Feeding toddlers and kids can be both a joy and a challenge. Their growing bodies need nutritious meals, but their sometimes-picky tastes make it tough to find options they’ll actually eat. As a parent, I get it. After plenty of trial and error, I’ve put together 10 of my toddler’s favorite lunch box meals that blend Western and Asian influences. Why 10? It’s the perfect number for a two-week lunch rotation: enough variety to keep things interesting.
These lunch box ideas work well for toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged kids, and even adults! Simply increase the portion sizes to match your needs.
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1. Mini Pizzas
Mini pizzas are always a hit and a great way to sneak in veggies. Customize the toppings based on what your kids love and what’s available in your fridge.
BBQ Chicken Mini Pizza
- Use half an English muffin or burger bun as the base.
- Top with BBQ sauce, shredded mozzarella or cheddar, sliced mushrooms, onions, and cooked chicken.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Lunch Box Pairings: Fresh fruit, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini fries with yogurt dip. You can bake the zucchini fries along with the mini pizzas.
2. Mini Sandwiches
Little sandwiches are perfect for little hands and can be filled with just about anything:
- Cream Cheese & Jam: Spread cream cheese and low-sugar jam on bread, then cut into fun shapes.
- Mascarpone & Strawberry: Spread mascarpone cheese, top with fresh strawberry slices, and cut into strips.
- Meat & Cheese: Layer turkey slices, cheddar or Havarti, and thin apple slices for a savory-sweet combo.
Lunch Box Pairings: Fresh veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, tomatoes with hummus dip, and fresh fruit.
3. Spaghetti & Meatballs
Spaghetti with mini meatballs is a fun, filling lunch for all ages.
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti and meatballs in boiling water until pasta is al dente, then drain.
- Add olive oil and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add marinara sauce, meatballs and mushrooms if using and cook until sauce is on low boil. Add pasta, season and then turn off heat.
Lunch Box Pairings: Seasonal veggies (e.g., cucumber, tomato, steamed broccoli, cauliflower), or zucchini fries along with yogurt dip, and fresh fruit.
4. Chicken Nuggets and Fingers
A classic favorite, chicken nuggets and chicken fingers make excellent finger food. Bake your own or use high-quality frozen ones. Try this baked chicken nuggets recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen or baked chicken tenders recipe from recipetineats.
Lunch Box Pairings: Seasonal veggies with yogurt dip, and fresh fruit.
5. Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri)
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are an easy-to-hold lunch option. Mix cooked rice with finely chopped veggies like carrots, peas, and corn, and add protein such as canned tuna or salmon.
For step-by-step instructions, check out this onigiri recipe from Just One Cookbook.
Lunch Box Pairings: Pair onigiri with avocado and fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
6. Japanese Hand Roll (Temaki Sushi)
Create a fun, DIY sushi experience with temaki hand rolls. Let your kids choose their fillings, such as avocado, cucumber, imitation crab, omelet strips, teriyaki chicken, or shrimp, and roll them in seaweed sheets.
For step-by-step instructions, check out this temaki sushi recipe from Just One Cookbook.
Bento Box Pairings: Serve with seasonal veggies, yogurt dip, and fresh fruit.
7. Dumplings
Dumplings are a delicious, versatile finger food. You can make a batch at home and freeze them, or buy high-quality pre-made dumplings from the store. Check out this homemade Chinese dumplings recipe from recipetineats.
Lunch Box Pairings: Serve with fresh fruit and veggies for a complete meal.
8. Stir-Fry Noodles
Whip up tasty stir-fry noodles with vegetables and protein in just 15 minutes. Yakisoba or udon noodles work perfectly for this dish.
Instructions
I recommend ¼ cup serving of noodles for toddlers and ½ cup serving for kids, with an equal amount of protein and veggies. Make more if you’d like to have some for lunch too.
- Cook noodles and veggies (like bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, cabbage, and peas) in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan. Stir-fry your protein (chicken, beef, or tofu) for 5 minutes or until cooked.
- Add noodles and veggies, then season with soy sauce (start with ~½ tablespoon) and oyster sauce (start with ~½ tablespoon).
Lunch Box Pairings: Serve with fresh fruit and/or guacamole and crackers.
9. Fried Rice
Fried rice is a quick, versatile meal option, especially if you have leftover rice.
Instructions:
I recommend ¼ cup serving of rice for toddlers and ½ cup serving for kids, with an equal amount of protein and veggies. Make more if you’d like some for lunch too.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic (1 clove) and cook for 1 minute.
- Add your protein and veggies (like peas, corn, carrots, and mushrooms) and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in leftover rice and an egg (optional), and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with soy sauce (start with ~½ tablespoon) and adjust to taste.
Bento Box Pairings: Cucumber slices, avocado, and fresh fruit provide a refreshing balance.
10. Vietnamese Pan-Fried Pork Patties
These flavorful pork patties are a great protein source for your little ones. Check out this Vietnamese pork patties recipe from Vicky Pham.
Bento Box Pairings: Serve with seasonal veggies and fresh fruit.
Notes
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to switch out ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
- Prep Ahead: Spend some time on the weekend prepping ingredients for easier lunches. Chop enough veggies and fruits for 2-3 days, so you only need to do it twice a week.
- Batch Cooking: Batch cook meatballs, chicken fingers, dumplings, and pork patties to freeze for later. That way, you only need to prepare them once every month or two!
With these 10 easy bento box lunch ideas, you can keep your kids’ meals exciting, nutritious, and full of variety. The mix of Western and Asian flavors ensures your kids won’t get bored with lunch. Try them out and see which ones your kids love the most!
Don’t forget to add your bento box lunches to your weekly meal plan so you can prepare ahead of time. Check out my meal planning tips and templates here.
Leave a Comment
Have you tried any of these lunch ideas for your little one? I’d love to hear which ones were a hit or how you’ve customized them to fit your child’s tastes! Share your favorite lunch boxes or ask questions about any of the recipes.
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