Hot school meals are possible with one of these thermos lunches! From Leftovers to quick assembly, this post has them all!
When the weather is chilly, a thermos makes it possible to pack a hearty, hot lunch without needing the microwave.
Thermos Lunch Ideas
Whether you are looking for a cozy soup, hearty pasta, or something you could make for dinner and pack as a thermos lunch the next day, below you’ll find lots of kid and adult-friendly recipes to fill your thermos. Simply pick one, click, and print!
Below the recipes, you’ll find tips on how to heat up the food in a thermos and top-tested containers, so keep reading; lots of info in this post.
Best Thermos to Use
I’ve tried and tested several thermoses over the years, and the two that perform best for younger kids are the Thermos Foogo and Funtainer. Both hold 10 ounces (a perfect portion for kids and teens) and keep food hot for up to 5 hours.
For larger portions (14 oz) or if you need to keep food warm for longer than 5 hours, the Stanley is the best performer.
That being said, to find a container that’s right for you and your family, check out my top thermos containers list. It provides kid-friendly options with a list of why I’ve enjoyed using each as well as larger sizes for bigger appetites.
How to Use a Thermos for Lunch
To keep food hot for hours, it’s important to make sure you are using a thermos correctly. To do this, you’ll preheat the thermos with boiling water and microwave the food until it is too hot to taste. Use oven mitts to drain the water, then add the food. Top with lid, seal, and ta-da!
Jenna Marie says
The tortellini soup has been a winner a few times here. It’s one my kids request often.