Hot Lunch Ideas for Kids

Lots of hot lunch ideas for kids! As the school year approaches, packing school lunches can be a major struggle in the mornings. Having a list of hot lunch ideas at your fingertips relieves a lot of the stress!

I don’t know about your kids, but mine pretty much refuse to eat cold lunches. Don’t even ask about a sandwich. On occasion, I can get them to eat a homemade lunchable or mini charcuterie board, like salami, cheese and crackers - in separate bento box compartments, never touching. Most of the time, though, they request a hot lunch. And who can blame them? I am a culprit in this behavior as well. I do not like cold lunch. I’ll take a hot sandwich or a room temp salad any day, but a basic cold lunch? No thanks. Based on my instagram story feedback, we’re not the only ones who prefer a hot lunch.

I have been packing warm lunches for them for the last year and so today I’m rounding up 20 hot lunch ideas for kids that are easy to make ahead, heat up same day and pack it up to go.

Tips for Making Hot Lunches for Kids:

Get a Thermos Funtainer. My kids use these every day. Easy to clean and they keep the food hot as needed.

Slightly overheat the food before adding it to the Thermos. I ensure the food is very hot so that even if it cools a bit, it will still be warm enough for enjoyable eating later in the day.

Make food ahead. I try to remember to make food the night before, however, even if I forget, it’s simple enough to heat up soup or air fry some chicken nuggets while packing water bottles and snacks.

Leftovers make for a great lunch. Last night, I threw some fish sticks and sweet potato fries in the air fryer for H’s dinner, but added an extra serving to wrap up and reheat in the morning for lunch. Super fast and simple!

Send condiments in separate small containers. I still use these OXO baby food containers for ketchup, barbecue sauce or maple syrup.

20 Hot Lunch Ideas for Kids

Chicken nuggets. A staple around here, I air fry them and send a container of barbecue sauce on the side.

Hot dogs. I reheat or throw in a pot in the morning, cut up and send a small container of ketchup. Don’t forget to send a plastic fork!

Soup. P’s favorite and an easy way to add some vegetables to the meal. Get the Thermos with foldable spoon, or send a plastic spoon.

Chili. Love this for cooler months. Add a little rice or quinoa and top with cheese. Another great way to sneak in some veggies too!

Wontons or dumplings. Our favorite wontons are from Costco. They heat up quickly in a pan, in the air fryer or add to broth for soup!

Fried rice w/protein and vegetables. P loves this Japanese barbecue sauce so I can get her to eat it on almost anything. Add chicken or chicken sausage for some extra protein.

Egg muffins. The best part about egg muffins is that you can customize and change up the flavors, not to mention the ability to make them ahead! We like them with ham, cheese and spinach.

Meatloaf or meatloaf muffins. H is a super picky eater, but he will always eat meatloaf or meatballs. Both make great options for hot lunch…especially since you can get some veggies in there too!

Mac and cheese. Homemade or out of a box, this is an easy one to heat up and go.

Chicken sausage. I make this a lot for dinners along with vegetables or mixed in with pasta, cacio e pepe style. Henry likes them dipped in ketchup.

Taco meat with chips for nachos. I love this idea. Just add some leftover taco meat from dinner to the thermos, top with cheese and send tortilla chips on the side for dipping!

Baked potato or sweet potato. Cubed and roasted or still in the skin, a baked sweet potato is always a good idea.

Black beans and rice. Another staple in our house. Mix black beans with mild salsa and serve over rice. Cheddar cheese melted on top or a side of Wholly Guacamole is always a crowd pleaser.

Pasta with sauce. A classic and easy to have on hand at all times.

Pasta with butter and cheese. Another staple, try orzo with Parmesean cheese and butter mixed in immediately after cooking for a stringy semi-cacio e pepe.

Pancakes, French toast sticks or waffles with breakfast sausage. Another favorite in our house. Breakfast for lunch is always fun! Pack maple syrup in a separate small container.

Pizza rolls or pizza bagels. We throw pizza rolls in the air fryer so they get nice and crispy!

Meatballs. Sometimes my kids will eat meatballs, even without the pasta! I keep a bag in the freezer and a jar of sauce in the refrigerator at all times. Sprinkle with parmesean cheese and you’re good to go.

Barbecue pulled pork or chicken. Perfect to make in the slow cooker on Sunday and have all week for hot lunches - or dinners!

Pierogis. I love the pierogis from Costco - so easy to heat up with sauteed onions and send a small container of sour cream on the side.

And, let’s not forget the snacks. When I’m packing hot lunch - or any lunch for that matter - I always include some healthy snacks and yes, a treat or two. Apple slices, strawberries (fresh or freeze-dried), grapes and banana are all great healthy additions. H has been liking the barbecue flavored Hippeas (chickpea puff snacks!).

So there you have it. Lots of hot lunch ideas for kids to get you set up for success this school year!

What would you add to this list? Add your ideas in the comments!