Macaroni and Three Cheese Lunch Muffins - is a childhood favorite with a twist — kids can eat it with their hands. Too young to use the stove? Little kids can still help make them by fitting the muffin cups with paper liners, measuring the cheese and sprinkling the tops of the muffins with Parmesan.
- Club Sandwich Kabobs are fun and ideal for kids to help make since they can roll up the meat and cut ingredients with a table knife. For a gluten-free alternative, skip the bread and add more veggies.
- Avocado, Lettuce and Tomato Pita Pockets packs whole grain pitas with a mixture of greens, tomatoes and mashed avocado for a satisfying and colorful midday meal.
- Have your child make a pasta salad using leftovers from dinner. Add veggies of their choice.
· Apple Sandwiches with Granola and Peanut Butter
- Make a rice bowl! Start with brown rice or quinoa (or both). Add a protein such as leftover chicken or cooked beans. Add veggies (sautéed greens, steamed veggies, raw corn kernels or carrot matchsticks). Top with a sauce or dressing. If your child isn’t into mixing textures, have them use bento-style lunch containers to pack everything individually.
- Lunchbox Quesadilla is an easy make-ahead lunch that older kids can prepare in one pan. Kids can customize the ingredients depending on what you have on hand— it’s a delicious way to use up leftovers.
Easy, healthy, family-friendly recipe ideas:
