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Packing a daily school lunch that your children will actually eat can often feel like an insurmountable challenge for parents. It is a common scenario: the lunchbox returns home untouched, the carefully prepared meal has been traded for a sugary snack, or worse, it has been discarded entirely. The main meal, not the accompanying fruit or drink, is usually the sticking point.
Children can be notoriously picky, and finding a variety of appealing, easy-to-eat options for 30 to 31 days a month can exhaust even the most creative parent. This comprehensive guide is designed to alleviate that daily stress, offering a plethora of simple yet delightful lunch ideas that will ensure your child’s lunchbox comes home empty, their tummies full, and their energy sustained throughout the school day.
30 School lunch ideas for the month to solve these problems
1. Miniature Sausage Rolls
These delightful, bite-sized pastries are a firm favourite with most children. You can purchase ready-made puff pastry to simplify the preparation process significantly. Simply roll out the pastry, spread a thin layer of sausage meat, and then cut and bake until golden brown.
They are incredibly easy for little hands to manage and can be eaten hot or cold, making them perfect for a lunchbox. The savoury filling is usually a hit, and they provide a good source of protein to keep children feeling full and focussed.
2. Cheesy Pasta Bake Muffins
Transform leftover pasta bake into a convenient, child-friendly form. Simply mix cooked pasta, a favourite sauce, and plenty of cheese, then spoon the mixture into greased muffin tins and bake until set and golden.
These savoury muffins are brilliant for portion control and are less messy than a traditional bowl of pasta. They are also highly customisable; you can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or courgettes to the mixture without your child even noticing.
3. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
These are quick, easy, and visually appealing. Take a sheet of puff pastry, spread with a little tomato purée or mustard (if your child likes it), layer with ham and cheese, then roll it up tightly. Slice into pinwheels and bake.
The spiralled design makes them fun to eat, and the combination of ham and cheese is a classic that rarely fails. They are a great alternative to sandwiches and offer a good source of protein and calcium.
4. Mini Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Dice cooked chicken breast into small cubes and thread onto child-friendly skewers with colourful vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, and small bell pepper pieces. You can marinate the chicken beforehand for extra flavour.
These skewers are exciting and encourage children to eat their vegetables in a novel way. They are also easy to pick up and eat, reducing mess, and provide a healthy dose of protein and essential vitamins.
5. Cream Cheese and Jam Wraps
For a sweet and simple option, spread cream cheese and a thin layer of your child’s favourite jam onto a soft tortilla wrap. Roll it up tightly and then slice it into appealing pinwheels.
This is a refreshing change from a traditional sandwich and offers a lovely balance of sweet and creamy. It is also very quick to prepare on a busy morning and provides some energy for the afternoon.
6. Turkey and Cranberry Sandwiches
A delicious twist on the classic sandwich, using leftover roast turkey if available, or thinly sliced deli turkey. Combine with a dollop of cranberry sauce for a burst of flavour. Use soft wholemeal bread.
The slightly sweet and tangy cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey, making the sandwich more exciting than a plain meat filling. It is also a good source of lean protein.
7. Potato and Pea Samosas (Baked)
Instead of traditional fried samosas, try a healthier baked version. Fill pre-made pastry sheets with a spiced potato and pea mixture, fold into triangles, and bake until golden.
These offer a comforting and flavourful option that is often a hit with children. The mild spices can introduce them to new tastes, and the potato provides energy while the peas add a vegetable element.
8. Cheese and Chive Savoury Muffins
Whip up a batch of these wholesome muffins using self-raising flour, grated cheese, and fresh chives. They are light, fluffy, and packed with flavour.
They are an excellent alternative to bread and can be easily eaten without cutlery. The cheese provides calcium and protein, while the chives add a mild, appealing onion flavour.
9. Mini Pizzas on Pitta Bread
Use small pitta bread rounds as bases for quick and easy mini pizzas. Let your child choose their toppings, such as tomato purée, cheese, and finely chopped ham or vegetables. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Children love the idea of having their own personal pizza. This is a fun and interactive lunch option that allows for customisation, ensuring they will be more likely to eat it.
10. Chicken and Sweetcorn Sandwiches
A classic sandwich filling that is consistently popular. Mix shredded cooked chicken with sweetcorn and a little mayonnaise. Serve on soft bread.
This combination is mild yet flavourful and generally well-received by children. Sweetcorn adds a touch of sweetness and texture, making the sandwich more interesting.
11. Carrot and Cheese Savoury Flapjack
Combine grated carrots, oats, and cheese with a little egg and flour, then bake into savoury flapjack bars. These are surprisingly delicious and a great way to sneak in vegetables.
They are sturdy, easy to pack, and perfect for eating on the go. The oats provide slow-release energy, and the cheese adds a desirable savoury flavour.
12. Lentil and Vegetable Patties
These healthy patties are made by combining cooked lentils, mashed vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and spices, then shaping and baking or shallow frying.
They are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fibre, offering a substantial and nutritious meal. They can be eaten cold and are easy for children to handle.
13. Tuna and Cucumber Sandwiches
Another traditional favourite, mixing tinned tuna with a little mayonnaise and finely diced cucumber for added crunch and freshness.
This provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acids from the tuna, which is beneficial for brain development. The cucumber adds a refreshing element that brightens the sandwich.
14. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Wraps
Mash cooked sweet potato with chickpeas and a touch of mild spice, then spread into a wholemeal wrap. You can add a handful of spinach too.
This vibrant filling is packed with nutrients and fibre. The sweet potato’s natural sweetness appeals to children, and it is a substantial and satisfying option.
15. Mini Quiches with Bacon and Cheese
Prepare small quiches in muffin tins using shortcrust pastry, eggs, milk, cooked bacon bits, and grated cheese. These can be made ahead of time.
Quiches are a fantastic way to include protein and dairy in a child’s lunch. The individual portions are easy to eat, and the bacon and cheese combination is usually a winner.
16. Pasta Salad with Chicken and Peas
Cooked pasta tossed with shredded chicken, green peas, and a light vinaigrette or a creamy dressing. This is a refreshing and filling option.
Pasta salad is a versatile dish that holds up well in a lunchbox. It provides carbohydrates for energy, protein from the chicken, and essential vitamins from the peas.
17. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches
A simple yet effective combination. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread, lay sliced banana on top, and cover with the second slice.
This is a quick energy boost and a good source of healthy fats and potassium. Many children love the taste of peanut butter and banana together.
18. Cheesy Baked Potato Wedges
Cut potatoes into wedges, toss with a little oil and your child’s favourite seasoning, bake until crispy, and then sprinkle with grated cheese while still warm.
These are a comforting and satisfying lunch option that are much loved by children. They can be eaten with fingers and provide carbohydrates for sustained energy.
19. Egg Mayonnaise Sandwiches
A classic for a reason. Hard-boiled eggs mashed with mayonnaise and a pinch of salt and pepper, served on soft bread.
This offers a good source of protein and is generally a popular, mild-tasting option for children. It is also very economical and easy to prepare.
20. Mini Corn on the Cob
If available, small corn on the cob pieces are fun for children to eat. You can boil or steam them beforehand and allow them to cool.
Corn is naturally sweet and appealing to children. It is a good source of fibre and can be a fun, hands-on addition to a lunchbox.
21. Roasted Vegetable Couscous
Cooked couscous mixed with finely diced and roasted vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and courgettes. A touch of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice adds flavour.
This is a colourful and nutritious option that introduces children to various vegetables. The small grain of couscous is easy to eat and digest.
22. Chicken Nugget Wraps (baked)
Use baked chicken nuggets (either homemade or shop-bought) cut into pieces, placed in a wrap with a little lettuce and a tiny bit of mild sauce.
Children often adore chicken nuggets, and presenting them in a wrap makes them more substantial and less likely to be traded. Baking them is a healthier alternative to frying.
23. Hummus and Carrot Stick Wraps
Spread hummus onto a wholemeal wrap, then layer with grated carrot or small carrot sticks. You can add a few spinach leaves too.
This is a healthy and plant-based option rich in protein and fibre. Hummus is a popular dip, and its creamy texture combined with crunchy carrots is very satisfying.
24. Savoury Pancakes with Cheese
Prepare a batch of savoury pancakes using flour, egg, milk, and grated cheese. These can be eaten cold and are soft and easy to chew.
These offer a fun and different texture compared to bread. They are also versatile and can be made plain or with finely chopped herbs for extra flavour.
25. Leftover Meatball Subs (Mini)
If you have leftover meatballs, slice them in half and place them in small bread rolls with a little tomato sauce and a sprinkle of cheese.
This is a hearty and appealing option, especially if your child enjoys meatballs. Using small rolls makes them manageable for a lunchbox.
26. Fruit and Cheese Skewers
While not a main meal, if combined with a more substantial sandwich or wrap, these are excellent. Alternate cubes of cheese with pieces of fruit like grapes, melon, and strawberries on small skewers.
These are refreshing, colourful, and a great way to encourage fruit and dairy intake. The combination of sweet and savoury is often very appealing.
27. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel
A slightly more sophisticated option that some children love. Spread cream cheese on a mini bagel and top with a few pieces of smoked salmon.
This offers healthy fats and protein, and the mild flavour of smoked salmon can be a delicious alternative for adventurous eaters.
28. Baked Beans and Cheese on Toast Fingers
Prepare baked beans and cheese on toast, then cut the toast into easy-to-manage fingers once cooled. This is a comforting and familiar meal.
This is a classic British comfort food that children often adore. It provides protein, fibre, and carbohydrates, making for a substantial and warming lunch.
29. Sweet Potato Fritters
Grate sweet potato, mix with a little flour and egg, then shallow fry or bake into small fritters. Serve these plain or with a mild dip.
These are naturally sweet, making them appealing to children, and are a good way to include a nutritious vegetable. They are easy to pick up and eat.
30. Mini Chicken and Apple Sausage Rolls
Combine finely diced cooked chicken with grated apple and a little seasoning, then roll into puff pastry. The apple adds a touch of sweetness and moisture.
The sweet and savoury combination is often a hit, and the hidden apple provides a fruit portion. These are a delicious variation on the traditional sausage roll.
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