I am not going to lie, but after 8 years of making packed lunches for Mini, it is not my favourite job, especially as he has an aversion to sandwiches but it is one that I am good at! It can be really easy to get stuck in a lunch box rut. So here are some hot lunch ideas that are simple to make and put together and kid-approved. Before you ask, Mini did start with a thermos that had a spoon attached but he lost it!
There is nothing worse than getting stuck in a rut when it comes to making your children’s lunchbox. Putting the same thing in week in, week out. This is often made harder with picky eaters or school nutrition rules. Hartleys has introduced sugar-free jelly pots which my children love (as do I)! They make a great alternative to the sugar-packed yoghurt tubes that I used to add.
I am a big believer that children gain so much from sitting at a table and eating lunch together and Hartley’s have worked with Dr Sam Wass, a child psychologist {who is also behind the show “Secret Life of a 4, 5 & 6 year olds”}. He shares the conversations that our children are having over their lunch. The top topics of conversation include; Favourite toys, friends, Holidays, TV, Family & more. #littleoneswholunch.
At the boys primary school they introduced table buddies for the younger children. So a year 5 or 6 child was put in charge of each of the tables for reception and years 1 to 3. They helped the younger children cut up their food, put water and teach table etiquette. It was such a great idea and all the children gained so much from it.
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What should be included in a Kids Packed Lunch?
The Food Association have a great guide but as a rule:
1) A portion of bread (or similar), rice, potatoes or pasta
2) Plenty of fruit and vegetables
3) A portion of dairy or a calcium-rich alternative
4) Some protein in the form of beans, pulses, fish, egg, meat
5) A healthy drink
Top Tip: Before adding any food to your thermos flask fill it with hot water whilst you prepare the food and that way the flask ios warm and will keep the food warmer longer.
Hot School Lunch Ideas for Kids
I think that autumn and winter is the hardest seasons for lunchboxes for children. Â During the summer Mini has salads, cold pasta salad and wraps or even pies, pasties and sausage rolls. Â However, once the weather gets cooler he wants something warm and filling. Â Our small food flask has been a lifesaver over the years and it keeps whatever we add to eat hot until his lunchtimes. Â So I decided to share with you Mini’s top hot non sandwich school lunch ideas and some of the recipes.
Hot School Lunch Ideas for Kids
- Soup and a Bun
- Beans and Sausages
- Hot dogs and onions with a hotdog roll to add it to
- Pasta (he often takes leftovers from our main meals such as spaghetti bolegnese or pasta bake) Pasta with meatballs is a big favourite and I always add some grated cheese.
- Fried Rice Bowl – we use leftover rice with added meat such as pork fillet), and vegetables and then fry it with an egg.
- Anything with noodles. If we have any cola chicken left, this is delicious.
- Casserole – I always make extra and he takes leftovers including sausage casserole, beef or even chicken.
- Chicken Soup/Stew
- Pumpkin Soup – warming and delicious
- Baked potato – these keep warm in the thermos flask so well and you can do a baked sweet potato to change things up. Just add a pat of butter wrapped in some baking paper and a topping (like cheese or tuna).
- Fajitas – pack the wraps in clingfilm for them to fill at school
- Curry – Mini is a big curry lover and it always keeps well.
- Mac n Cheese
Top Tip: Make sure you freeze any potions of leftover meals and label them. They make the perfect warm packed lunch and you can defrost and heat them in the microwave before school
Most of these are good dinner ideas and can be used for lunch leftovers. The kids love having something in their thermos and it keeps them warm at lunchtime, plus it is something fun and different. if you are looking for more, then check out these easy lunch ideas for winter and our list of family lunches.
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