Whether your kiddos are learning from home or they are heading back to school masked up, you have got to try one of these three super-cute school lunches—if not all of them! 😍 As parents, we know how hard it is to get creative with our kid’s lunches. What’s worse? Putting in all the effort to provide your kids with a healthy school lunch just to have it come home uneaten. 😭
We’re pretty confident that if you introduce one of these little recipes to your kid’s lunch box, you’ll be surprised to see a single crumb leftover! Check out our top three easy, overly-cute school lunches for your kids below!
Ham and Cheese Bakes!
Before you pass right over this one, realize that we’re not talking about your typical ham and cheese muffins thrown in the oven… We’re talking about MAC AND CHEESE! These little ham and cheese bakes are extremely easy to make and are sure to be a hit with your kiddos.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- Muffin tin pan
- 2 cups of your choice of easy mac and cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of diced ham
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
WHAT TO DO:
Before starting, set your oven to preheat at 350 degrees.
Step 1: Combine 2 cups of macaroni and cheese with the 2 large eggs stirred, cup of ham, and 1/4 cup bread crumbs. Stir until it’s all combined!
Step 2: Grab a muffin pan and spray all openings with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 3: Add approximately 1/2 cup of the mixture to each muffin cup.
Step 4: Once inside the pan, press the mixture down with a spoon or your fingers to flatten and disperse evenly throughout each cup!
Step 5: (Optional) If you have a box of breadcrumbs, sprinkle each muffin top with additional crumbs!
Step 6: Once your oven is preheated to 350, allow them to bake for 20-25 minutes. If you’d like a softer feel, check on them for 15 minutes.
Step 7: Once cooked to your liking, immediately remove the muffins from the pan and allow them to cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes.
Step 8: Place in ziplock bags and refrigerate!
Recipe inspired by the I Should Be Mopping The Floor Blog.
Corn Dog Bakes!
Packed with protein and simply delicious, these corn dog bakes are sure to be a hit in your home! All kids love the idea of “processed foods.” Luckily, you can create them a yummy treat from scratch and avoid all the unnecessary ingredients!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- 24-cup muffin tin pan
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 6 beef franks hotdogs, cut into 1-inch pieces
WHAT TO DO:
Before starting, preheat the oven to 375 degrees and spray your muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking soda and salt.
Step 2: In a measuring glass or another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, butter, sugar, and eggs.
Step 3: Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until moist.
Step 4: Scoop 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup and place the one-inch hot dog piece into the center.
Step 5: Place into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before refrigeration.
Recipe inspired by the Damn Delicious Blog.
Waffle PB&Js!
Okay, this one may not be the healthiest but a Friday treat nonetheless! This doesn’t really require a how-to-make section—all you’re doing is spicing up a good ole’ PB&J!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- Eggo Homestyle Waffles (or your choice of any frozen circle-shaped waffle)
- Your choice of peanut butter
- Your choice of jelly
All you do is simply make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the waffles being the bread! This is super affordable and insanely easy. Your kids may get bored with a PB&J every week but by rotating this into the weekly schedule, you’re sure to keep them munching!
Another way you can make this sandwich is by switching the peanut butter and jelly for cream cheese and raisins. 😍 (Yum!)
Lunch is Served!
Whether your kids are going back to school or not, we hope you enjoy making some of these fun lunch ideas and your kiddos love eating them in-between studies! 😋 Bon appétit!
