September 13, 2022
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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 easy lunches can be made ahead of time to save you precious time in the morning while you help your Kindergartener get ready for their day.
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.
Today, I want to help you do just that by providing easy recipes and tips I learned packing school lunches for my three picky ids.
Read next: Snack Ideas for Preschool and Kindergarten
What to Pack for Lunch in Kindergarten
The best lunch ideas for kindergarten comes 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 the 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 no ideas for sandwiches and wraps. While these are items I often pack 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:
Easy Tortilla Pizza
Recreate those leftover tortillas into a quick Tortilla Pizza. Top with chopped deli meat, pepperoni, fresh veggies, and bake to cheesy perfection.
Ham & Cheese Apple Wraps
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.
Spinach & Bacon Mini Quiches
Spinach & Bacon Mini Quiches are high in protein and can be made ahead. One batch yields 24, which is a good 4-6 lunches worth. Add additional chopped veggies or swap the spinach for diced steamed broccoli.
Ham, Cheese & Tomato Skewers
Lunch on a stick is so much more fun! Your little ones will love seeing their favorite ingredients served up on a little kabob.
Broccoli Tater Tots
Homemade Broccoli Tater Tots made with potato, Parmesan cheese, and broccoli florets. Pack with marinara or their favorite dipping sauce.
Blueberry Yogurt Parfait
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.
Apple & Cheddar Quesadillas
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.
Fruit & Protein Bento Box
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.
Bento Lunches
Sliced apples, boiled eggs, crackers, cheese, and veggies. These bento boxes are the epitome of a fresh and simple lunch.
Taco Egg Cups
Taco night leftovers turned into baked Taco Egg Cups. Use taco meat, black beans, cheese, or salsa.
PB & J Roll-Ups
These PB & J Roll Ups are a fun way to serve the classic sandwich! Pack them with fresh fruit and Greek yogurt for protein.
PB & J Uncrustables
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.
Cut-Out Dinosaur Sandwich
You can make this cute dinosaur cut-out sandwich with PB & J, ham and cheese, or any of your favorite fillings!
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!
Best Lunchbox for Kindergarten
When it comes to the best lunchbox 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
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.
Laura
I appreciate these ideas. I’ll definitely be trying some of them for my little guy. Thank you!!