11 Make-Ahead School Lunch Ideas to Make Mornings Less Stressful

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It feels like summer just started yesterday but believe it or not, the back-to-school season will be here in just a few short weeks. There’s a lot about the back-to-school experience that’s confusing and chaotic, so we’re desperate for ways to cut back on stress.  One of our favorite ways to do so is to plan ahead, and that means having some easy, make-ahead school lunches prepped and ready to go by Monday so school mornings aren’t quite so hectic. 

Ahead, you’ll find lots of easy-to-make school lunch ideas that you can make the night before or a few days ahead of time, so you don’t find yourself in a panicked scramble in the morning. Getting things off on the right foot for the whole family can make a big difference in your day, so stock the fridge with some of these make-ahead school lunch recipes at the beginning of the week (and don’t be afraid to take some to work for yourself, too!). 

Make-Ahead Ham & Cheese Hawaiian Sliders

These buttery ham and cheese sliders are made on fluffy, lightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, which are always a family favorite. They can be served hot or cold, so they’re perfect for lunch boxes and after-school snack time, too.

Get the recipe from Make-Ahead Meal Mom.

Chicken & Hummus Plate Lunch Meal Prep

If you have a kid who prefers for their foods to not be all mixed together, then a lunch plate like this could be the answer. Veggie sticks, chicken, cheese, fruit, and hummus make for a snackable meal that still packs in plenty of protein and other nutrients, and it’s easy to customize based on your own family’s preferences.

Get the recipe from Project Meal Plan.

5-Minute Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Leftover or store-bought chicken tenders are the star of these easy wraps. Just chop them up, coat in Buffalo sauce, then add to a tortilla wrap with lettuce, tomato, and either blue cheese or ranch dressing. If your kids can’t do spicy, try barbecue sauce instead, or leave the tenders plain and add extra ranch.

Get the recipe from Everyday Family Cooking.

Chicken Pot Hand Pies

Think of these chicken pot hand pies as savory Pop-Tarts. You can make them easily with store-bought puff pastry as the crust and a creamy pot pie filling made with rotisserie chicken for a midday comfort food meal that can be eaten hot or cold.

Get the recipe from Quiche My Grits.

Food Processor Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches

Depending on how adventurous your kids are, you can add grapes to this chicken salad, or leave them out. The chicken salad itself is easily made in the food processor, and you can serve it on its own, on croissants, wrapped in tortillas, or tucked into pitas.

Get the recipe from Project Meal Plan.

Teriyaki Chicken Cucumber Boats

This fun cucumber boat lunch recipe works just as well with homemade teriyaki chicken as it does leftovers from your favorite take-out restaurant or even a bag of frozen teriyaki chicken from Trader Joe’s. Fill cucumber boats with the cooked chicken, rice, and extra teriyaki sauce, along with some Sriracha if your kids can hand the heat. There’s no wrap to get soggy, and it’s great for kids who don’t do bread.

Get the recipe from Oh Clary.

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Crispy, cheesy chicken taquitos are just as delicious hot as they are straight from the lunch box. They make for a tasty after-school snack, too.

Get the recipe from Momma Fit Lyndsey.

Tofu Wraps

Kids who don’t eat meat can be extra difficult to make lunches for, especially if you don’t plan ahead. But these tofu wraps are simple, delicious, and nutritious. You can make them a day or two ahead of time, and don’t be afraid to experiment with adding different fillings or condiments based on your child’s likes and dislikes.

Get the recipe from Our Happy Mess.

Granola Crunch Apple-Peanut Butter Sandwich Wraps

Here’s a sweet make-ahead lunch option that still packs in plenty of nutritious. Make wraps with peanut butter (or sunflower butter, if your child is nut-free or goes to a nut-free school), crunchy apple matchsticks, your kid’s favorite granola and dried fruits, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Protein, carbs, and fiber, all in one sweet and satisfying package.

Get the recipe from Two Healthy Kitchens.

Overnight Oats

Who ever said overnight oats were only for breakfast? We love how customizable overnight oats are. You can keep things simple, and pack the overnight oats in your child’s lunch box along with their favorite toppings, from fresh fruit and granola to shredded coconut and chocolate chips. You can make this recipe totally vegan, or add in yogurt for extra protein.

Get the recipe from Homemade Mastery.

Tacos for lunch? Kids will love ’em! When boneless, skinless chicken cooks all night long with green chilies, salsa and seasonings, the result is tender, mouth-watering chicken that’s perfect for taco filling. In the morning, just build the taco and pack it up. Or, for older kids, you can pack the various toppings into a bento box, add some tortillas to their lunch bag, and have them create their own perfect taco at the lunch table. 

Get the recipe at Spoonful of Flavor.

Before you go, check out Ina Garten’s easy weeknight dinner recipes below: