
Learn how to assemble and freeze your very own uncrustables! They are a fraction of the cost to make and full of delicious PB & J flavors
Pack this lunch
Healthy Rainbow Bento Box
5 from 19 votes
Fresh veggies, crisp apples, protein from hard-boiled eggs, and a sweet but healthy treat of oatmeal raisin bites: you get a little of everything in this lunchbox!
Pack this lunch
Blueberry Bread Sandwich
5 from 17 votes
Instead of eating blueberry bread by the slice, why not turn it into a delicious sandwich? I'll show you how to pack this delicious idea that kids will love.
Pack this lunch
Preschool Pasta Lunch
5 from 9 votes
Whip up simple ingredients and you'll get a healthy and colorful lunch that little appetites will love!
Pack this lunch
Apple & Cheddar Quesadillas
5 from 16 votes
Take the usual grilled cheese quesadilla up a notch with these Apple & Cheddar Quesadillas. It’s a combination that’s delicious and soon to be a lunchtime favorite.
Pack this lunch
Picnic Bento Lunch Box
5 from 15 votes
The fresh fruit in this colorful bento will remind them of a fun picnic. Always a fun one to pack for Kinder kids!
Pack this lunch

If you loved these fresh and fun lunch ideas, check out my 101 Lunches eBook. Like the ideas above, it’s packed with healthy, delicious, and kid-approved meals.

101 Packed Lunches eBook

All my best kid-friendly lunches from over a decade of creating meal plans. Add some variety to your child’s lunchbox with these epic lunches, plus receive my Pack Meals Like a Pro ebook, free with purchase!

Grab the Book!

Best Lunchbox for Kindergarten

When it comes to the best lunchboxes for kindergarten, I have tested, tried, and reviewed SO many containers. Over the years, I’ve found certain lunchboxes better suited to smaller kids, and this kid’s bento is a great option to start with.

They’re the right size, leak-proof, and the compartments give you the option of packing both wet and dry ingredients into one container.

It’s also the type of lunch container you don’t outgrow. If I’m not packing a salad for lunch, I still find myself pulling out bentos like these to load up mini quiches, a sandwich, or odds and ends from dinner for lunch the next day. 

Easy Kindergarten Lunch Ideas | ABC Bento

Servings: 2 lunches
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Total Time: 5 minutes mins
Kindergarten lunch ideas that will provide your child with the energy they need in a way that’s enjoyable to eat.
5 from 21 votes
Print Pin

Watch How It’s Packed:

Ingredients

  • 2 apples, sliced
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved
  • 1 cup celery sticks
  • 1 cup baby carrots
  • 2 ounces cheese cubes
  • Whole-grain crackers

Instructions

  • Evenly divide the ingredients between 2 lunch containers with compartments making sure to keep the crackers separate so they don’t get soggy. 

Equipment

101 Packed Lunches
Kids Lunch Box
ice pack
six small dip containers with lids
Dips or Dressings
bluey lunch bag
Bluey Lunch Bag

Nutrition

Serving: 1 lunch | Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 392mg | Sodium: 700mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 25g

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Comments

    5 from 21 votes (14 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Jess says

    December 20, 2024 at 12:48 pm

    5 stars
    Been shuffling through these ideas for my kindergartener and they been a hit!

    Reply
  2. Gianne says

    March 28, 2024 at 8:39 pm

    5 stars
    The recipes were simple and quick to make, perfect for busy mornings. My child loved the variety of options and I loved how stress-free it made lunchtime.

    Reply
  3. MacKenzie says

    March 28, 2024 at 8:09 pm

    5 stars
    As a mom with a kindergarten I am always looking for different lunch ideas. Thank you for sharing this.

    Reply
  4. Tayler says

    March 28, 2024 at 7:07 pm

    5 stars
    I’m always wondering what to make the kids for lunch- this list will be so helpful!

    Reply
  5. DK says

    March 28, 2024 at 6:31 pm

    5 stars
    I definitely needed this article! I always struggle to find new lunch ideas for my little one. So many great ideas here!

    Reply
  6. Holly says

    March 28, 2024 at 6:17 pm

    5 stars
    Great ideas! I am going to pass this along to my son for his kiddo.

    Reply
  7. Laura says

    August 22, 2021 at 10:47 pm

    5 stars
    I appreciate these ideas. I’ll definitely be trying some of them for my little guy. Thank you!!

    Reply
laura fuentes momables holding a lunch bag and lunch boxes

My name is Laura Fuentes
I’m here to help you simplify school lunches with fresh ideas your kids will actually eat.

Mom of 3. Certified in Integrative Nutrition. 5x Cookbook Author.

school lunch ideas! →

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