37 Easy School Lunch Ideas That Are Perfectly Packable

If you’ve got kids then you already know that, in order to keep them full between breakfast and dinner, you’ve got to pack their lunchbox full. And, as much as your little ones probably love a good, old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich (and some homemade cookies), it never hurts to have options. That’s why we’ve rounded up lots of wholesome and filling meals they can take on the go—from cold lunch ideas to food jar-favorites like cozy soups and creamy macaroni and cheese. Best of all, these ideas are perfect for elementary school students, tweens and teens alike. Looking for a low-lift place to start? Fill your freezer with homemade sandwich pockets. You can make a bunch in almost no time at all—and your little one will love digging into a sandwich cut into a fun shape!

This is the quick and lunch-friendly version of lasagna. Try tucking in a few pieces of pepperoni when you need to switch it up. And be sure to cook an extra noodle in case one tears!

Take a bite out of mid-day hunger with this shark-inspired lunch. For the perfect texture, let the quesadillas cool completely before packing them in your little one’s lunch box.

These simple turkey wraps get an extra-special touch from homemade sweet potato hummus—making every bite equal parts delicious and nutritious.

This fun and flavorful Kimbap recipe is a perfect school lunch upgrade—easy to pack, bite-sized and loaded with savory fillings wrapped in seasoned rice and seaweed. It's a colorful, kid-friendly twist on sushi that’s sure to brighten any lunchbox!

This adorable topping idea is sure to put a smile on your little one’s face! We toast the bread because we love a little extra crunch but a slice of untoasted bread will work just as well here.

Your little ones will be so excited when they open their lunchbox and find this sweet treat. Little do they know each one is packed with good-for-you ingredients like dried fruit and nuts.

Pasta salad is always a winner in the lunchbox—especially when it does double-duty and uses up leftovers from the night before. This recipe is customizable so feel free to swap the spaghetti for another shape—and tailor the add-ins to your little one’s preferences.

Fill an insulated container with a good, old-fashioned favorite. No time to make the stock from scratch? Store-bought works just as well in this recipe.

Need a new way to jazz up your little one’s lunchbox sandwich? Try cutting their initial out of one of the slices of bread for a monogrammed main they’re guaranteed to gobble up.

Ina Garten’s roasted tomato basil soup is a cozy, kid-approved lunch that’s perfect for chilly school days. Pack it in a thermos for a warm, comforting bite that tastes just like home.

These wholesome muffins are the easiest way to get your kid to eat their greens. Using unsweetened applesauce is a great way to cut back on the sugar, too.

This lunch packs plenty of protein and fiber — while still being super delicious!

What’s more fun than finding a container full of swirly, twirly corkscrew pasta smothered in creamy cheese sauce?

with cream cheese for a savory take but you could just as easily gussy up a good, old-fashioned PB&J with sprinkles, too.

These creamy and crunchy stuffed peppers are perfect for a packed lunch. Use scallion instead of parsley or deli turkey instead of ham for a variation.

Kids large and small are sure to love these bite-sized quesadillas. Follow Jeff Mauro's lead and use creamy Provolone cheese, juicy roast beef and bell peppers to fill them or sub in your kiddos favorite ingredients to make them your very own!

No one can say no to the combination of sweet apple, crunchy nuts and creamy cheese—so why not tuck them all into a sliced baguette for the perfect sandwich?

These protein-and-veggie-packed wraps are hard to say ‘no’ to. They’re super colorful and filled with really flavorful ingredients like peanut sauce and fresh cilantro.

Lucky for busy parents, these muffins get better after a stay in the freezer. Make a batch on Sunday, freeze them, then pop one straight into a lunchbox for a moist, tender and delicious treat.

Fill their Thermos with a veggie-packed lunch they’ll love: cozy, homemade minestrone soup.

Add color to your little one’s lunches with these tasty wraps. A variety of veggies and cold cuts make them fun to look at — and just as great to eat.

A protein-packed lunch with just 5 ingredients?! Sign us up! Plus, these spicy tacos are a great way to sneak some extra fiber into your kid’s diet, courtesy of sliced celery.

Leftover spaghetti gets a makeover with the help of a little sesame dressing. This recipe calls for tofu but feel free to sub in your little one’s favorite protein.

Your kids will love eating their veggies with this yummy salad. Fun, wheel-shaped pasta gets a colorful makeover with broccoli, corn and tomatoes.

Make the most of your slow-cooker chicken and leftover quinoa—layer them into a guac-topped burrito bowl that anyone would be excited to eat.

These rice-and-veggie bites are perfect for kids of all ages since you can easily adapt them to include their favorite ingredients.

These muffins are packed with two times the wholesome goodness; wheat germ and whole-wheat flour make them a hearty and satisfying lunch for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Pint-sized sandwiches in fun shapes make the perfect school lunch. These ones feature lots of kid-favorite ingredients: turkey, cheese, tomato and crisp cucumber.

Molly’s tomato pasta is way better than lunch from a can. She uses harissa and crushed red pepper to add a spicy kick, but that can easily be adjusted for little eaters.

In a lunch rut? Try Trisha’s foolproof technique for perfect quesadillas and switch up the toppings as you like. Be sure to let the quesadillas cool completely before wrapping them in foil! Otherwise, the steam will make them soggy by lunchtime.

Make their day with a breakfast-for-lunch-inspired recipe that's just as good at room temperature as it is warm from the oven: cheesy eggs baked in a mini pie crust along with crisp, salty bacon.

Hearty pasta gives classic Caesar salad a satisfying, kid-friendly upgrade. This lunch is perfect for older kids who are starting to branch out and try new things.