Bento boxes are a fantastic way to pack a balanced, visually appealing lunch that’ll excite your little ones. Let’s dive into 17 fun ideas that’ll make lunchtime something to look forward to.
Sandwich Sushi Roll-Ups Transform the classic sandwich into a fun sushi-style roll-up. Flatten bread slices with a rolling pin, add fillings like cream cheese and ham or peanut butter and jelly, then roll tightly and slice into rounds. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for little hands and add a touch of whimsy to lunch.
Mini Kebabs: Kids love food on sticks! Create colorful kebabs using cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, cucumber slices, and rolled-up deli meats. Not only are these visually appealing, but they also offer a good balance of protein, dairy, and veggies.
Breakfast for Lunch: Who says you can’t have breakfast midday? Pack mini pancakes or waffles, some scrambled egg bits, and a side of berries. Include a small container of maple syrup for dipping. This unexpected lunch option is sure to bring a smile to your child’s face.
Taco Tuesday Bento: Bring Taco Tuesday to the lunchbox! Pack small tortillas or hard taco shells, seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes in separate compartments. Let your kid play restaurant and assemble their own tacos at lunchtime.
Veggie Sushi: For a veggie-packed option, try making sushi rolls with cucumber, carrot, and avocado. Use cream cheese instead of raw fish for a kid-friendly version. Cut into bite-sized pieces and include a small container of soy sauce if your child enjoys it.
Breakfast Sandwich Bento: Pack a deconstructed breakfast sandwich with an English muffin, a hard-boiled egg (sliced), and a cheese slice. Add some fresh fruit on the side for a well-rounded meal that combines protein, carbs, and vitamins.
Pizza Lunchable: Create a homemade version of the popular store-bought lunch kit. Pack mini pizza crusts (or thick crackers), pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and toppings like sliced pepperoni or veggies. Your kid will love assembling their own mini pizzas at lunch.
Alphabet Soup and Grilled Cheese: On chilly days, pack warm alphabet soup in a thermos alongside half a grilled cheese sandwich cut into fun shapes. Add some carrot sticks or apple slices for crunch. This comforting meal is like a hug in a lunchbox.
Build-Your-Own Trail: Mix Let your child play mixologist with a DIY trail mix. Pack separate compartments with items like whole-grain cereal, dried fruits, nuts (if allowed at school), and a few chocolate chips. They’ll enjoy creating their own unique mix.
Rainbow Fruit Salad: Make lunch a colorful affair with a rainbow fruit salad. Include red strawberries, orange mandarin segments, yellow pineapple chunks, green grapes, and blue blueberries. Pair with yogurt for dipping and some whole-grain crackers for crunch.
Muffin Tin Meatloaf: Bake mini meatloaves in a muffin tin for perfect individual portions. Pack with mashed potatoes (or cauliflower mash for a veggie boost) and steamed broccoli florets. This hearty lunch will keep your kid fueled for afternoon activities.
Breakfast Burrito Bowl: Deconstruct a breakfast burrito into a fun bowl. Layer rice, scrambled eggs, black beans, cheese, and salsa in the bento box. Include some tortilla chips on the side for scooping.
Peanut Butter Banana Sushi: Spread peanut butter on a whole-grain tortilla, place a peeled banana at one end, and roll it up. Slice into rounds to create “sushi” pieces. Pair with yogurt and granola for a balanced meal that’s both fun and nutritious.
Mediterranean Meze Plate: Introduce your child to Mediterranean flavors with a meze-style lunch. Include hummus, pita triangles, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese cubes. This lunch offers a variety of tastes and textures to explore.
Breakfast Cookie Platter: Bake a batch of hearty breakfast cookies loaded with oats, dried fruits, and maybe even some sneaky shredded zucchini. Pack a couple of cookies with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and a hard-boiled egg for a well-rounded meal that feels like a treat.
Soup and Salad Combo: On cooler days, pack a thermos of creamy tomato soup alongside a small salad of mixed greens, croutons, and cherry tomatoes. Include a small container of dressing on the side. This grown-up lunch will make your little one feel sophisticated.
Pancake Stack: Make a stack of silver dollar pancakes and pack them with a side of cream cheese and jam for spreading. Include some turkey sausage links and fresh fruit to round out this breakfast-for-lunch option.
Remember, the key to a great bento box lunch is variety in both flavor and nutrition. Try to include a protein source, some complex carbs, fruits and/or veggies, and a small treat in each lunch. Use silicone cupcake liners to separate foods within larger compartments, and don’t forget to add a pop of color with fresh produce.
Lastly, get your kids involved in the lunch-packing process when possible. They’re more likely to eat (and enjoy!) a lunch they’ve helped create. With these creative ideas, your kids’ lunchboxes will be the talk of the cafeteria!