School supplies? Check! New backpack? Check! First-day outfit? Check!
You’re all ready to send your kiddos back to school – but what will you put in their brand-new lunchbox? We’ve got ten great options to make their lunch anything but boring. In fact, you might find some lunchtime inspiration for yourself, too.
Traditional Sandwiches: These are a classic for a reason, but what really makes them shine is high-quality ingredients. Using Hempler’s ham or our Artisan Chicken Roast will make your sandwich an automatic hit; pair it with their fave cheese for a sandwich they won’t want to trade with their friends. Change up the bread to make it truly unique.
Cobb Salad: Think your child won’t eat salad? Then introduce them to the classic cobb. Who can resist piles of cheese, boiled eggs, avocado, and Hempler’s bacon? If your child is really salad-averse, package all the components separately in a bento-style box and watch it disappear.
DIY Tacos: Everyone loves Taco Tuesday, and Hempler’s chorizo makes it easier than ever. Send tortillas and all the fixings with your child so they can assemble their own in the cafeteria – just like their very own Lunchable. PRO TIP: If your child won’t eat their chorizo cold, send it heated in a thermos.
Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Ham: Every child loves mac ‘n’ cheese, but it’s understandable that you probably want to add a little more protein. Whether you make a boxed variety or your own homemade recipe, mix in some diced Hempler’s ham to keep them going all afternoon. Send it heated in a thermos, or mix in an egg and bake individual portions in muffin tins at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes until they brown around the edges and hold their shape. Then toss ‘em in their lunch box for a meal everyone else will envy.
BLT: Don’t underestimate the classic BLT. Make it on regular bread or make it into a wrap. PRO TIP: Put the tomato in the middle of the sandwich to keep it from making the bread soggy.
Bacon & Cheese Quesadillas: Quesadillas are an easy go-to lunch, but adding cooked, crumbled bacon is a perfect way to put a little extra love in their lunchbox.
Bacon & Sweet Corn Salsa: Think outside the box when packing lunches. Sometimes hefty, flavorful snacks will do the trick. This salsa is both yummy and filling, and what kid wouldn’t love to open their lunch and discover that their main dish is composed of chips?
Pepperoni & Cheese Trail Mix: Speaking of getting creative, this trail mix featuring Hempler’s pepperoni is packed with enough protein to ward off the afternoon slump. You can even add nuts (if your school isn’t nut-free), seeds, and dried fruit for extra flavor, texture, and bulk. This would also make a great after-school snack to fuel your child through their afternoon sports practices.
Corn Dog Muffins: Slice up some of our franks and bake them right into boxed corn muffin mix for individualized corn dog muffins. These can also be heated and sent in a thermos to keep warm – that thermos isn’t just for soups, you know!
Ham & Cheese Pinwheels: Kids that turn their noses up at sandwiches might gobble up the same ingredients if they’re wrapped up in a tortilla and sliced into cute little rounds. Sometimes it’s less about what they’re eating and more about the presentation.
Hempler’s knows that what you feed your child matters. We want to help you fuel their bodies and minds for the long school day – and our high-quality ham, bacon, sausage, and pepperoni can help you do just that. We even offered fantastic uncured options if that’s important to you.
Here’s to sending your kids back to school and making it the best year yet!
What are your go-to lunch ideas for your kids?
