Finding tasty and budget-friendly lunch options for kids can sometimes feel like a challenge. This list of 25 cheap back-to-school lunch ideas is here to help you mix things up without breaking the bank. Packed with flavors and creativity, these meals will keep your little ones excited about lunchtime, making your mornings that much easier!
Contents
- 1. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
- 2. Homemade Chicken Salad
- 3. Vegetable Sushi Rolls
- 4. Veggie and Hummus Snack Packs
- 5. DIY Mini Pita Pizzas
- 6. Cheese Quesadillas with Salsa
- 7. Peanut Butter Banana Wraps
- 8. Taco Salad Jars
- 9. Sliced Apples with Nut Butter
- 10. Caprese Skewers
- 11. Egg Salad Sandwiches
- 12. Bento Box with Rice and Fish
- 13. Pasta Salad with Veggies
- 14. Homemade Trail Mix
- 15. Mini Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
- 16. Cucumber Sandwiches
- 17. Zucchini Fritters
- 18. Stuffed Bell Peppers
- 19. Savory Oatmeal Bowls
- 20. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pastries
- 21. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
- 22. Homemade Pizza Rolls
- 23. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- 24. Cottage Cheese with Pineapple
- 25. Corn and Zucchini Fritters
- 26. Chocolate Energy Bites
1. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Fruit and yogurt parfaits are a fun and tasty lunch option for kids. Layer yogurt with fresh fruits like strawberries and blueberries, then top with granola for a crunchy finish. They’re easy to make and perfect for packing in a lunchbox!
2. Homemade Chicken Salad
Homemade chicken salad is a tasty and budget-friendly lunch option for kids. Mix cooked chicken with grapes, nuts, and a bit of mayo for a creamy treat. Serve it with crackers or in a sandwich for a fun twist!
3. Vegetable Sushi Rolls
Vegetable sushi rolls are a fun and healthy lunch option for kids. They can be filled with colorful veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, making them both tasty and visually appealing. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to suit your child’s preferences!
4. Veggie and Hummus Snack Packs
Veggie and hummus snack packs are a fun and healthy option for school lunches. Just grab some colorful veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, and pair them with a tasty hummus dip. Your kids will love the crunch and flavor, and you’ll love how easy they are to prepare!
5. DIY Mini Pita Pizzas
Mini pita pizzas are a fun and easy lunch idea that kids will love. Just grab some mini pitas, add sauce, cheese, and their favorite toppings. Bake them for a few minutes, and you’ll have a tasty meal that’s budget-friendly and quick to make!
6. Cheese Quesadillas with Salsa
Cheese quesadillas are a hit for school lunches! They’re quick to make and super cheesy, making them a favorite among kids. Pair them with some salsa for a tasty dip that adds a little zing!
7. Peanut Butter Banana Wraps
Peanut butter banana wraps are a tasty and easy lunch option for kids. Just spread peanut butter on a tortilla, add a banana, roll it up, and slice. This simple meal is not only budget-friendly but also packed with energy for a busy school day.
8. Taco Salad Jars
Taco salad jars are a fun and easy lunch idea for kids. Just layer rice, beans, cheese, and veggies in a jar for a colorful meal. They can shake it up at lunchtime for a tasty treat!
9. Sliced Apples with Nut Butter
Sliced apples with nut butter are a tasty and healthy option for school lunches. Kids love the sweet crunch of apples paired with creamy nut butter, making it a fun snack. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and can be packed in just a few minutes!
10. Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a fun and tasty lunch option for kids. Just stack cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil on a stick for a colorful treat. They’re easy to make and perfect for little hands to enjoy!
11. Egg Salad Sandwiches
Egg salad sandwiches are a classic choice for school lunches. They are easy to make and can be packed with flavor. Your kids will love the creamy texture and you’ll love how simple they are to prepare!
12. Bento Box with Rice and Fish
A bento box filled with rice, grilled fish, and colorful veggies is a hit for back-to-school lunches. Kids will love the tasty combination of flavors and the fun presentation. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and budget-friendly, making it a perfect choice for busy parents.
13. Pasta Salad with Veggies
Pasta salad is a fun and easy lunch option that kids love. Toss together some cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite veggies for a colorful dish. Add a splash of dressing, and you’ve got a tasty meal that’s budget-friendly and quick to make!
14. Homemade Trail Mix
Homemade trail mix is a fun and easy snack for kids. You can mix nuts, dried fruits, and even a few chocolate chips for a sweet touch. It’s a great way to keep energy levels up during the school day without breaking the bank.
15. Mini Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
Mini turkey and cheese roll-ups are a hit for school lunches! They are easy to make and fun to eat. Just roll turkey and cheese together, secure with a toothpick, and pack them up for a tasty treat your kids will love.
16. Cucumber Sandwiches
Cucumber sandwiches are a fun and healthy option for school lunches. Just slice cucumbers and layer them with cream cheese or your favorite spread. Kids will love the crunchy texture and cute shapes you can create!
17. Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters are a fun and tasty way to sneak in some veggies. They are easy to make and can be packed in your kid’s lunchbox for a delicious treat. Serve them with a side of yogurt or ketchup for dipping, and watch them disappear!
18. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a fun and colorful lunch option for kids. You can fill them with rice, beans, or even leftover chicken for a tasty meal. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time for busy school days!
19. Savory Oatmeal Bowls
Savory oatmeal bowls are a fun twist on a classic breakfast. You can mix in veggies, spices, and even a soft-boiled egg for a hearty lunch. Kids will love customizing their bowls with their favorite toppings!
20. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pastries
These spinach and feta stuffed pastries are a hit with kids and super easy to make. Just fill puff pastry with a tasty mix of spinach and feta, then bake until golden. They make a fun and healthy lunch option that your little ones will love!
21. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Sweet potato and black bean tacos are a fun and tasty lunch option for kids. They are easy to make and packed with nutrients. Just load up soft tortillas with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and your favorite toppings for a delicious meal.
22. Homemade Pizza Rolls
Homemade pizza rolls are a fun and easy lunch option for kids. You can fill them with their favorite toppings, like cheese and pepperoni, and serve them with a side of marinara for dipping. These tasty rolls are sure to be a hit and can be made ahead of time for busy school days.
23. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Cheesy broccoli rice casserole is a hit for school lunches! It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a favorite among kids. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, so you can whip it up without breaking the bank.
24. Cottage Cheese with Pineapple
Cottage cheese with pineapple is a tasty and healthy lunch option. It’s creamy, sweet, and packed with protein, making it perfect for kids. Just mix the two together, and you have a quick meal that they’ll love!
25. Corn and Zucchini Fritters
These corn and zucchini fritters are a fun and tasty lunch option for kids. They are easy to make and can be packed with veggies, making them a healthy choice. Serve them with a little dipping sauce for extra flavor and watch your kids enjoy every bite!
26. Chocolate Energy Bites
Chocolate energy bites are a fun and tasty snack for kids. They are packed with oats, nuts, and a hint of chocolate, making them a perfect pick-me-up for school lunches. Easy to make and budget-friendly, these bites will keep your little ones energized throughout the day!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
