Sometimes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a pack of fruit snacks just don't cut it. This year, as back to school approaches, think about upping your lunch game, moms. Toss aside those granola bars and take out the muffin tins and insulated lunch containers. Your kids will thank you.
With so many new ideas and creative to-go lunch recipes to consider, now you can prepare yummy hot meals for your kids. Pack them away in Tupperware or a Thermos and know that they'll be munching on some healthy homemade meals during the school day.
We've consulted with some of our favorite bloggers to bring you weeks' worth of lunch ideas, so start your shopping list. This year, you'll have plenty of go-to hot lunches that your kids can take to school:
Images via FramedCooks.com and ©iStock.com/DebbiSmirnoff
Macaroni & Cheese Cupcakes
Food just naturally tastes better in cupcake form, and now it's possible to serve dinner for lunch. What kid wouldn't love Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes in their lunchbox?
Burrito Bowl
Get your creative cooking juices flowing because a black bean burrito bowl is one of the best ways to incorporate veggies into your child's lunch diet. Heat it up in the morning, put in a closed-top container, and the kiddo will have a tasty bowl come lunchtime.
Zoodles & Meatballs
ICYMI: Zoodles = zucchini noodles. And this Paleo Diet-inspired dish is fairly speedy to make. The Zoodles and Meatballs dish has veggies and plenty of protein and easily transports to school.
Mini Deep Dish BBQ Chicken Pizzas
You can bake the Mini Deep Dish BBQ Chicken Pizzas in a muffin tin, so you can make enough to last a couple days. And, bonus: look how cute they are!
Turkey Sloppy Joes
This easy Turkey Sloppy Joes recipe can go three different ways: as a standard burger (pack the bun separately to avoid sogginess), as a chip dip, or even as a deconstructed taco salad. Let the options begin.
Corn Dog Mini Muffins
For any corn dog fan, these Corn Dog Mini Muffins will definitely hit the spot. Pack a few in a Tupperware (the ketchup can be found in the lunch room), and you're good to go.
Veggie Mac & Cheese
Spice up a generic macaroni and cheese lunch with some greens. This Veggie Mac and Cheese recipe goes perfect in a Thermos and keeps warm all the way to lunchtime.
Chicken Parmesan Bites
Pair them with veggies and fruit, but these Chicken Parmesan Bites could very well stand alone in the lunch box. Plus, they totally take chicken nuggets to the next level.
Yam Latkas Bento Box
Throw some Brussels sprouts and apple wedges into a perfectly divided container, but make these Yam Latkas the focal point. They're healthy, full of good nutrients, and are, most of all, yummy.
Twinkle Twinkle Spaghetti Bento
Send your kids off to school with a classic spaghetti lunch with a twist — the Twinkle Twinkle Spaghetti Bento has star-shaped cheese cutouts for your star student.
Apple Pie French Toast Bake
Finally, top the entire lunch off with a delish dessert like this Apple Pie French Toast creation. No kid will complain about eating breakfast-style dessert for lunch.
