Maybe you’re looking for a fun and easy lunch to make with younger kids. Or, maybe the older kids could use a project. Either way, here are 20 cheap and easy lunches your kids can make for themselves. (And keep it cool this summer with 35 Delicious Recipes That Don't Require an Oven.)
Mix 4 tablespoons of flour with a pinch each of baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix in 3 tablespoons of milk. Top with a tablespoon or two of pizza sauce, then shredded cheese, and pepperoni slices. Microwave on high for a minute or until the mixture has risen and is bubbly.
On a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle shredded cheese over a tortilla. Top with another tortilla. Cook on high in the microwave over high heat until cheese is melted, about 1 minute. This can be customized with leftover meats and veggies—just add them to the cheese mixture.
Place two slices of turkey on a whole-wheat wrap. Layer with lettuce, tomato, and a few drizzles of ranch dressing. Roll tightly.
Wash a medium potato, and poke a few holes in it with a fork. Put it in the microwave under the “potato” setting or for around 7 minutes. Top with your favorite potato toppings — chili and cheese are nice, as are sour cream and chives.
Blend a frozen banana, a cup of milk, ½ cup of vanilla yogurt, and ½ cup of peanut butter until smooth.
Top a pita with a tablespoon or two of tomato sauce. Layer with shredded cheese and pepperoni. Microwave on high for 60 seconds or until the cheese has melted.
Looking to get a little more creative with toppings? Be sure to check out From Plain Cheese to Peking Duck: 25 Yummy Pizza Recipes.
Spread mayonnaise over two slices of bread. Top one of the slices with cooked bacon slices, lettuce, and tomato slices. Add pepper if you wish. Top with the other slice of bread.
Spread hummus over a slice of bread. Add tomato and cucumber slices. Top with feta cheese.
In a bento box, place lunch meat, crackers, cheese slices, and baby carrots. Add a fun-size candy bar for dessert.
Spread mayo over two slices of bread, then layer two slices of cheese over one of the slices. Top with tomato slices. Add salt and pepper if desired. Top with the other piece of bread.
Spread peanut butter over a slice of bread. Top with banana slices and chocolate chips.
Layer slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, with a basil leaf in between each new layer. Drizzle with olive oil, and add salt and pepper to taste.
Spread mayo and mustard over a wrap, then place two slices of ham. Layer with tomato, lettuce, and pickles. Roll tightly.
Add ½ cup stock/broth or ¼ cup water and ¼ cup apple juice to a microwave-safe dish, then microwave for 1 minute. Add the shredded cheese, flour, and garlic salt, then stir to combine. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir, then microwave for another 30 seconds, and continue with this pattern until the cheese is melty and stretchable. Enjoy with slices of bread.
Spread peanut butter over a wrap. Layer your favorite fruits over it, then roll tightly.
Cut a pita pocket in half and spread peanut butter inside. Add apple slices or the fruit of your choice.
Assemble baby carrots, celery, and cucumber slices. Serve with hummus.
Blend a frozen banana with a cup of milk, a handful of spinach, and two handfuls of strawberries, fresh or frozen.
Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit in a parfait glass. Top with fruit.
Toast a slice of bread. Top with ricotta and a drizzle of honey.