Nut Free Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids
Be that fun mom by wowing your kids these quick and easy nut free healthy lunch ideas like Pizza Bagels, SunButter Banana Quesadillas, and Pancake Sandwich.
There’s an urban legend going around. Apparently, there’s such a thing as a “fun mom.” They take unexpected trips to the park, zoo, or library. They bake cookies for their kids in the kitchen, even though they know that it will turn into a big mess.
Wrecking the living room on the regular to build blanket forts? No problem! Fun moms also turn on the backyard hose to make mud pies. We all aspire to be that fun mom. But who always has all that time? I, Rebecca certainly don’t!
You can still be that fun mom by wowing your kids at lunch time with these easy and quick Pizza Bagels, SunButter Banana Quesadillas and Pancake Sandwiches.
Plus, they’re all nut free, which makes them lunch-box approved for school or daycare! So throw a few fruits, veggies or hard boiled eggs on the side. Then, add a surprise DIY lunch box note. And you’ve got a complete healthy school lunch (that adults and kids love)!
Easy Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids: Pizza Bagels
These Pizza Bagels are a kid-approved favorite and quick to whip up. Making homemade Pizza Bagels is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the ingredients for a healthier twist on a classic lunch option. So slip in a veggie or two. They’re also a great healthy nut free lunch idea for school, since you (or you kids) can easily customize the toppings while keeping them allergy-friendly. Whether packed in a lunchbox or served warm after school, these easy Pizza Bagels are always a hit with kids and parents alike.
Ingredients
- Plain bagel (regular sized or mini): Use your favorite plain bagels as the base. Mini bagels are great for lunchboxes and portion control, while full-sized bagels make a heartier meal. Another easy lunch idea that’s just as popular? Swap the bagel for an English muffin to make English muffin pizzas instead.
- Pizza sauce: We used store-bought red pizza sauce to save time, but marinara works just as well. For something different, try our white pizza sauce recipe recipe for a fun twist on classic homemade pizza bagels.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices: Choose turkey pepperoni if you prefer a lighter option.
- Diced bell peppers: Bell peppers add color, crunch, and extra nutrients. Finely dice them if serving picky eaters.
- Chopped tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add brightness and balance to the cheese and sauce. Be sure to remove excess moisture to prevent soggy bagels.
- Optional toppings: Cooked Italian sausage, pineapple chunks, ham, mushrooms, olives, cooked chicken, etc.
How to make pizza bagels:
Step 1 — Preheat the broiler.
Turn your oven to broil and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2 — Prepare the bagel.
Slice the bagel in half and place both halves face up on the baking sheet.
Step 3 — Add the sauce.
Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over each bagel half.
Step 4 — Add cheese.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Step 5 — Add toppings.
Top with pepperoni, diced bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, and any other toppings you like.
Step 6 — Finish with more cheese.
Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top to help hold the toppings in place.
Step 7 — Broil.
Place under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Let cool slightly before serving. These homemade Pizza Bagels are easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy families looking for simple, nut-free meal ideas.
SunButter Banana Quesadilla: Peanut Butter Alternative
This SunButter Banana Quesadilla is a fun, kid-approved twist on a classic sandwich and a perfect healthy nut-free lunch idea for school or daycare. Made with sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, it’s safe for nut-free campuses and still delivers that creamy, delicious flavor kids love.
According to my 4-year-old taste tester (who has a very discriminating aka picky palate), SunButter tastes just like peanut butter! It’s made from roasted sunflower seeds and is free from the top 8 common food allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, fish, shellfish, and soy. It’s also gluten-free and
You could turn the also turn the quesadilla until pinwheel roll ups. Simply roll the tortilla from the bottom up tightly. Slice them about 1 inch in width.
Ingredients
- Tortilla: Flour or gluten-free or use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber. Warm the tortilla for 10–15 seconds in the microwave before spreading to prevent cracking.
- Jam: Strawberry or grape work great
- SunButter sunflower seed spread: For extra protein, slightly increase the SunButter. Other delicious peanut butter alternatives include the soy based, WowButter or the high-fiber oat based, granola butter.
- Banana: Thinly sliced (optional but recommended)
Instructions
Step 1 — Spread the fillings.
Lay the tortilla flat. Spread the jam evenly over one half of the tortilla.
Step 2 — Add SunButter.
Spread the SunButter on the other half of the tortilla.
Step 3 — Add banana slices.
Place thinly sliced bananas over the SunButter side.
Step 4 — Fold and slice.
Fold the tortilla in half to create a quesadilla. Cut in half and serve.
Optional: Make Pinwheel Roll-Ups
Want to make lunch more fun? Kids love food that looks different! Instead of folding:
- Roll the tortilla tightly from the bottom up.
- Slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Secure with toothpicks if needed (remove before packing for younger kids).
These pinwheel roll-ups are perfect for lunchboxes and snack trays.
Pancake Sandwiches
Looking for creative cold lunch ideas that aren’t just another plain sandwich? These easy Pancake Sandwiches for lunch are a fun twist that kids absolutely love. Simply assemble them like any traditional sandwich. BUT instead of bread, use pancakes!
Pancakes don’t have to be smothered in syrup to be delicious. In fact, they make the perfect soft, crust-free “bread” for a sweet-and-savory pancake sandwich recipe that works great for school lunches or quick weekday meals.
For a healthier option, try to find pre-made pancakes, a pancake mix, or a homemade pancake recipe with little to no added sugar. This keeps the meal balanced so lunch doesn’t turn into dessert.
Bonus: These pancake sandwiches get extra points for having no crust. Most kids (at least ours!) always ask for the crusts cut off anyway.
Ingredients
- Homemade or premade medium to large pancake: Use whole wheat or protein pancakes for added nutrition.
- Deli meat: Ham, turkey, roast beef, etc.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Gruyère, provolone, etc.
- Condiments: Mayonnaise, mustard, or your favorite spread
- Optional: Add lettuce or thinly sliced tomatoes for extra crunch.
Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the pancakes.
If using frozen or pre-made pancakes, defrost completely and pat dry if needed.
Step 2 — Assemble the sandwich.
Lay one pancake flat. Add deli meat, cheese, and your preferred condiments.
Step 3 — Top and serve.
Place a second pancake on top (if using two thinner pancakes) or fold a larger pancake in half. Slice in half and pack for lunch.
More Easy Lunch Recipes
Looking for more easy lunch recipes and creative ways to switch up your weekly meal plan? Try a few of our family favorites below (perfect for school lunches, work-from-home meals, or simple next-day leftovers).
- Ultimate Chicken Salad: A classic, protein-packed option that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or crackers. Want to stretch it even further? Turn it into a hearty pasta salad by mixing in cooked bow tie or macaroni pasta for an easy make-ahead lunch.
- Healthy Chicken Spaghetti Bake: Because what kid doesn’t love noodles? This lighter chicken spaghetti bake is creamy, comforting, and great for packing in a thermos for warm school lunches.
- Leftover Meatloaf Recipes: Transform last night’s dinner into today’s lunch. Slice it for sandwiches or chop it up and make meatloaf mac and cheese for a creative, kid-friendly twist.
- Cacio e Pepe: This 4-ingredient Italian classic is simple, flavorful, and surprisingly lunchbox-friendly. Pair it with fruit and veggies for a balanced, easy meal.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 plain bagel
- 2 tbsp pizza sauce
- 3 pepperoni slices
- 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp bell peppers diced, optional
- 1 tbsp chopped tomatoes optional
- Any other toppings to your liking cooked Italian sausage, pineapple chunks, ham, etc
Instructions
- Turn your oven to broil and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the bagel in half and place both halves face up on the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Top with pepperoni, diced bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, and any other toppings you like
- Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top to help hold the toppings in place.
- Place under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Watch closely to prevent burning. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
Equipment
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 tortilla
- 1 tbsp SunButter sunflower seed butter spread
- 1 tbsp jam
- 1 banana thinly sliced
Instructions
- Lay the tortilla flat. Spread the jam evenly over one half of the tortilla.
- Spread the SunButter on the other half.
- Place thinly sliced bananas over the SunButter side.
- Fold the tortilla in half to create a quesadilla. Cut in half and serve.
Nutrition
Equipment
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 pancake medium to large homemade or pre-made
- 2 sliced deli meat ham, turkey, roast beef, etc.
- 1 sliced cheese cheddar, gruyère, provolone, etc.
- Condiments mayonnaise, mustard, etc.
Instructions
- Prepare your pancakes. If using frozen or pre-made pancakes, defrost completely and pat dry if needed.
- Lay one pancake flat. Add deli meat, cheese, and your preferred condiments.
- Place a second pancake on top (if using two thinner pancakes) or fold a larger pancake in half. Slice in half and pack for lunch.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe? Share your Bagel Pizza, Sunbutter Banana Quesadilla, and Pancake Sandwich with us on Instagram, using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them all right here!
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Perfect and easy lunch box ideas for any classroom.
Thanks, Becky!
I’m also on the hunt for great toddler lunch ideas and these are fully 3 year old (and mom) approved!
And school approved too!
I love these ideas!! Can’t wait to make them for summer picnics and School lunches in the fall!
Thanks, Chelsea! We thought it would be a perfect time for this post with the kids out of school and at home!
There are some great ideas here! It gives kids some variety while being mindful of children around them.
Thanks, April! We are definitely trying to be more mindful of food allergies, especially since it seems like there are so many kids with them now!
So many great ideas! Love how creative and fun they are!
Thanks, Erin! We had fun writing this!