A+ Lunch Ideas for Your Kindergartener
These school lunch ideas for kindergarten will get rave reviews from your 5-year-old. Whether you're packing their lunch for a full day of fun or welcoming them home from their first half-days, your little learners will gobble them up.
1/35
Cheeseburger Mini Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented these cute little muffins so I could enjoy the flavor of cheeseburgers without resorting to fast food. I often freeze a batch and reheat however many I need, including as appetizers. —Teresa Kraus, Cortez, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini muffin: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 137mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
2/35
Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know the secret to making the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich? Use more than one cheese! This recipe uses sharp, tangy cheddar and creamy, savory American cheese to make the flavors really pop in the comforting classic. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 510 calories, 32g fat (19g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 1000mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
3/35
Pizza Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
I just baked these mini pizzas and the kids are already demanding more. The no-cook pizza sauce and refrigerated dough make this meal a snap. —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 muffin cups with 2 tablespoons sauce: 209 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
4/35
Arts and Crackers
From the Recipe Creator:
A bit of fun with some cookie cutters and a tasty fruit topping transform simple cheese and crackers into a treat kids will love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cracker with cheese and topping: 42 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1/2 starch.
5/35
Open-Faced Pizza Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
A pizza version of the sloppy joe, this hot and melty open-faced sandwich is a surefire kid pleaser. Adults love it, too! —Tanya Belt, Newcomerstown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches: 280 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
6/35
Cheese Quesadillas
From the Recipe Creator:
We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 111 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
7/35
Raspberry-Banana Breakfast Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
My sweet take on breakfast tacos swaps in pancakes for the tortillas! They're so easy and absolutely delicious. Pick your choice of fruits and berries depending on what's in season. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 429 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
8/35
Fruit Skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
9/35
Peanut Butter, Apple and Raisin Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
Tart, sweet and crunchy, these open-faced sammies are a perfect after-school (or after-work) snack. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 220 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
10/35
Corn Dog Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to riff on hot dogs, so I made corn dog muffins. I added jalapenos to this kid-friendly recipe and won my husband over, too. —Becky Tarala, Palm Coast, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 216 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
11/35
Rainbow Fruit Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing will brighten up your morning more than one of these colorful and tasty toasts. —Shannon Roum, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece of toast with cream cheese (calculated without additional toppings): 172 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 324mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
12/35
Pepperoni Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
These golden brown rounds from field editor Vikki Rebholz of West Chester, Ohio, have lots of pepperoni flavor. 'They're easy to make, and really good!' says Vikki.
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 122 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
13/35
Sloppy Joe Pockets
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s easy to turn sloppy joes into hearty hot pocket snacks. I make the filling ahead and use refrigerated biscuits. I time them so they’re done baking just before kickoff. —Shelly Flye, Albion, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 pocket (calculated without cheese): 294 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 35 mg cholesterol, 909 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrate (9 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 15 g protein.
14/35
Apple and Peanut Butter Stackers
From the Recipe Creator:
The best way to get kids interested in cooking and eating right is to let them help. These apple and peanut butter "sandwiches" are one fun way to pique their interest and kitchen creativity. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 110 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
15/35
Chicken Bacon Roll-Ups
From the Recipe Creator:
My children like these roll-ups so much that they ask for them every day for lunch during the summer. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey breast, this is a delicious way to use it up. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 43 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
16/35
Butter Noodles
From the Recipe Creator:
These are the best buttered noodles ever! They are easy to make and kid-friendly, and they pair nicely with lots of main dishes. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 352 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 902mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
17/35
Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
I bake a lot of different muffins, but this is the recipe I use the most. Their small size makes them difficult to resist! —Joanne Shew Chuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 110 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
18/35
Taco Pockets
From the Recipe Creator:
We love these taco-flavored sandwiches made with crescent dough. They make a quick, easy lunch or supper with a bowl of soup or a crisp salad. I also like to cut them into smaller servings for parties. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 pocket: 393 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
19/35
Corn Dog Twists
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids will have as much fun making as they will eating these cute twists on hot dogs and buns! Set out bowls of relish, mustard and ketchup for dunkable fun. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn dog: 302 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
20/35
Ham Muffinwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I concocted this fun recipe when I was looking for something to pack for lunch. I had leftover ham but no bread, so I got creative with cornbread mix. They freeze well and are handy for an on-the-go breakfast or lunch. —Jenny Wiebe, Villa Hills, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 muffins: 186 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
21/35
Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids ask for these pita sandwiches all the time. They haven’t noticed that as good as the pitas taste, they’re good for them too.—Kim Holmes, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 324 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 lean meat.
22/35
Peanut Butter, Honey & Pear Open-Faced Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I work a 12-hour night shift at a hospital, and when I come home in the morning, I don't want to cook a big breakfast. I love these sandwiches because they're versatile; sometimes I use apples instead of pears and different cheeses, such as Brie or grated Parmesan. —L.J.Washington, Carpinteria, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 268 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
23/35
Fruit Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this fresh fruit salsa for a family baby shower. Everyone wanted the recipe. Now, someone makes this juicy snack for just about every family gathering—and I have to keep reminding everyone who introduced it! —Jessica Robinson, Indian Trail, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons salsa with 4 chips: 134 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
24/35
Mini Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a fantastic make-ahead snack, try these miniature grilled cheese sandwiches. They're nice to have in the freezer for lunch with soup or a salad. My family loves to nibble on them anytime. —Anita Curtis, Camarillo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 77 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
25/35
Peanut Butter Granola Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
I came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it's really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 60 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
26/35
French Toast Fingers
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love anything on a stick. Bite-sized French toast skewers make a fun breakfast for them to munch before heading out the door. —Mavis Diment, Marcus, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 298 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
27/35
BLT Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom and I used to make these easy wrap-ups for summer days at the lake with our entire family. These days, we love to bring them to picnics and days in the park. —Jonnah Burks, Brighton, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 409 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
28/35
Lunch Box Pizzas
From the Recipe Creator:
When you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 94 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
29/35
Mac and Cheese Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
30/35
Smiley Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
These cute smiley fries take us back—back to a time with lunch tables, food trays and tiny milk cartons. If you were a 'hot lunch kid' growing up, there's a strong possibility that you were served smiley fries like these from the cafeteria line on more than one occasion. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
6 fries: 131 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
31/35
Pepperoni Pizza Pockets
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuffed with a pizza-style filling, these special sandwiches surprise you with a burst of flavor in every bite. They were popular at our son’s birthday party, but you can be sure adults will love them too! —Robin Werner, Brush Prairie, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 pocket: 316 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
32/35
Muffin-Tin Tamale Cakes
From the Recipe Creator:
We needed snack inspiration beyond peanut butter and jelly. These muffin tamales have all of the flavor of tamales without the fuss. Pair with skewered fruit. —Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 137 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
33/35
Baked Chicken Tenders
From the Recipe Creator:
These strips are designed for kids, but tasty enough for company. The tender strips are moist and juicy and would also be great on a salad. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 194 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
34/35
Chocolate Chip, PB & Banana Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I love finding new ways to combine peanut butter, chocolate and bananas. I was shocked when my nephews (who are very picky eaters) loved these sammies. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 502 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 394mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
35/35
Turkey Ranch Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a cool idea that's ready to gobble up in no time. It's a terrific use for deli turkey. Just add lettuce, tomato, green pepper, shredded cheese and ranch dressing for a flavorful blend. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 403 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
