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Back to school: School lunch ideas your kids will actually want to eat

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By Holly Lasha

Back to School: School Lunches Your Kids Will Actually Eat. Need some mom advice for quick and easy back to school lunches for your kids? Do you have a picky eater or need some non-sandwich options? We have rounded up the best lunch ideas and healthy recipes to share today! Be sure to check out all our lunch box ideas!  Also spend some time with our back to school hacks and back to school teacher gifts.

Before my daughter starting going to school, I had no idea how big of a deal “lunch” was. I mean, I guess I remember from way back in the day when I was in school the social hierarchy of lunch time.  And then I left school and grew up and forgot everything.  Typical mom, right?

As so many things in my life, my oldest daughter is here tell me everything I am missing!

Both of my girls are pretty good little eaters.  They love fruits and veggies.  They don’t turn up their noses to healthy recipes…at least not when mom is sitting there watching.  Then little Aubrey goes back to school and I find  un-eaten, un-opened food in her backpack at the end of the day. Things like PB&J…she LOVES PB&J!

Why uneaten?  “It didn’t look cool.”  Really?  She’s 4!

So the solution, I have found to the uneaten food…make it look cool.  If it’s “cool”..it’s eaten.  (Even when it has spinach on it!)  So some mom advice to  help all us uncool moms with our lame lunches…I have some amazing back to school lunch ideas and healthy recipes that will get your kids excited about eating their lunch!

BENTO BOX IDEAS

1000 SCHOOL LUNCHES FROM WHAT LISA COOKS

This site has over 1000 school lunches that are full of kid friendly foods and creative ideas. These school lunches use a bento style reusable container.

101 SCHOOL LUNCHES FROM THE DATING DIVAS

Here are some more awesome bento school lunches.  I love the variety of options and the healthy food choices.  I especially love the silicone baking cups as dividers.

A YEAR OF HEALTHY LUNCHES FROM EASY LUNCH BOXES

You never need to think to hard about healthy recipes for lunch with this list of a whole year’s worth of healthy school lunches.

30 SCHOOL LUNCHES FROM BENTO LUNCH

Meatballs, wraps and more.  Here are more amazing school lunch ideas.  I love the idea of adding cute little things into their lunches too.  Why not make them look cute, right?

125 HEALTHY SCHOOL LUNCHES FROM HOLLEY GRAINGER

I love these awesome ideas….almost as much as I love this Bentgo box.  This is great for packing things like yogurt or dips without spilling all over the place!

HOT LUNCHES

THERMOS SCHOOL LUNCHES FROM KEELEY MCGUIRE

This post has 26 meal ideas for a thermos.  This is so great for cold days when your kids need something with a little warmth.

THINGS TO PUT IN A THERMOS FROM MY MOMMY STYLE

There are so many ways to use a thermos.  Here are some clever, less obvious uses for a thermos in your kids’ lunches.  What a great way to send healthy recipes in your kids lunch box!!

ALTERNATIVES TO SANDWICHES

DIY FRUIT KABOBS FROM CREATIVE LIVE

Get them excited about their food by jazzing it up!!!  Use these fun little letter cookies cutters to make fruit kabobs!!!  Anytime we can make healthy food look this cute…golden!

KID FRIENDLY WRAPS FROM SUPER HEALTHY KIDS

This post has some awesome healthy wrap ideas your kids will go bananas over!   I love the idea of wrapping different foods and giving them fun and healthy foods in their lunch box.

SANDWICH KABOBS FROM EAT DRINK LOVE

Another amazing kabob idea.  Why have a boring sandwich when you can make your sandwich into a cute kabob??  Mom Advice: These cookies cutters are perfect for little kabobs.

PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SUSHI ROLLS BY BON APPETITE

Way to make simple PB&J fun and interesting.  This is a winner!  You can make it bite-sized, which cuts down on the mess and they are a hit with the kiddos.

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MUFFINS AND MORE!

HAM AND MAC & CHEESE MUFFINS FROM I SHOULD BE MOPPING THE FLOOR

Hooray for muffins you kids will love for lunch!!  This is an especially great way to use some left overs too!

CORNDOG NUGGETS FROM LIL LUNA

This recipe for corndog nuggets is easy and would be great for lunch time!  My kids will go crazy for these this year!

PIZZA BUNS FROM SIMPLE AS THAT

Pizza that looks like a cinnamon roll?  Yes Please!!!  This is a fun and easy way to send pizza in their lunch.

CRESCENT HOT DOG POCKET FROM CRAZY ADVENTURES IN PARENTING

Let’s keep the hot dog ideas coming…your kids will love these pockets.  They are functional and fun!

PIZZA MUFFINS BY LICK THE BOWL GOOD

Ummm, yes please may I have another??  These are bited sized and yummy!  And soooo much less messy than regular pizza.  Winner,winner, chick dinner!

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs 033

I hope you loved these back to school lunches and healthy recipes for kids!!  Be sure to check out all our lunch box ideas!  Also spend some time with our back to school hacks and back to school teacher gifts.

 

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EDIBLES

Celebrate summer with homemade peach ice cream

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(Feature Impact) Nothing screams summer more than ice cream – although sweet, juicy peaches are a close runner-up in the competition. For the ultimate seasonal celebration, combine the two fan favorites with this homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe.

Using ripe, succulent peaches will make this ice cream burst with natural sweetness, while the vanilla and brown sugar add extra richness and a hint of caramelized flavor. A little brightness and zing from the fresh lemon juice finishes off your bowl of refreshing summer goodness.

The recipe requires an ice cream maker, and you’ll need to freeze the bowl for 24 hours before you churn, so be sure to plan ahead. Once finished churning, you can serve it immediately or pop it in the freezer to enjoy during the next heat wave.

Find more summer dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Peach Ice Cream

Recipe adapted from Stephie Cooks
Prep time: 25 minutes
Churning and freezing time: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Servings: 12 (makes 1 1/2 quarts)

  • 4          cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (5-6 peaches)
  • 1/2       cup granulated sugar
  • 1          cup brown sugar
  • 3          tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 1/4    teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2          cups heavy cream
  1. Prior to churning: Freeze bowl of ice cream maker 24 hours.
  2. In large bowl, combine peaches, sugars, lemon juice and vanilla. Let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugars have dissolved and peaches are juicy.
  3. Place peach mixture in blender or food processor; pulse until peaches are broken down but not totally pureed. Add heavy cream; stir to combine.
  4. Pour mixture into airtight container and refrigerate 1-2 hours, or overnight.
  5. Use ice cream maker to churn mixture according to manufacturer’s instructions. Once churned, serve immediately for softer consistency or place in airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze 2-4 hours to harden before serving.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

  

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

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EDIBLES

6 simple, fun school-day meals with minimal chaos

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(Feature Impact) When it comes to planning lunches and dinners on busy school days, simplicity is the name of the game. Parents who are already juggling carpools, practices, errands and homework don’t need anything extra added to their plates while they’re trying to get food onto everyone else’s.

Choosing uncomplicated meal ideas like these back-to-school recipes lets you reclaim some precious time from the morning and evening chaos. Designed to fit seamlessly into your existing routines, the recipes are familiar, flexible and filling – and, perhaps most importantly, won’t keep you standing at the stove for hours. Make it easy for your loved ones with Healthy Family Project’s registered dietitian-approved meal ideas packed with the nutrition to keep your family fueled all day.

Visit HealthyFamilyProject.com to find more easy, family-friendly recipes for back-to-school season.

  1. Mandarin Chicken Rice BowlsThis fresh, fun dinner starts with a base of rice topped with juicy mandarin slices, savory chicken, fresh vegetables and a bright citrus dressing. Plus, it’s easily customizable to each family member’s tastes and preferences.
  1. Lemon Blueberry Pancake Lunchbox BitesTo make your kids’ eyes light up when they open their lunchboxes, opt for recipes that feel a little playful. These mini pancakes paired with colorful fruits definitely fit the bill, and they’re a great way to disguise nutritious ingredients like oats, eggs and bananas. Include a cup of yogurt on the side to make lunch dippable and interactive.
  1. Tomato Turkey Burger BowlsBurger night gets a healthy twist in this creative recipe, which swaps a beef patty for lean ground turkey and oily French fries for roasted potato wedges while leaning into classic toppings like lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. If the kids still prefer their burgers as sandwiches instead of bowls, provide buns on the side so they can build their own.
  1. One-Pot Cheeseburger MacIf just imagining a sink full of dishes makes you tired, that means it’s the kind of night for a one-pot dinner. Pasta, cheese, tomatoes and onions combine with your choice of protein for a hearty and satisfying comfort meal that might remind you of your own childhood.
  1. Greek Salad with Cucumbers, Tomatoes and WatermelonWhether you pack them as a healthy school lunchbox side or serve as a refreshing after-school snack, these salad cups keep weekday flavors fresh and interesting. The combination of cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, feta and mint means your loved ones are getting fruits, veggies, protein and herbs all in one. For on-the-go enjoyment, remember to pack the dressing on the side.
  1. Easy Quesadilla DippersCookie cutters aren’t just for cookies anymore. Eating is generally less of a battle for kids when their food is in fun shapes, so let them choose their star, heart, gingerbread man or dinosaur to make these quesadillas more craveable. Fillings are flexible, too: layer cheese with chicken, beans or cooked veggies of your choice then serve with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping.
   

SOURCE:

Healthy Family Project

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EDIBLES

Yes please to grilled cheese of the year, with a protein punch

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(Feature Impact) A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade.

It’s also safe to say nostalgia is delicious and addicting, which is why Borden Cheese is sharing not one, but two, prize-worthy recipes, one of which packs a protein punch and another that’s a pure classic, perfect for spreading smiles and happy bellies.

Protein, Please: The Protein Powerhouse is the Grilled Cheese of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a protein-packed masterpiece designed for the modern appetite. Featuring a creamy, dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and Borden Mozzarella Cheese Melts, the sandwich is melted over 5 ounces of tender sliced chicken breast and delivers more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. Served with a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard “powerhouse sauce” and pressed between golden, crispy bread, this grilled cheese isn’t your ordinary melt. It has been transformed into a massive protein boost.

Tried n’ True: While modern flavors and trends are delicious, nostalgia is too. In fact, a whopping 20,000 fans cast their votes for America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese, asserting a fervor that’s unmatched when it comes to their perfect melt, and awarded The Classic the title of “America’s Favorite.” This comforting recipe pairs extra sharp melts with American singles on sliced white bread for a perfect, ooey-gooey bite that reminds you the cheese truly “makes” the sandwich.

VisitBordenCheese.com/grilled-cheese-day for other ooey-gooey grilled cheese recipes created for 2026.

The Protein Powerhouse

  • 1          tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2          slices bread fortified with protein and fiber
  • 2          Borden Mild Cheddar Slices
  • 1          slice Borden Mozzarella Melts
  • 5          ounces sliced chicken breast (deli-shaved or thinly carved)

“Powerhouse” Sauce:

  • 2          tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1          teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
  1. Heat griddle to medium heat. Butter bread. Layer cheeses and chicken on top of bread.
  2. Place bread on griddle and cook until lightly toasted. Flip and cook other side.
  3. Remove sandwich from skillet or griddle.
  4. To make powerhouse sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well blended. Slice sandwich in half and drizzle with Powerhouse sauce.

The Classic

  • 1          tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2          slices white bread
  • 2          slices Borden Extra Sharp Melts
  • 2          slices Borden American Singles
  1. Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Spread butter on one side of each slice bread.
  3. Place cheese slices on unbuttered side of bread. Top with other slice of bread with butter facing upward.
  4. Place sandwich on skillet or griddle and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Using spatula, lightly press sandwich down gently while cooking to melt cheese better.
  5. Remove from skillet or griddle and slice in half.

SOURCE:
Borden

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