17 Kids Lunch Ideas That Are Delicious and Easy

Bite-sized frittatas made in mini muffin tins (regular muffin tins work for a larger size) are irresistible hot or cold. Try adding chopped ham or sauteed veggies to up the healthy factor.

Kids will surely love these crispy rice balls (which can be baked or fried), but the surprise is they're filled with vegetables. There is no need to tell your picky eaters if you don't want to. These rice balls can be made in advance and eaten hot, warm, or cold.

Tuna macaroni salad is a favorite with the kids and you'll love the fact that it can be made in advance. Try swapping the canned tuna with sardines—they're full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and little ones won't be able to taste the difference.

Once thought to be anything but healthy, guacamole has earned its rightful place as a health food once again. Packed with heart-healthy avocados, guacamole makes an excellent dip for school lunches. Just add some whole grain tortilla chips or include veggie dippers.

Even people who don't like peas will want seconds of this salad filled with bacon, peas, cheese, and egg in a sweet, creamy dressing. It's a refreshing lunch that has plenty of protein and vegetables.

Cheesy meatball "bombs"—basically a meat and sauce-filled bun—can easily replace frozen pizza rolls. You can bake the meatballs from scratch or use pre-cooked meatballs.

Tomato soup is a classic meal for kids. Making your own ensures you know what goes in it and this recipe boosts the vitamin count by secretly including a carrot. Add a cheese sandwich or hard-boiled egg to the brown bag for a complete lunch the kids wouldn't dare trade.

Homemade Kit Kat bars are just like the candy bar of the same name, but you control the ingredients. The kids won't be able to taste the difference.

Chinese chicken salad is made with lettuce, leftover rotisserie chicken, mandarin oranges, and chow mein noodles. Use a store-bought Asian dressing or make the one included with the recipe, depending on how much time you have.

Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein, vitamin A, riboflavin, and folate. Plus, they're cheap and you can easily boil a half dozen on Sunday and pack them in the kids' lunches all week long.

Hummus is a wonderful vegetarian and protein-packed filling for a pita sandwich. It goes great with cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and whatever fillings your kids fancy. 

Simple, healthy, and crunchy, these are a great snack that requires no refrigeration. You can include the peanut butter as a dip or smear it on the carrots directly. If your kids prefer celery, consider making ants on a log, which stuffs the crispy veggie with peanut butter (or cream cheese) and raisins.

Cucumber sandwiches aren't just for high tea. Kids will enjoy these even more when you use cutters to make fun shapes out of them.

It's easy to make classic hummus with a can of chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini (sesame paste) and garlic. You can also toast pita bread to make pita chips to go with it​ or send carrots, celery, and bell pepper strips as dippers.

Something sweet is always nice in a brown bag lunch. Improve your dessert game by mixing Nutella, chopped nuts, and miniature chocolate chips into homemade crispy treats.

Pizza wrap sandwiches need only three ingredients and are a snap to put together. But you can easily add your favorite pizza toppings such as green peppers, black olives, and pepperoni. They are enjoyable either cold or hot.

This recipe calls for heart-healthy oats, bran flakes, and nuts. It has just the right texture for a perfectly soft, wholesome chocolate chip cookie. Kids will love this lunchbox treat.