Be that fun mom by wowing your kids these quick and easy nut free healthy lunch ideas like bagel pizzas, SunButter banana “quesadillas” and pancake sandwiches.
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 certainty don’t!
You can still be that fun mom by wowing your kids at lunch time with these easy and quick bagel pizzas, 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
1 — Pizza Bagels
These homemade pizza bagels are so easy to whip up since you can even bake them in a toaster oven. Get creative with the toppings! For the pickier eaters, slip in a veggie or two.
The best part? Kids can enjoy topping their own pizzas!
Just make sure that they don’t snatch and eat all of the cheese before it can go on the pizzas. That’s why I always have to keep an eye on my 18-month old.
We used pre-made pizza sauce, but you can easily make your own white pizza sauce if you’re feeling fancy.
Another easy lunch idea that is popular is an English muffin pizza.
2 — SunButter Banana Quesadilla: Peanut Butter Alternative
Nut allergies are serious. Many schools and daycare do not allow nuts (especially peanuts) on campus. Thankfully, there’s an alternative!
According to my 4-year old taste tester, SunButter tastes just like peanut butter. He’s got a very discriminating (rather picky) palate too!
SunButter is made from roasted sunflower seeds. It’s also free from the top 8 common food allergen: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, fish, shellfish and soy. Plus, it’s also gluten free and sesame free!
Since a standard sandwich is just a little boring, why not put it in a tortilla and throw in some sliced bananas?
Kids especially love when their lunches look fun. So you could turn the quesadilla until pinwheel roll ups. Simply roll the tortilla from the bottom up tightly. Slice them about 1 inch in width.
Other delicious peanut butter alternatives include the soy based, WowButter or the high-fiber oat based, granola butter.
3 — Pancake Sandwiches
Cold lunch ideas like these pancake sandwiches make for an easy lunch. Simply assemble them like any sandwich. But instead of your typical bread, swap it out for pancakes.
Pancakes don’t have to be smothered in syrup! Use them to creatively switch up your sandwich game.
Just try to find pre-made pancakes, a pancake mix or a homemade recipe with little to no sugar. This way, lunch doesn’t turn into a dessert.
These pancake sandwiches also get bonus points for having no crust! Most kids (or at least mine) always request their crusts off.
More Easy Lunch Recipes
For more easy lunch others, check out our other favorite recipes below —
- The Ultimate Chicken Salad — Turn this into a delicious pasta salad by adding bow tie or macaroni pasta.
- Healthy Chicken Spaghetti Bake — Because what kid doesn’t love noodles
- Leftover Meatloaf Recipes — Turn your dinner into lunch like whipping up meatloaf mac and cheese.
- Cacio e Pepe — A 4 ingredient Italian classic.
Homemade Bagel Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 plain bagel (regular sized or mini)
- 3 pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp bell peppers diced
- 1 tbsp chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp pizza sauce
- Any other toppings to your liking cooked Italian sausage, pineapple chunks, ham, etc
Nutrition
Instructions
- Open the bagels and place them face up on a baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- Add any topping you’d like.
- Sprinkle a bit more cheese to help hold the topping on.
- Place under a broiler.
- Let sit until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Then, serve.
SunButter Banana Quesadilla Recipe
Equipment
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 tortilla
- 1 tbsp jam
- 1 tbsp SunButter spread
- 1 banana optional, sliced thin
Nutrition
Instructions
- Spread the jam on one half of the tortilla.
- Spread the SunButter on the other half.
- Place the banana slices around on the SunButter.
- Fold the tortilla over and cut in half.
Pancake Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pancake medium to large homemade or pre-made
- 2 sliced deli meat ham, turkey, roast beef, etc.
- 1 sliced cheese cheddar, gruyere, etc.
- Condiments mayonnaise, mustard, etc.
Nutrition
Instructions
- Defrost and prep your pancakes if they are pre-made.
- Prepare with the fillings like a regular sandwich.
Don’t forget to share your healthy lunch ideas for kids with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! And if you’re looking for more quick and delicious recipes you can find them all right here with a few desserts to go along with them!
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!