9 School Lunches That'll Make Your Kid The Talk of the Cafeteria

classic macaroni salad
9 Exciting School Lunches for Back to SchoolDelish

If your child is tired of getting ham and cheese sandwiches every day for lunch, we have good news. We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting lunch box recipes that you can easily whip up that your kid will actually look forward to eating. Step aside ho-hum sandwiches and Thermos soups—there are some new meal options in town.

From a copycat Crunchwrap Supreme recipe to another that offers a fun twist on a traditional sandwich (PB&J roll-ups, anyone?), here are nine school lunches that’ll make your kid the most popular when it's time to eat. You may just be tempted to make a few of these for yourself.

1. Crunchwrap Supreme

Skip the trip to Taco Bell by whipping up your own Crunchwrap Supremes at home. This mouthwatering recipe features ground beef, nacho cheese, and shredded lettuce and tastes just like the famous fast-food chain’s signature item. Don’t be surprised if your child requests this for lunch every day.

Get the recipe from Delish.

copycat crunchwrap supreme
Ethan Calabrese

2. Copycat Panera Mac & Cheese

Speaking of copycat recipes, this macaroni and cheese one is a clear winner (especially if you have a kid who enjoys this cheesy dish). It’s made with dry mustard, sharp white cheddar, and white American cheese.

Get the recipe from Delish.

copycat recipe panera bread mac and cheese
Delish

3. Ultimate Veggie Sandwich

For kids who prefer vegetables over cold cuts—try this ultimate veggie sandwich packed with cucumbers, carrots, miso eggplant, heirloom tomatoes, avocado, and more.

Get the recipe from Delish.

ultimate veggie sandwich
Andrew bui

4. Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Summer rolls are the perfect dish to pack for late-Spring lunches just as the temperatures are beginning to rise. These are made with shrimp but feel free to substitute with grilled chicken, pork, or tofu if your child isn’t a fan of shellfish.

Get the recipe from Delish.

summer rolls with peanut dipping sauce
Emily Hlavac Green - Hearst Owned

5. Antipasto Bites

Not only are these antipasto bites fun to eat, but they’re fun to make, too. These boast an assortment of tasty ingredients, including tortellini, salami, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts.

Get the recipe from Delish.

antipasto bites
Erik bernstein

6. Disney PB&J Rolls

Put a modern spin on traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by whipping up these PB&J rolls—a recipe originally from the beautiful Lamplight Lounge in Disneyland. These pair beautifully with some chocolate milk and sliced apples on the side.

Get the recipe from Delish.

disney peanut butter and jelly rolls
Delish

7. Classic Macaroni Salad

You can never go wrong with a delicious macaroni salad. This classic recipe—perfect for meal prepping—has plum tomatoes, celery, grated carrots, and sliced Kalamata olives, but feel free to throw in anything else your child may like.

Get the recipe from Delish.

classic macaroni salad
Delish

8. Big Mac Quesadillas

Even just the words “Big Mac quesadillas” are making our mouths water. This lip-smackingly good lunch dish, which requires just 15 minutes of prep time, even has a version of the McDonald’s special sauce. Yum!

Get the recipe from Delish.

big mac quesadilla
Delish

9. Taco Salad in a Jar

Packing salads in a jar is not only easy but also makes the whole “eating your veggies” thing much more fun for your kid. This recipe calls for ground beef, diced tomatoes, corn tortilla strips, and black beans, but as always feel free to tweak this foundation to appeal to your child

Get the recipe from Delish.

taco salad in a mason jar
Delish

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