37+ Back to School Lunch Ideas for Every Type of Kid

It’s finally time to trade sunscreen for school supplies, but finding a great new lunchbox is only half the battle. Filling them is a whole other story. Every kid is different, but we’ve put our brains together to come up with solutions for every kind of eater. Whether your kid is picky or foodie, there’s something in here for them! 

The Tiny Gourmand—You know the type: They eat avocado toast for breakfast. They can pronounce ‘acai’. They only turn their nose up at broccoli when it’s been steamed with no seasoning, and they’d have an Instagram account if you gave them enough access to your food. 

1. Margherita Pizza on Focaccia by Sina Mizrahi

Soft, airy focaccia is the perfect backdrop for this classic flavor combination. It’s so quick and delicious, you might give up on making actual pizza.

2. Caprese Toast by Chayie Schlisselfeld

Tomato and basil are one of my favorite food pairings. You’ve seen me pair them with pasta (Whisk Issue #271) and before that with chicken (Whisk Issue #201). You can also enjoy them on a simple slice of toasted bread (even gluten-free, if desired).

3. Panini Wraps by Elky Friedman

It’s hot out, we’ve been at the pool for a few hours, or sitting outside watching the kids play in the yard or in the park…or we’re running late from work or rushing home from an appointment…and we just don’t feel up to cooking a meal for our families. I have the perfect solution! This one is a hit in our house, and it will be in yours too. It was inspired by my friend Devorah, who always loved to order this when we went out to eat in the country (and probably still does). It also solves my “not-in-the-mood-to-cook” issue big time! Though I like it with these veggies, you can use different ones to suit the picky eaters.

4. Avocado Toast by Chayie Schlisselfeld

Jazz up your buttered toast by serving with a simple guacamole, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Can be served on gluten-free bread, if desired.

5. Cajun Turkey or Teriyaki Turkey Noodle Lettuce Wraps by Chayie Schlisselfeld

I’ve mentioned before that my kids love anything that includes ramen noodles. I like to make this version, which is a full meal in a bowl. For the more adventurous children, place the teriyaki-flavored noodles in a lettuce wrap.

6. Tuna Rolls by Esther Ottensoser

The Picky Eater—We’ve all met this kid. They usually only like one or two things at a time, and while you could justify giving them the same meal every day, you’d feel better if there were a few more options in the repertoire.

7. Edible Checkerboard by Esther Ottensoser

Yields as many sandwiches as you want!

 8. Red Light, Green Light, 1-2-3 by Esther Ottensoser

9. Pizza-Pasta “Muffins” by Temi Philip

Muffins are so much fun to eat — even for dinner. Turning this pizza-style pasta dish into a muffin guarantees an instant hit.

10. Perfect Protein-Packed Pancakes by Rivkah Krinsky

This Chanukah, try something new! These protein-packed, sugar free, wheat free pancakes are made with almond flour, eggs, bananas and honey and fried in coconut oil and are a healthier alternative when you want fried food for Chanukah. Sit around the menorah watching the flames and feel good that you fed yourself and your family so well.

11. Faked Ziti by Esty Wolbe

This is my Faked Ziti (“Baked Ziti”). There’s no draining and no baking and the easiest thing to make for dinner. It’s super quick and you can do it all with one hand, because when it’s supper-o’clock you’re probably doing something else with the other. Watch the video!   See More Quick Supper Ideas Leftover Eggrolls Cheesy Orzo Mac and Cheese Individual Pizzas Quesadillas

The Mini Health Guru—This is the kid you rarely have to fight with to get them to eat their vegetables. Colorful plates are par for the course, and they occasionally tell you when foods are in season.

12. Broccoli Cheese Bites by Elky Friedman

13. Zucchini Fritters from OU Kosher

Zucchini fritters make a great snack or side dish. While many versions of this recipe call for salty cheeses like Parmesan or feta, this parve version, courtesy of the Women’s Branch of the Orthodox Union, instead uses sautéed onions for a creamy, savory base.

14. Homemade Fish Sticks by Sina Mizrahi

The breading for these homemade tilapia fish sticks has a unique twist- the bread crumbs or panko are combined with ground coconut. Lightly seasoned, this dish will go over well with kids.

15. Egg White Cauliflower Bites by Riva Fogel-Landy

The following recipe tastes so good – you will want doubles. And being that it is so low calorie you can take doubles guilt free!

16. Heirloom Caprese Salad on Rosemary Skewer by Esther Deutsch

The Constant Snacker—Every kid has a snacker side, but this kid has no other sides. It’s not even just junk food; it’s just that they take their meals in stages, via nosh, instead of all at once. Having some healthier nosh-type foods will be a lifesaver!

17. My Favorite Whole Wheat Muffins by Elky Friedman

I find it crucial to keep the freezer stocked with whole grain muffins. That way, my teenage girls and even my little ones can grab a quick breakfast (zapped in the microwave) before running for the bus. And even when they’re running on time, they take them as a filling snack (or lunch) for later in the day. My daughter received this recipe from her good friend and was the first to make them in our house. They were an immediate hit! Thank you, Rochelle S., and of course, Yael.

18. Applesauce Muffins from the Dining In Cookbook

With just one cup of sugar and a quarter cup of oil, these muffins are whole-grain, heart-healthy, and most importantly delicious!

19. Granola Biscotti by Deb Perelman

There are a lot of good reasons to make and eat the finger-shaped twice-baked dunkable cookies known as biscotti, cantuccini, and sometimes even mandelbrodt, and most involve delicious things to drink: coffee, black tea, and vin santo and other dessert wines. But where’s the cookie that will help you get through breakfast for the week you’ve promised to plain, unsweetened yogurt? I mean, your intentions were good—those flavored yogurts are full of stuff nobody really needs to eat—but there’s nothing like a little granola to break up the monotony.

These help. Part biscotti but mostly granola, they’re full of oats, nuts, coconut, dried fruit; just barely sweetened, they’re the ideal companion to your best breakfast intentions. Plus, they keep for weeks, which means you can grab one or two per day and pretty much never regret having them on you.

20. Wholesome Dairy Muffins by Estee Kafra

These muffins are full of healthy, nutritious ingredients.

21. Breakfast Muffins by Sari Matyas

These muffins are a perfect on-the-go snack that the kids will love. You can let them enjoy these muffins guilt free, as they are filling and sugar free!

22. No-Mixer Granola Bars by Chanie Nayman

Since I tasted this recipe, I knew the day would come that I would print it in the magazine! It’s so similar to Nature Valley bars, it’s scary. Quick, easy, not-so-unhealthy, and simply delicious!

The Meat Lover—Also goes by the name “That’s certainly my kid!” This kid would choose a salami stick over a lollipop without blinking an eye, and protein options have really never been a problem for you to find.

23. Simplified Corn Dogs by Faigy Grossman

This recipe, from my friend Aviva B., is a favorite with my kids.

24. Chicken Pretzel Nuggets by Brynie Greisman

Pretzels present a very novel idea in coating your chicken cutlets. Everyone is intrigued by how they look and wants to try them. They taste best freshly made, however, I’ve made them on a Thursday and served them on Shabbos — both at night and by day, and they were fine.

25. Golden Shnitzel Bites by Brynie Greisman

These crispy shnitzel bites are sure to please even your pickiest eater. They are literally gobbled up by everyone! Serve with a fresh salad dressed lightly with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Kudos to Gila F. for this amazing recipe.

26. Pita Chicken Pockets from the Nitra Cookbook

Here’s a quick supper idea that is even easy to pack up and take along on your outdoor adventures now that the weather is (finally) warm and the sunlight lasts longer.

27. Sloppy Joe Pita Sandwiches from the Nitra Cookbook

This dinner is packed with protein and super kid-friendly, covering all the bases and coming through in a pinch.

28. Meatball Sliders by Rivky Kleiman

These tasty meatball sliders add fun to any buffet, with a little sweet and a little tangy and a whole lot of yum!

29. Mini Chicken Dogs by Chavi Feldman

Sneaky chicken tenders stand in for strips of puff pastry in this lighter version of franks ‘n’ blanks you won’t feel guilty about serving.

The Food Allergy Prone—Sure, you’ve gotten used to explaining to people that it’s not just that food, it’s also the foods that have that food in them. But sometimes it’s just exhausting trying to think of how to hack this recipe, or replace half of those ingredients. Take a breath. We got you.

30. Allergy-Friendly French Toast by Chevy Slomovics and Raizy Janklowitz

31. Vegan Mac and Cheeze by Rebecca Kinzbrunner

32. Tuna Tacos by Chayie Schlisselfeld

Here’s a quick supper for those summer days when it’s too hot to cook. We love all kinds of tacos.

33. Gluten Free Vanilla “Cheese” Pancakes by Chevy Slomovics and Raizy Janklowitz

These pancakes have all the delicious creaminess of milchigs without the cheese! Our kids love them as bite-sized latkes, but they taste great as larger pancakes as well! And the leftovers make a wonderful packed lunch the next day.

34. Israeli-Style Toast by Chayie Schlisselfeld

Close your eyes while you eat this toast; whether you’re on vacation or not, you will feel almost as though you’re sitting in the Old City in Jerusalem. Can be served on gluten-free bread if desired.

The Cheese Fiend—This kid thinks a cheese stick and sliced cheese are two different snacks. But you sometimes get tired of just slapping some American on two slices of bread. Just because your kid has singular tastes, doesn’t mean you can’t make it interesting.

35. “Pizzadillas” and Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas by Chayie Schlisselfeld

Make the most of the last days of summer with these simple, light quesadillas for supper.

36. Grilled Cheese Roll-ups by Mindee Skurowitz

And I did not even think that grilled cheese can get any better! Plus it is totally kid friendly! Win win.

37. Cheesy Vegetable Stuffed French Toast by Draizy Wercberger

Stuffed with cheese, onions, tomatoes, and spinach, in this recipe French toast becomes a nutritious meal. 

For another variation, try this french toast recipe by Chaya Piatt.

38. Whole Wheat Cheese Latkes by Esther Finkel

Healthy , Low fat and kids (and adults) gobble them up!

39. Better Blender Cheese Tarts by Rorie Weisberg

This recipe took many attempts to get right. Once I tasted the first batch, I was driven to make it work. If you can’t get ahold of my Grain Free Mix, you can substitute with almond flour, but it won’t have the same results. I tried it both ways and my taste testers all liked the mix version better, but they agreed that the almond flour version was good if you didn’t try the other one first! Enjoy this treat all year round — my kitchen to yours.

Originally published August 2018. Updated and improved August 2026.

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