Back-to-school lunches can be easy and fun with 8 quick, nutritious recipes your toddler will love, keeping them fueled for learning, play, and adventure.
Packing lunch for a preschooler can sometimes feel like preparing a meal for a tiny but demanding restaurant critic. You want something nutritious, but they want something fun, familiar, and easy to eat. Add in the fact that preschool lunch breaks are short, and you have a challenge on your hands. The good news is, with a little creativity, you can prepare lunchboxes that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
1. Soft Taco Pockets
Ingredients:
- Small soft tortillas
- Mashed avocado or mild guacamole
- Shredded cheese
- Small spoonful of cooked shredded chicken or beans
Steps:
- Spread avocado on tortilla, add fillings
- Fold into a pocket shape so it’s easy to hold and less messy
2. Stuffed Mini Pita Pockets
Ingredients:
- Mini whole wheat pitas
- Hummus or cream cheese
- Shredded carrot and diced cucumber
Steps:
- Spread filling inside pita, add veggies
- Cut in halves for small hands
3. Sweet Potato Bites
Ingredients:
- Roasted sweet potato cubes
- Olive oil drizzle
- Pinch of cinnamon
Steps:
- Roast cubes at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until soft
- Pack warm in an insulated container or serve cold for a sweet, healthy bite
4. Cheesy Veggie Quesadilla Triangles
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat tortilla
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Finely diced bell peppers or zucchini
Steps:
- Sprinkle cheese and veggies on half of the tortilla
- Fold over and cook in a pan until cheese melts
- Cut into small triangles for little hands
5. Mini Muffin Frittatas
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Diced spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers
- Shredded cheese
Steps:
- Whisk eggs, stir in veggies and cheese
- Pour into greased mini muffin tins
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes
6. Chicken Nugget Bento Box
Ingredients:
- Homemade or store-bought chicken nuggets
- Cherry tomatoes
- Carrot sticks
- Small dipping sauce container with ketchup or honey mustard
Steps:
- Cook nuggets, let cool slightly, pack in an insulated container
- Add colourful veggies for balance
7. Mac and Cheese Muffin Cups
Ingredients:
- Cooked macaroni
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Beaten egg
Steps:
- Mix macaroni, cheese, and egg
- Spoon into muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes
- Serve warm or at room temperature
8. Pancake Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- Mini pancakes (store-bought or homemade)
- Peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or cream cheese
- Sliced strawberries or bananas
Steps:
- Spread filling between two pancakes
- Wrap in parchment to keep them neat in the lunchbox
With a little planning and a handful of go-to ideas, you can pack meals that are both healthy and exciting for your little one. Follow these 8 easy recipes for a delicious and filling lunch for your little one. Send them off to school knowing they will have something delicious and nourishing to look forward to, and take comfort in knowing you are giving them the fuel they need for their daily adventures, whether that is building block towers, painting masterpieces, or running around the playground.
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