Back-to-school season calls for quick, tasty, and easy-to-pack ideas that will keep lunch boxes exciting. These recipes are simple to prepare, travel well, and will bring a smile to any midday break. From wraps and sliders to cheesy bites and crispy air fryer treats, there’s something here to suit different tastes. Each idea is easy to customize so kids and adults alike can enjoy them.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This lettuce wrap, filled with chopped vegetables and tuna and topped with a drizzle of red sauce, is perfect for School Lunch or creative Lunch Box Ideas.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These fresh and light wraps are filled with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that ties everything together. The cool crunch of lettuce pairs beautifully with the warm filling. They are quick to assemble, making them a handy option for busy mornings. Pack them with a small container of dipping sauce for extra flavor at lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups

Two rolled pizza sticks with herbs and melted cheese on a white plate, next to a small bowl of marinara sauce—perfect for Back to School lunch box ideas—with extra pizza sticks in the background.
Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Pizza roll ups are an easy snack made with simple ingredients like tortillas, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. The air fryer crisps the outside while melting the cheese inside. They are quick to make and can be customized with different fillings. Pack them with a small cup of marinara for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Roll Ups

Deviled Eggs

Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These classic bites combine creamy yolk filling with a hint of tang from mustard or vinegar. The smooth texture of the filling contrasts with the firm egg white. They are easy to prepare ahead of time and keep well in the fridge. A sprinkle of paprika adds color and flavor before packing.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Plate of chicken nuggets on a wooden serving board.
Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Made with just chicken and a simple coating, these nuggets are quick and easy to prepare. They cook up golden on the outside while staying tender inside. They’re a hit with kids and great for dipping. Pack with ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard.
Get the Recipe: Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Carne Asada Quesadilla

A closeup shot of a carne asada quesadilla topped with cilantro and sour cream.
Carne Asada Quesadilla. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Juicy carne asada is paired with melted cheese inside a golden-brown tortilla. The filling is flavorful and satisfying. You can add grilled vegetables for extra taste. Cut into small portions to fit in the lunch box.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Quesadilla

BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

A stack of pulled pork grilled cheese on a plate.
BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This sandwich layers tender pulled pork with melted cheese and sweet caramelized onions. The BBQ sauce adds a tangy depth that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese. Grilled to golden brown, the bread has a crisp texture. It’s a warm and hearty choice that still tastes great at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A tortilla filled with cheese is cooked in the air fryer until the outside is crispy and the inside is melty. It’s a quick lunch idea that works with almost any filling. Add beans, chicken, or vegetables for more variety. Slice into wedges for easy eating.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Turkey Egg and Cheese Sandwich

Side view of turkey egg and cheese sandwich on a white plate.
Turkey Egg and Cheese Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This breakfast-style sandwich layers turkey, egg, and cheese between bread or an English muffin. The warm egg and melted cheese make it hearty. Add mustard, mayo, or hot sauce for extra flavor. It’s a versatile option that works for lunch just as well as breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Egg and Cheese Sandwich

Turkey Roll Ups

A plate of turkey wraps with tomatoes and lettuce.
Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Thin slices of turkey are layered with cheese and vegetables before being rolled into bite-sized pieces. They are simple to make and fit neatly into a lunch box. A light spread like cream cheese or hummus can add extra flavor. They pair well with fruit or veggie sticks.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Chicken Fajita Sliders

Slider on a blue plate with rice.
Chicken Fajita Sliders. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Mini buns are filled with seasoned chicken, peppers, and onions for a fun lunch box option. The melted cheese helps hold everything together. These sliders are just the right size for kids or smaller appetites. Wrap them individually for easy packing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Sliders

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

A pulled pork grilled cheese sandwich on a slate plate.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This sandwich combines tender pulled pork with gooey melted cheese between crisp slices of bread. The mix of textures makes it especially satisfying. You can use any bread you like for a twist. It’s still tasty even if eaten at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Easy Burrito

Someone stacking veggie burritos.
Easy Burrito. Photo credit: .

A soft tortilla wraps around seasoned meat, beans, and cheese in this satisfying lunch. You can add rice, salsa, or vegetables for extra flavor. Everything is rolled together into a handheld meal that’s easy to eat. Wrap in foil to keep warm until lunchtime.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

An egg and cucumber sandwich with pepper jack cheese, spring mix, and dill sauce is shown on a white plate over a rustic wooden cutting board.
Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Soft egg slices pair with crisp cucumber in these simple sandwiches. The combination is refreshing and light. A spread like mayonnaise or cream cheese adds creaminess. Cut into small triangles for easy lunch box packing.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Shredded vegetables are mixed with a light batter and pan-fried until crispy. The inside stays tender while the outside has a golden crunch. They’re a flavorful way to add variety to the lunch box. Pack with a small container of dipping sauce for extra taste.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bite-sized pieces of chicken are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. They stay juicy and flavorful, even after cooling. The recipe comes together quickly in a single pan. Add them to a lunch box with rice or bread to soak up the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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