"In the summer months, my daughters run on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Sometimes, when we want to mix things up, we get wild and spread peanut butter on apples or bananas instead. We also make peanut butter crackers and peanut butter protein bites—and, well, the point is that we’re peanut butter dependent. So, you can imagine that once the school year begins, my husband and I sometimes find it challenging to come up with peanut-free lunch ideas to put inside my kids lunch boxes. With so many schools embracing peanut and tree nut-free policies to safeguard those with allergies, we’ve had to get creative with our meal ideas.
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Whether your kiddo’s school has a similar policy, or a member of your family has an allergy themselves, we wanted to provide a resource of ideas for the school year ahead. We’ve pulled together 30 kid-approved lunches that take the spotlight from our beloved peanut butter—check them out below!
1. One-Pot Mac and Cheese
It’s no surprise that a mac and cheese recipe made it on the list. It’s a popular kid-friendly option at most restaurants, but sometimes, things taste better when you can add as much cheese and cream as you want.
2. Healthy Hummus Cucumber Boats
When an ordinary sandwich just won’t do, bring in the cucumber boats. Slathered with protein-rich hummus, cheese, and fresh tomatoes, this brilliant lunch box entry is novel enough to entice kids—and offers a healthful boost to power them up until the bell rings.
3. Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal Cups
I love anything masquerading as a muffin, and these pumpkin oatmeal cups are healthy, filling little bites practically made for school lunches. Customize this recipe to your heart’s content, adding chocolate chips and raisins and omitting the nuts, of course.
4. Club Sandwich
Considered a classic to the lunch repertoire, a club sandwich is a triple-decker that appeals to kids of all ages. There are multiple layers packed with mayo, bacon, tomato, lettuce, turkey, and ham.
5. Homemade Pizza Rolls
Want to make your little one feel like they’ve won the lottery? Tuck these homemade pizza rolls into their lunch this year. You’d be hard-pressed to find a school-aged kid who wouldn’t be delighted by the sight. Customize this recipe with your little one’s favorite veggies and include a tiny bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.
6. White Chocolate and Craisin Granola Bars
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a nutrient and vitamin packed bar. On the busiest of days, your kids can grab one on the go. Let the white chocolate drizzle fool you into having dessert for lunch.
7. Turkey Apple Cheddar Pinwheels
Elevate an ordinary sandwich by getting playful with its structure. Layers of deli meat, cheddar cheese, spinach, and sliced apples make a delicious, filling, and adorable lunch time treat when rolled into a pinwheel.
8. Vegan Black Bean Burgers
This black bean burger is a no-grill patty making it easy to make all year round, and it has a great source of plant-based protein.
9. Bento Boxes
A staple in Japanese culture, bento boxes offer a convenient way to eat a well-rounded and balanced meal. With plenty of small compartments, these totally portable boxes practically call out for fruits, veggies, cheeses, and lots of dips and sauces.
10. Hummus Pita Pizza
Personal pizzas are the perfect solution to picky eaters: just let them choose what toppings to include! These mini pizzas use pitas as a base and whatever cheese, veggies, or meat you have on hand. A layer of hummus promises to keep little bellies full, too. Make a few in the evening to slice up for school lunches the next day.
11. Caprese Grilled Cheese
Are your kiddos getting tired of the same grilled cheese everyday? This is a fancy grilled cheese to spice it up, and it only has six ingredients.
12. Baked Chicken Taquitos
Slip a few of these crispy chicken taquitos into your little one’s lunch box, for an easy, protein-packed meal. A side of guacamole or sour cream makes the perfect dipping sauce, and sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes help round out the dish.
13. Chickpea Salad Sandwich
A play on the classic egg salad sandwich, this recipe calls for ingredients you likely already have on hand. Who knew you could transform chickpeas and mayo with just a sprinkle of herbs and a few simple things from your fridge? Subtly flavored, this sandwich is 100% kid-approved.
14. Pesto Pasta Salad
A pasta salad is a great option as a standalone meal, or you can pair it with anything from a sandwich to a steak.
15. Grilled Chicken Burritos
Nothing says kid-friendly portability like a burrito loaded with simple flavors from chicken and cheese. Add guacamole and cherry tomatoes for some color and extra deliciousness.
16. Veggie Nuggets
To appeal to little ones who love to dip, whip up a batch of these vegetable-rich nuggets. A side of ketchup brings them to the next level. Best of all? This recipe is completely customizable, so whether you find broccoli or peppers in your vegetable bin, you can make do.
17. Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs
Save time and pop these meatballs into the air fryer. Sauce it up with some pasta or make it into a meatball sub for variety.
18. Healthy Lunchable Tacos
Take taco Tuesday to another level with a fancy ’90s kid lunchable. Make the meat in advance for dinner and pack leftover ingredients separately to build your own taco.
19. Egg Salad
We love this healthy take on classic egg salad. It uses greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for added protein. But don’t worry, the flavor is just as great as we remember.
20. Mini Sub Sandwiches
I know there are kiddos in my life who never turn down a trip to Subway. Help them take a make-at-home version of their favorite subs to school with this super simple lunch idea.
21. Hummus and Veggie Roll-Ups
Help your little ones get their veggies in with the delicious addition of hummus. We love having a vegetarian option on the lunch roster that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutritional benefits.
22. Grilled Chicken Wings
Peanut-free lunch ideas don’t have to be boring. Grill up some chicken wings one night and have the leftovers ready for a packed lunch the next day. Of course, just be sure your LO is old enough to eat this dish on their own at school.
23. Pizza Pinwheels
Kids who live for family pizza night will love taking the tradition to school with them with this recipe. These pinwheels are as easy as they are delicious, and an option your kiddos will be asking for again and again.
24. Veggie Tuna Salad Pita Sandwich
Veggies can get a good rap—no pun intended—when they’re highlighted with flavor. The no-chop veggies make it enticing because even your older kids can put it together themselves.
25. Baked Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are sure to put a smile on any kiddo’s face when they open their lunch box. The best part about this recipe is that they’re baked to healthy perfection.
26. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
With the right thermos, kids can enjoy their favorite soup at lunch time. This classic chicken noodle soup recipe will hit the spot each and every time.
27. Pepperoni Bagel Bites Pizzas
Who knew the most delicious pizza bagels didn’t have to be reheated? Opening a lunch box up to these is sure to make all of the other kids envious.
28. Mini Cheesy Pretzel Dogs
Take pigs in a blanket to a whole new level with these pretzel dogs. Filled with cheese, these will be the talk of the lunch room.
29. Broccoli Cheddar and White Bean Quesadillas
Quesadillas are always a welcomed choice for lunch, but this recipe is even better. Filled with broccoli and white beans, this healthy option is high in protein and will leave your kiddo feeling energized the rest of the day.
30. Build-Your-Own Hot Dog Bar
Make lunchtime selection fun for your little ones by allowing them to dress their hot dogs with some creativity. Here are some variations to start off with.
Lizzie Goodman, Contributing Writer
Lizzie is an editor and writer specializing in pregnancy, child development, and parenting. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two young daughters in a funny old house filled with books.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!