Back-to-school mornings are busy enough without trying to figure out what to pack for lunch! These 10 easy lunch ideas are simple, kid-friendly and made with everyday foods you can easily keep on hand.
From turkey and cheddar pinwheels and homemade Lunchables to mini pizzas, quesadillas and pizza grilled cheese, there’s a little something for everyone. Most can also be prepped the night before, which makes getting out the door in the morning just a little easier.
Mix and match the fruits, veggies and snacks based on what your kids like, and you’ve got plenty of easy lunch combinations to get you through those busy school weeks!
1. Turkey & Cheddar Pinwheels
Spread a flour tortilla with a thin layer of cream cheese. Add sliced turkey and cheddar, roll tightly and slice into pinwheels. Serve with grapes, pretzels and yogurt.
2. Mini Pizza Lunch
Top mini naan or English muffin halves with pizza sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni. Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. Pack with cucumber slices, strawberries and applesauce.
3. Chicken Quesadilla
Add shredded chicken and cheddar cheese to half of a flour tortilla. Fold and cook in a skillet until golden and the cheese melts. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa, apple slices and tortilla chips.
4. Homemade Lunchable
Pack sliced turkey, cheddar cubes and crackers in separate compartments. Add grapes and a mini cookie for a little treat.
5. PB&J Roll-Ups
Spread peanut butter and jelly over a flour tortilla. Roll tightly and slice into rounds. Serve with banana, Goldfish and string cheese.
6. Chicken Nugget Lunch
Cook chicken nuggets according to package directions. Pack with ranch or ketchup for dipping, baby carrots, strawberries and pretzels.
7. Ham & Cheese Croissant
Slice a mini croissant and fill with ham and cheese. Serve cold or warm briefly to melt the cheese. Add apple slices, cucumber and yogurt.
8. Mini Pancake Lunch
Prepare mini pancakes and sausage links according to package directions. Pack with strawberries, yogurt and a small container of maple syrup for dipping.
9. Pepperoni Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta with diced pepperoni, mozzarella and a little Italian dressing. Chill before packing. Serve with grapes, crackers and applesauce.
10. Pizza Grilled Cheese
Layer mozzarella and pepperoni between two slices of bread. Butter the outsides and cook in a skillet until golden and melted. Serve with marinara for dipping, cucumber slices and fruit.

