35 Creative school lunch recipes

Photo of author

| Published:

Step into the realm of culinary creativity and become the lunchbox hero with these 35 creative school lunch recipes! From wraps to noodles to tacos and more, these recipes will earn you the title of lunchbox champion.

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

An egg and cucumber sandwich with pepper jack cheese, spring mix, and dill sauce is shown on a white plate over a rustic wooden cutting board.
Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches feature crisp, sliced cucumber, cheese, chopped hard-boiled egg, and a creamy dill sauce kids droool over. They’ll love this creative school lunch idea!
Get the Recipe: Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Fried chicken? For school lunch? Thanks Mom! Kids will be thrilled to find this creative option in their school lunch.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Are you looking for an idea of a school lunch that your kids will finish every time? This recipe of tender chicken and hearty cream cheese snuggled in a fluffy golden crescent is a surefire winner. Easy to make and fun to eat!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Turkey Burger Sliders

Closeup shot of turkey burger sliders on a white tray.
Turkey Burger Sliders. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

With juicy turkey patties, crisp buns, and all their favorite toppings, this easy turkey burger slider recipe takes your child’s favorite turkey burgers and makes them bite-sized to be fun and creative for school lunches!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders

Chicken & Noodle Stir-Fry

chicken yaki udon in a white bowl with chopsticks beside a wok.
Chicken & Noodle Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chicken & noodle stir-fry is a delicious dish kids will love to find in their school lunch. It’s packed with chewy noodles, colorful veggies, and soy-marinated chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Noodle Stir-Fry

Samosas

Low angle shot of a samosa cut in half so that you can see the potato filling inside.
Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Samosas offer a convenient, hand-held delight ideal for lunchboxes. These crispy pastries encapsulate a flavorful combination of potatoes, peas, and spices, ensuring a savory treat during midday breaks.
Get the Recipe: Samosas

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Air fryer chicken nuggets on plate with ketchup.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Make these easy air fryer chicken nuggets the night before. Kids will love them served cold in their school lunch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Big Mac Smash Tacos

Close-up view of Big Mac Tacos, showcasing the delicious ingredients that make this a fun and creative school lunch option.
Big Mac Smash Tacos. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Add a playful twist to school lunches with Big Mac Tacos! This creative fusion of flavors offers a fun and tasty meal that kids will eagerly look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Smash Tacos

Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits

Ham and cheese biscuits cut in half with mustard dipping sauce.
Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits are a playful and savory twist on a classic combination. They pack all the comfort of a home-cooked meal into a biscuit that’s easy to hold and eat. Kids will enjoy the surprise of biting into a fluffy biscuit to find it stuffed with ham and cheese goodness.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits

Garlicky Noodles

pasta aglio olio e peperoncino is mixed with a black pasta fork.
Garlicky Noodles. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These garlicky noodles will have kids head over heels for lunchtime! This creative dish is so simple to make and super portable to make things easy on Mom.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Noodles

Carne Asada Quesadilla

A closeup shot of a carne asada quesadilla topped with cilantro and sour cream.
Carne Asada Quesadilla. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This cheesy, melty Carne Asada Quesadilla features grilled steak nestled in rich melted cheese between crisp toasted tortillas! Kids love all of the gooey, rich flavors in this recipe, and it’s perfectly portable for a creative school lunch.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Quesadilla

Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing

A closeup is shown of Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with apples, grapes, pears, oranges, and pecans.
Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

What kid wouldn’t be thrilled to find a delicious fruit salad in their school lunch? This creative, easy and delicious fruit salad features apples, pears, grapes, oranges, and pecans tossed in a mouthwatering honey dressing.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing

Italian Chicken Cutlets

Breaded italian chicken cutlets on a black plate with sliced lemon.
Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Kiddos crave this crispy breaded Italian chicken cutlet. They’ll be surprised and grateful to find this delicious treat in their lunch box!
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little bit Recipes.

If your kids like crab meat, pack them this delicious seafood salad pasta salad for school lunch.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Hearty Marinara Sauce

A closeup of hearty marinara sauce in a wooden spoon over a pot of finished marinara sauce.
Hearty Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Whether it’s as a dip for chicken or mozzarella sticks or a sauce for pasta, kids absolutely love this hearty marinara sauce. Plus, Mom will feel good about the serving of veggies in this creative school lunch.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce

Chicken Fried Rice

Images shows a white Bowl of chicken fried rice.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Homemade chicken fried rice is great to use up all the ingredients in your fridge – and to sneak in veggies for your kids. Use the leftovers for lunch the next day packed into a Thermos for a nom-tastic school lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Keto Tomato Basil Gnocchi

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
Keto Tomato Basil Gnocchi. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Let your school lunch journey take an Italian detour with our Gnocchi Tomato Basil Recipe. These gluten-free, low carb gnocchi Di Patate are ready to steal the show and become your lunchtime favorite. As each week passes, their popularity grows, and for good reason. Packed with flavor and nutrition, this special Italian creation is an invitation to savor the magic of Italy right in your school cafeteria.
Get the Recipe: Keto Tomato Basil Gnocchi

Italian Sandwich

A finished grinder sandwich is shown on a marble platter.
Italian Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Italian Sandwich recipe combines savory deli meats, creamy provolone, and crisp veggies. Kids will love this easy and creative school lunch idea that’s packed with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Italian Sandwich

Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Image shows Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough on a baking sheet.
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Crescent roll bagel dogs are a fun and easy recipe that everyone loves. They’re delicious for dinner, but they’re just as tasty for leftovers the next day in your child’s school lunch. Just wait for them to come home and tell you about all the other jealous kids.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks

Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate.
Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks are not your ordinary lunch box item. They bring the fun of dinner right into the lunch break with a crunchy bite that’s kid-friendly and tasty. They’re a convenient yet exciting choice that stands out in the lunchroom.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks

Canned Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Canned Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a hassle-free and refreshing meal with canned chicken salad when you need dinner on the table in a flash. With no cooking required, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for busy days. Pair it with your favorite greens or enjoy it as a sandwich for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad

Thai Curry Puffs

Thai curry puffs filled with ground chicken, potatoes, peas, onions, garlic and spices are a mouthwatering snack.
Thai Curry Puffs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Easy homemade Thai curry puffs are the ideal lunchbox surprise. Their flaky pastry envelopes a delightful blend of chicken and potatoes, seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices — a handheld bite of Thai goodness.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs

Chicken Taco Wraps

Image shows an overhead shot of chicken taco wraps cut into pinwheels and on a wooden skewer.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These chicken taco wraps are quick and easy to make with leftover rotisserie chicken. There’s no cooking involved, which means you don’t heat up your house to enjoy this cool and flavorful wrap.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps

Protein-Packed Breakfast Delight

Breakfast Sandwich cut in half with herbs.
Protein-Packed Breakfast Delight. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Elevate your school lunch game with our delectable Breakfast Sandwich. It’s a creative twist on the classic, featuring ham and egg snuggled between protein buns. Not only is it a taste sensation, but it’s also fully low carb, gluten-free, grain-free, and diabetic-friendly. With this high-protein marvel in your lunchbox, you’ll power through your day without missing a beat.
Get the Recipe: Protein-Packed Breakfast Delight

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

A white bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Stew sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with a red linen on a white marble counter.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Instant Pot Chicken Stew combines tender shredded chicken thighs and vegetables for a simple, warming, creative and delicious school lunch that kids will adore.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Sausage Balls 

Keto Sausage Balls with dip in the middle.
Sausage Balls . Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Prepare to amaze your taste buds with our Quick and Easy Sausage Balls. These bite-sized wonders are made from homemade low carb sausages, along with three other kitchen staples. They’re perfect as a keto appetizer for special occasions like holidays, New Year’s Eve, or brunch, but they’re equally sensational for everyday school lunches. Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, juicy sausage balls that add a flavorful twist to your lunchbox repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls 

Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

A bowl of chicken and cabbage soup is shown on a rustic wooden cutting board with parsley and a red linen.
Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Chicken and Cabbage soup is a combination of chicken thighs, potatoes, and veggies that kids absolutely love! They’ll be so pleased to see a container of this creative and delicious soup in their lunch at school.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Colorful Bell Pepper Surprise

Stuffed bell peppers on a blue plates.
Colorful Bell Pepper Surprise. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Introducing a lunchtime delight that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious – our Easy Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers. Filled with classic Bolognese sauce and wholesome ground beef, these vibrant peppers are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. This low carb, grain-free, gluten-free sensation is not only a rainbow of flavors but also a nutritious option, perfect for your meal prep or an upcoming grilling evening. Say hello to a lunch that’s bursting with color and taste, leaving you energized and satisfied throughout your school day.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Bell Pepper Surprise

Chicken Pastina Soup

A bowl of chicken pastina soup sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with lemons and dill in the background.
Chicken Pastina Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This comforting and healthy savory Chicken Pastina Soup features tiny star-shaped pasta that kids love in their school lunch, plus plenty of vegetables for a creative spin on chicken noodle soup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pastina Soup

Chicken Salad Wraps

Chicken salad wrap cut open on a blue plate.
Chicken Salad Wraps. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken Salad Wraps are a fresh and delicious alternative to the traditional sandwich. They’re packed with flavor and provide a balanced, nutritious meal that’s easy to eat with your hands. The wrap format also allows for creativity in adding various veggies and sauces for a unique lunch experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Wraps

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas, made effortlessly with store-bought pie crusts, offer a savory ground beef filling encased in a flaky exterior. They’re a hearty, hand-held delight perfect for lunchboxes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl

Close-up view of Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl, showcasing the succulent chicken and fresh pineapple that make this a creative school lunch choice.
Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Bring a taste of the tropics to the lunchbox with the Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl! Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a creative school lunch that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl

Chicken Tikka Wrap

low angle shot of 3 filled chicken tikka wraps.
Chicken Tikka Wrap. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Wrap offers a burst of flavor with minimal effort. Tuck this wrap into your lunchbox, filled with succulent chicken tikka and an assortment of veggies, ensuring a satisfying midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Wrap

TikTok Parmesan Potatoes

A plate of TikTok Parmesan Potatoes, golden-brown and crispy, perfect for a creative and delicious school lunch side dish.
TikTok Parmesan Potatoes. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Add a crispy and delicious twist to school lunches with TikTok Parmesan Potatoes! These golden-brown delights are a creative and tasty side dish that kids will love.
Get the Recipe: TikTok Parmesan Potatoes

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps make Middle Eastern flavors accessible and lunchbox-friendly. This quick version offers the same delightful taste of traditional shawarma, accompanied by the rich, tangy Lemon Tahini Sauce for an extra kick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.