School Lunch Ideas You Can Make Ahead

Packing school lunches can be a real chore when you’re having to do it day after day. For me, one of the most challenging things about it is coming up with new ideas so that they aren’t the same boring lunch each time. But with these made ahead school lunch ideas, all you need to do is grab some out of the freezer and the work is already done!

Along with saving time, having these ready to go in your freezer also saves you money as these are a fraction of the cost of store-bought convenience items. But perhaps what I like best is that because these are homemade, I know exactly what ingredients went into them.

These kid-friendly ideas go beyond your typical sandwiches and applesauce to ensure that lunches stay fun and more importantly, actually get eaten.

School Lunch Ideas You Can Make Ahead

Apple Cinnamon Energy Balls

These tasty Apple Cinnamon Energy Balls are peanut-free which makes them the perfect addition to school lunches.

Pull Apart Pizza Bombs

Adorable and delicious, these Pull Apart Pizza Bombs can be made ahead and frozen for easy packing into school lunches. Send some pizza sauce for dipping if you want.

Dill Pickle Bagel Spread

Dill Pickle Bagel Spread is so, so, so delicious. You’ll want to double or triple this because it will go quickly. Spread it on bagels, sandwiches, or use it as a dip for raw veggies.

Ham and Cheese Sliders

These make ahead Ham and Cheese Sliders are a great school lunch option. They can be frozen in single serve portions and easily tossed into lunch kits.

Sloppy Joe Bites

The same classic flavors in a bite-sized version, these Sloppy Joe Bites are a popular choice for kids. Parents like that they can be made ahead, frozen, and easily used for school lunches or after school snacks!

Ranch Chicken Bites

I love having these Ranch Chicken Bites in the freezer for adding to lunches. Put them in wraps, chicken salad sandwich buns, or pack them as a protein bite on their own with some dipping sauce.

Taco Cups

Easy to make in large batches, these Taco Cups are always a favorite with kids so they are great to keep a bunch of in the freezer.

Corn Dog Mini Muffins

These Corn Dog Mini Muffins are so cute! Once you pop one in your mouth, it’s hard not to pop in a second! It’s a good thing that the recipe makes so many. They freeze beautifully for adding into lunches or for after school snacks.

Having make ahead items ready in the freezer is even easier with the Freezer Meals 101 Club. You choose from the over 500 tried and true recipes and it generates your shopping list, prep list, and printable labels. Parenting just got easier!

Tortilla Pizza Pockets

Rather than buy the store bought version, easily make these Tortilla Pizza Pockets at home. Store them in the freezer for easy grab and go lunches.

Homemade Granola Bars

There is no comparing these freezer friendly homemade granola bars to the ones you get in the store. There is just all kinds of deliciousness in them. Customize them to your liking and keep them on hand for healthy snacks anytime.

Beef and Bean Burritos

Whether these are heated up for a midnight snack for hungry teenagers or used for lunch, these freezer Beef and Bean Burritos are great to have on hand. They are hearty and tasty!

Pizza Sliders

It’s hard to get more kid friendly than Pizza Sliders. This make ahead recipe is great for school lunches, birthday parties, or campouts.

Energy Bites

These Energy Balls are great for packing in lunches or for a healthy snack or breakfast. Make them in batches ahead and keep them in the freezer for easy grab and go bites.

Sausage Breakfast Muffins

These grab and go Sausage Breakfast Muffins are great to have in the freezer for quick breakfasts or for adding to school lunches.

More Easy School Lunch Ideas:

• Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups
• Pizza Pinwheels
• English Muffin Pizza

Lunchbox packing can be so simple when you don’t have to think of ideas because you’ve got some of these recipes ready and waiting in the freezer.