Help! I’m out of lunch ideas!

When the school year begins, we tend to have all sorts of plans for the season. Everyone will go to bed on time, breakfast will be consumed at the kitchen table instead of en route to class, homework will be done before dinner, and we’ll pack all the healthy lunchbox foods. Though we may want all of these things, life always catches up to us. Eventually, we run out of either time or ideas.

Repurposed Leftovers

We’ve all had one of those days where we simply stare into the fridge, wondering how in the world we managed to let so much food go bad. Sometimes, the best solution for that is to make a game plan in advance. How can you repurpose those leftovers to create easy-to-grab lunches?

1. Taco Pockets

If your family loves a good taco night as much as we do, these taco pockets just might be the perfect solution to all of those leftovers. Filled with all of the yummy goodness that didn’t get stuffed into tacos the night before, they are fully customizable and easy to freeze for later. Why not whip up a few to keep on hand for those days when you’re rushing around to get those lunches packed in time?

2. Baking Sheet Quesadillas

Never underestimate what throwing some leftovers and cheese into a tortilla can do! This unique way to create quesadillas can be adjusted in many different ways. Have leftover taco meat? Throw it in! Leftover chicken breast? Chop it up and drop it in a quesadilla. The options are endless!

3. Spaghetti and Meatball Muffins

It’s really easy to make too much pasta at once. Especially when it comes to spaghetti. These spaghetti and meatball muffins are a fun way to get rid of those leftovers and not get sick of eating spaghetti in the process.

For the Creative or Picky Kiddo

Whether your child is a hands-on eater and loves to play with their food or tends to be a bit selective, these fun ideas might just be for you! When making these meals, don’t be afraid to get your little one involved. Sometimes just having their help may encourage them to actually eat what is in that lunchbox.

1. Ham and Cheese Skewers

If your child is really into dissecting their food, this addition to their school lunches might be a hit! A deconstructed ham sandwich on a skewer makes the classic sandwich much more fun to eat. These are also incredibly easy to adjust to meet your child’s individual diet or taste requirements! You could even follow other recipes like these PBJ Pinwheel Kabobs!

2. Pizza Pancakes

Pizza and pancakes aren’t usually words that you would expect to see together, but this recipe takes on that challenge! These tasty pancakes are sure to be a hit with your little one, and they can be adjusted to fit their individual tastes. Does your child balk at the idea of tomatoes or bell peppers? Don’t put them in!

3. Character Sandwiches

Sometimes, a little bit of creativity might be required to get your picky eater to actually dig into their meal. Using tortillas, why not make their sandwiches into adorable little minions? Or cut a pie slice out of an uncrustable (homemade version here!) and make it into a Pacman? Sometimes, simply using random cookie cutters can suddenly make a sandwich much more interesting, and certainly more entertaining.

Gluten-Free and Vegetarian

Creating lunch ideas can become a lot more difficult if your child has dietary restrictions. Sometimes, it requires a little extra creativity on your part!

1. Chicken Avocado Burritos

This yummy and nutritious recipe can be adjusted in many, many ways. If your child is gluten-free, simply switch out the tortillas for your favorite gluten-free variety. If your child is vegetarian, cut out the chicken entirely, or put in your family’s favorite substitute.

2. Meatless Chickpea Wraps

Whether you have a meat-free household, or just like to hunt for creative ways to sneak in some extra nutrients, this meatless chickpea wrap is bound to be tasty. This one might take a little bit of planning and extra preparation, but the wraps should be easy to store in the freezer for easy access later!

3. Healthy Taco Salad

This unique and healthy taco salad recipe can easily be adjusted for different dietary requirements. If your child is gluten-free, simply opt for a gluten-free chip variety, or skip them altogether. If dairy can be tricky for your little one, skip the cheese or opt for a dairy-free version instead. 

Don’t forget the dentist!

As the summer fades away and the school season is in full swing, don’t forget to get your child’s next dentist appointment in the books. Investing that time into their teeth is a great way to ensure they have a happy, healthy smile for the rest of their lives!