School is nearly back and parents everywhere are taking a vow to be more organised with lunch preparation this year. (Don’t we all start off like this? It might be different at the end of the year!! Here’s some back to school lunch ideas that will get you started for the year, and many are those that you can freeze ahead of time (even better!)
When my children started making their own lunches, I had a guide for them. Their lunch must include a some protein, a “main” (carbs), some fruit or veggies and a treat. I think this is still a good guide to work by. If you’re sending dairy or protein, make sure you pop in a freezer brick and use an insulated lunchbox to keep everything fresh in the summer months.
Antipasto lunch box: the thing I like about this is you can put lots of “little things” in for them to nibble on!
Sushi Sandwiches: You can pop whatever toppings are your child’s favourite combination on these wraps and cut them into manageable size pieces.
Macaroni Cheese muffins: most kids love macaroni and cheese, and this puts it into a manageable size and format for kids to eat!
Zucchini Slice is an old favourite and a great way to get some sneaky veggies into your children!!
Lunchbox pasta salad is another way to include those vital carbs for concentration and energy, as well as some healthy vegetables.
Pinwheels are always a kid-pleaser! Just the right size for their hands and their lunchboxes. Try pizza toppings or a vegemite and cheese combination.
Spinach and Cheese Rolls are another bite-sized snack with both veggies and protein to keep them going all day.
Corn Fritters have long been a favourite in our house (and the kids make them themselves now!
Now you couldn’t have a school lunch without a little sweet treat, and it’s customary in our house to make the 100 biscuit recipe (and see how many it actually makes. I think we have got up to around 120 before!) You can add whatever combinations to the biscuits you like, eg smarties, choc chips, jam drops, freckles, etc. Always a winner!
I hope this gives you some fresh ideas for back to school lunches and that this year you’ll be more organised!
Angela