Articles | 26 April 2021
Stress free lunchbox ideas
Variety is the spice of life, though for school lunchboxes it can be a source of stress. The humble sandwich everyday sometimes just doesn’t cut it anymore, we have put together a list of our favourite lunchbox meals and snacks for some inspiration when packing the kids next meal.
Before we get onto the good stuff, it is important to think about investing in some versatile containers and utensils to help give your child variety throughout the day small containers for fruits and veggies, micro containers for sauces or dressings helps save soggy and sad salads and a thermos will allow you to pack anything from warming pastas to even icy cool yoghurt bites. For a thermos to stay warm pour boiling water into the container to rinse before packing. To stay icy cool keep in the fridge and pour cold water into to rinse, and make sure you thermos can keep foods hot and cold for 8+ hours.
LUNCHES
Butter chicken
Warming, filling and perfect for when the kids need a comforting meal on a cool day. Butter chicken and rice can be kept in a thermos to last until lunchtime. Naan bread cut into strips is also great to use a dipper for savoury dips like tzatziki and veggies.
Recipe: https://www.maxigenes.com.au/recipes/butter-chicken
Tomato soup with cheese & spinach toastie
Soup doesn’t have to be off the menu or boring, this creamy soup is delicious and we love serving with a toastie on the side to dip in. It is also a great way to get kids to have some nutritious veggies into their day.
Recipe: https://www.maxigenes.com.au/recipes/quick-easy-tomato-soup
Egg salad sandwich
Sandwiches are great to have with packing lunch, they are easy to make, transport and keep cool throughout the day. If your child is getting a little bored of the standard sandwich schedule each week this egg salad sandwich is extremely filling and flavoursome. It has the added bonus of adding much needed protein for growing bodies.
Recipe: https://www.maxigenes.com.au/recipes/egg-salad-sandwich
Frittata
There is an endless list of the different frittata’s you could make, which make them a great option to have in your weekly line up, you could try a new flavour each week! To keep the frittata warm and tasty keep in a thermos until ready to each, this pairs well with simple salad for a really filling meal.
Recipe: https://www.maxigenes.com.au/recipes/oven-baked-frittata
Mini Pizza’s
Kids can make them and pack them, making lunch time even easier. For our premade mini pizzas wrap in foil and leave in a thermos to keep warm. Fresh pizza can also be made with pita bread, pre grated cheese, pre cut toppings and sauce in a separate container. These are the perfect treat to have on a Friday!
Recipe: https://www.maxigenes.com.au/recipes/mini-pizzas
SNACKS
Choc Raspberry Bliss Balls
These little snacks are extremely morish and a great hunger buster when you need a little pick me up during the day. For schools that do not allow nut-based products you can swap the cashews for sunflower seeds instead. So delicious, you may want to make a second batch for yourself.
Recipe: https://www.maxigenes.com.au/recipes/choc-raspberry-bliss-balls
Cheesy Savoury Muffins
Muffins are super handy to have in your freezer and ready to go each week, these savoury muffins are a good option to traditionally sugar filled muffins. Perfect for school snack, after school treat or ready for extra-circular activities.
Recipe: https://www.maxigenes.com.au/recipes/cheesy-savoury-muffins
Zucchini, Carrot and Ham Slice
It can be a struggle sometimes to get your kids to eat their daily intake of vegetables, this recipe helps get them into their daily whilst being a tasty,easy snack. This slice can be kept warm in a thermos or served at room temperature, it is also a good crowd pleaser for parties and family gatherings
Recipe: https://www.maxigenes.com.au/recipes/zucchini-carrot-and-ham-slice
Apple Fritters
An old-fashioned favourite, and for good reason! These apple fritters are the perfect sweet treat to end an meal and are inexpensive to make as well. Best made with fresh season apples, these can also be made with other fruits in season such as pears, peaches and apricots.
Recipe: https://www.maxigenes.com.au/recipes/apple-fritters
Cheese & Ham Pinwheels
These pinwheels are simple to make and fun to eat for kids of any age, and well-loved even by fussy eaters. Pinwheels allow kids to pick and choose their own toppings, so they feel invested into their lunchtime meals. We think they are great snack to have on hand throughout the week.
Recipe: https://www.maxigenes.com.au/recipes/cheese-and-ham-pinwheels