I Bring These 19 Back To School Recipes To Keep My Kids Satisfied

The challenge of packing school food disappears once a set of 19 reliable recipes is ready to rotate through. Each one works for busy schedules without losing kid-friendly appeal. It takes the guesswork out of what to serve, which means fewer complaints at the table.

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds.
Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

A shredded chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, raisins, and a creamy dressing served in a brioche bun.
Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Lunches get a boost when a Chicken Salad Sandwich is packed up for school. It’s a favorite for kids who want something light but still filling. The mix of flavors keeps things interesting. There’s rarely a complaint when this sandwich is in a lunchbox.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich

Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a chocolate chip cookie on a cooling rack.
Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies feels like a special treat. They’re easy to share and always seem to disappear quickly among friends. There’s a good reason this classic ends up in many lunch bags. Kids often ask for an extra one after the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Blackened Chicken Clubs

A grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and mayonnaise on toasted bread, served with potato chips on a white plate.
Blackened Chicken Clubs. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Kids who want variety get a nice change with Blackened Chicken Clubs in their meal. There’s just the right balance of flavor to keep things fresh. Quick bites like this help busy days go smoothly. It’s easy to see why they come home with no leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Clubs

Grilled Hot Dogs

Four hot dogs in buns topped with crispy fried onions are arranged on parchment paper in a basket.
Grilled Hot Dogs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Quick lunches become a hit when Grilled Hot Dogs are on the menu. They fill kids up fast and don’t need any fuss. Almost everyone perks up when they see this packed for lunch. Simple, classic, and always welcome at the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Dogs

Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

A plate of blueberry muffins with crumb topping, arranged in a pile.
Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Morning meals look brighter with Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins ready to go. The soft bite and sweet notes make them perfect for breakfast or a snack. Kids notice these muffins in the kitchen first. They don’t last long once the day gets going.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

Veggie Sliders

Close-up of a Veggie Burger Slider with a fried patty, sliced cucumber, shredded purple cabbage, greens, and mayonnaise in a bun. In the background, a blurred portion of another slider and a dish are visible.
Veggie Sliders. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smaller bites like Veggie Sliders are easy for kids to handle at lunch. They’re also a good way to add some variety without any pushback. Packing these means kids come home with empty lunch boxes. They’re also good for sharing with friends who want to try something new.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Sliders

Shortbread Cookies

Close-up view of a pile of Shortbread Cookies with visible small holes on the surface.
Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Parents often reach for Shortbread Cookies when wanting a quick, sweet treat for their kids. These cookies have a simple flavor, making them popular with kids of all ages. Everyone enjoys a piece or two without being overwhelmed. It’s easy to slip one into any lunch bag.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

Chicken Shawarma

Close-up of a wrap filled with grilled chicken, lettuce, cucumber, red onion, and sauce in a folded flatbread.
Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Students who enjoy big flavors get into Chicken Shawarma wraps at lunch. It stands out from the usual choices. The bold flavors make every bite interesting. Even picky eaters start asking for this after trying it once.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma

Chocolate Croissant

Chocolate and pretzel rolls with powdered sugar.
Chocolate Croissant. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Days start well when a Chocolate Croissant is packed as a quick snack. Flaky and full of chocolate, it’s a treat nobody skips. Many kids look forward to this kind of pick-me-up between lessons. Friends usually ask for a bite if there’s a spare.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Croissant

Easy Flatbread Pizza

Two slices of pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Easy Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lunch can feel fun when Easy Flatbread Pizza is on the menu. It’s a hit with kids who love pizza but need something easy to pack. The simple base lets everyone top it the way they want. No surprise this one gets requested over and over.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Sourdough Waffles

Two stacked waffles with a bite taken out, topped with banana slices, blueberries, and a pat of butter.
Sourdough Waffles. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Serving Sourdough Waffles for a quick breakfast or snack brings smiles in the morning. They hold up well and taste great even after a few hours. Kids like grabbing these on their way out. Once you try them, it’s hard not to reach for another.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Waffles

Big Mac Sloppy Joe

Two sesame seed burgers with cheese, shredded lettuce, ground meat, and pickles, stacked on a plate.
Big Mac Sloppy Joe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kids who love fast food enjoy seeing Big Mac Sloppy Joe on their plates. It’s got that familiar flavor with less mess. Packing this for lunch brings excitement to any school day. There’s always a buzz in the lunchroom when it’s on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sloppy Joe

Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Close up image of lemon blueberry muffin cookies on a wooden board.
Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Snacks get a kick when Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies are in the mix. The bright flavor combination makes them stand out in any lunch bag. Friends often ask where you got them after just one bite. Even picky eaters keep coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

Close-up of folded tortillas filled with chicken, cheese, and herbs, garnished with cilantro.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

School lunches step up a notch with Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas. Kids looking for something with a little more flavor find these exciting. Quick to eat and easy to pack, they fit right in between classes. There’s a bit of buzz every time these show up.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

Sausage Balls

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bite-sized snacks like Sausage Balls are perfect for a midday pick-me-up. Easy to share, they’re a hit at any lunch table. Kids who need something filling love these. Parents notice there are never any left when school gets out.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Ultimate Vegan Burger

A close-up of a plant-based burger with layers of creamy sauce, sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a brioche bun.
Ultimate Vegan Burger. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Plant-based meals stay interesting with Ultimate Vegan Burger in the rotation. It’s a solid choice for kids who like something hearty that isn’t meat. Parents appreciate a veggie-packed main that holds up in a lunchbox. Kids walk away full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

Grilled Cheese

Close-up of two stacked grilled cheese sandwiches made with multigrain bread and melted cheese oozing out.
Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm, gooey, and always a hit, Grilled Cheese keeps kids happy at lunchtime. Its simple build means everyone enjoys it, no matter how busy the day gets. Great when there isn’t much time to pack lunch. One of those meals kids gladly eat more than once a week.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheese

Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap

Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Kids who want a fresh lunch reach for Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap. Everything holds together for a packable meal that feels fun. Parents get peace of mind knowing their kids eat well at school. Variety is easy when wraps like these are in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap

Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds.
Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Size matters with school lunches, so Turkey Sliders fit right in. They’re quick to assemble and just the right size for smaller hands. Kids notice when these pop up at lunchtime. Even teachers ask what smells so good.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

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