Getting sick of packing the same thing forschool lunches?
Never fear, the bento box is here!
We put together 25 different bento box ideas for you to switch up your kid’s school lunch.
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Let’s be honest though: these lunch ideas could also work for adults!
Who says these have to be strictly for kids?
These bento lunch box ideas are easy tomeal prepfor yourself before work, too!
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What’s a bento box?
The bento box originates from Japan.
It’s a concept where you create a single-portion meal in a reusable container.
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Mini pizzas
Kids are a huge fan of leftoverpizza!
To make these, cut an English muffin and spread some pizza sauce on each half.
Bake in the oven at 400 for about 10 minutes.
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Prep a few ahead and store in a container in the fridge for the week!
Pair with some apple slices, cherry tomatoes, and a fruit and nut bar (we likeLarabars).
Add some extra snacks like cucumber slices, grapes, andsweet potato crackersto pair.
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Slice up some cheese and add some crackers to the bento box.
For a fun side, add some celery sticks and a packet of ranch dipping sauce.
And if they’ve got a sweet tooth, treat them to some chocolate chips!
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Easy, healthy,350-calorie recipe ideasyou can make at home.
Pair with some extravegetableslike bell pepper and cucumber slicesand a granola or fruit bar, likeNature’s Bakery.
Hummus platter
Kids love to dip!
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Throw in some sides that can easily be dipped into apacket of hummus.
Pretzels, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices are easy to throw together for this mini bento box platter.
Throw in a little treat if you want, like a smallUNREAL almond butter cup!
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Add in a small treat for fun!
Pancakes
Breakfast for lunch?
We’re so in!
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If you don’t feel like prepping numerous mini pancakes for the week, you could justbuy them frozen.
Waffle dippers
Is your kid more of awafflefan instead of pancakes?
Toast up twoKidfresh Blueberry Wafflesand cut them into strips for dunking.
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Add in two hard-boiled eggs for protein, and a side of strawberries.
Grilled cheese
Who says you have to eat agrilled cheesewarm?
Add to a hot skillet, and toast on each side for around 3 minutes.
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Pair with some fruit (like blueberries), cucumber slices, and a fun snack like popcorn!
To make the cheese quesadilla, grab a large soft taco tortilla and add taco cheese.
Fold in half and add to a warmed skillet.
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Toast on each side for around 3 minutes, or until the cheese starts to melt before flipping.
Addguacamoleand salsa for dipping.
Add somecheese Whispsfor a crunchysnack, as well as some sliced cucumber.
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Surprise them with a fun treat like aLuckyBar Chocolate Campfire Protein Bar!
Pair with some salty pretzels, cucumber slices, and dried fruit.
Cheese pasta
Is your kid sick of sandwiches?
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Switch it up with a coldpasta salad!
This one is super easy to make.
Simply slice up some mozzarella and mix together with cooked pasta and a little bit of olive oil.
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Add in cherry tomatoes, apple slices, and a crunchy snack.
Peanut butter crackers
Skip buying peanut butter crackers in individual packs and make your own!
Spread some peanut butter on a cracker and make a few mini sandwiches.
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Hummus wrap
Do you have a little vegetarian on your hands?
Make ahummuswrap for them.
Pair with some sliced bell peppers, salty pretzels, and a cheese stick.
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Pair with some cheese crackers, blueberries, snap pea crisps, and a small chocolate treat.
Yogurt parfait
Do you have a kiddo who loves yogurt?
It’s a great option for lunch.
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Add in some snap pea crisps, cherry tomatoes, and apple slices for the rest of the meal.
Chicken nugget dunkers
Kids sure do love their chicken nuggets!
These chicken nugget dunkers can be paired with any dipping sauce your kid loves.
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Add in a fruit, some sweet potato crackers, and a string cheese.
Chicken sandwich
Skip thedeli meatthis week and cook up some chicken breast instead!
Pair with some celery and nut butter for dipping, cheese crackers, and grapes.
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Cinnamon yogurt platter
Another dipper bento box!
Make some cinnamon yogurt by sprinkling in some cinnamon into vanilla yogurt.
Slice up some apples for dipping, and add some pretzels and strawberries.
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Mac & cheese
That’s rightmac and cheesefor lunch!
Celery sticks, grapes, and snap pea crisps are lighter snacks to pair with a heartier main.
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