Finding Kid-Friendly Lunches that are easy on the budget for a large family can be quite a challenge. There are many other things to make that kids will enjoy. I’ve included lots of sandwich ideas, hot lunches, and pizza-style lunches on this list to make the kids happy.
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60+ Kid-Friendly Lunches for Large Families on a Budget
Most of the Kid-friendly lunches you’ll find below are make-ahead or freezer meals. You can make them when it suits your schedule and they’ll be ready and in the freezer each day when it’s time to feed the kids lunch.
Kid-Friendly Lunches
Making a big lunch can be a challenge to fit in if you’re home with little children or homeschooling. These easy and budget-friendly lunch recipes are perfect for those busy moments when everyone is hungry and asking, “What’s for lunch?”
Sandwiches, Wraps, and Roll-ups for Kids
Sandwiches are the classic lunch. The easiest and cheapest sandwich is of course the classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches but these are for the freezer! Yep, that’s right, you can batch-make Pb&J and throw them in the freezer. Here is a recipe for Make-Ahead Homemade Uncrustables, too.
If you have the time you can make your own Slow Cooker Bread, Low-Carb Sandwich Bread, or this Freezer Bread. Now you can use your potato bread to make Kids’ Club Sandwiches or Deli Sandwiches on a Sheet Pan.
There are a few recipes for jelly or jam if you have fresh fruit and enjoy canning. These are perfect for a PB&J.
If you want to keep your low-carb diet, but still make your kids happy, try these Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken Lettuce Wraps or these fresh Low Carb Simple Sub Bowls.
Roll-ups or pinwheels are an easy lunch idea.
- Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups
- Pepperoni and Cheese Pinwheels
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Carrot Hummus Roll-up
If you’re looking for sides to add to your sandwiches, try these Air Fryer Apple Fries or Air Fryer Pita Chips and Hummus. Most kids will enjoy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese or Baked Mac and Cheese. Some kids will like steamed Carrots while others will enjoy crunchy fresh carrots sticks (see how to keep them that way in this post). Corn on the cob is usually a hit with older kids especially when you can find it cheap in the summer months.
Kid-Friendly Lunches that are Hot
You may be thinking, who has time to make a hot lunch? But these meals are easy to make and most of them are make-ahead meals that you can have ready to go in the freezer for a great kid-friendly lunch.
These Walking Tacos are so fun for the kids to help you make. What kid doesn’t love a Grilled Cheese in the Oven? Here are Toasted Sub Sheet Pan Sandwiches or Sheet Pan Reubens.
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs will be a big hit and are full of protein. Make this Easy Stromboli and keep it in the freezer.
Here are three quick taquitos.
Pizza-Style Lunch Recipes for Kids
Every kid loves pizza so of course it made the top of the list. Have fun with this Homemade Angry Birds Pizza Recipe. The kids will enjoy making Quick & Easy Pizza Boats or these English Muffin Pepperoni Pizzas. Combine two all-time favorites with this Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich or Mac and Cheese Pizza.
These Supreme Pizza Muffins and Pepperoni Pizza Muffins are perfect to make ahead and take when you have a busy day.
The last few pizza recipes are delicious Pepperoni Pizza Bagels, fun Sheet Pan Taco Pizza, and these Mini Pizza Cups which are great for a packed lunch idea.
Kid-friendly Lunches that are Classic
This section contains some excellent kid-friendly classics like Corndog Muffins and Simple Homemade Chicken Nuggets. Here are Mini Beef Pot Pies and Mini Chicken Pot Pies and these amazing Ham and Cheese Macaroni Cups for some tasty finger foods.
Lasagna Roll-Ups and Easy Sheet Pan Cheeseburger Sliders are the perfect lunch for the whole family.
Southwestern Style Kid-Friendly Lunches
20-Minute Chicken Tacos are a favorite along with these Shredded Chicken Nachos in the Instant Pot or these Sheet Pan Nachos.
Try these quesadillas and enchaladas:
- Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
- Black Bean and Beef Quesadilla
- Chicken Fajita Quesadillas
- Chicken Enchilada
Hot Pocket Lunch Ideas for Kids
Save your money and make these Pepperoni Pizza Hot-Pockets instead of buying them. There are also Cheesy Chicken and broccoli pockets. Here are Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets.
More Kid-Friendly Meals
This post is part of our Kid-Friendly Meals on a Budget Series. To find other kid-friendly meals follow the links below.
- Kid-Friendly Breakfasts for a Large Family on a Budget
- Kid-Friendly Dinners for a Larger Family on a Budget
- Kid-Friendly Snacks and Desserts for a Large Family on a Budget
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