Lunchbox snacks are now on the mind with school holidays having come to an end. But packing sandwiches can get boring really quick, especially knowing how picky kids can be! Let’s turn up the creativity and explore some amazingly yummy options to delight the kids. Here are our suggestions for great lunchbox snacks!

Lunchbox snacks

Mini Pizzas

Kids love pizza and it’s an all-over crowd pleaser regardless of their age. Get them involved and let them help turn out little creations of their own! Or try our recipe here:

Ingredients

• 1 packet store-bought puff pastry
• Tomato paste
• Mozzarella cheese
• A selection of pizza toppings like ham, peppers, tomatoes and cheese

Method

• Pre-heat the oven to 200°C.
• Separate the dough into smaller pieces and roll out to make flat, little pizza shapes.
• Spread tomato paste on to the shapes.
• Top off with your favourite pizza toppings. Don’t be afraid to spread the toppings all the way to the sides!
• Bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

Cheesy Corn Muffins

Looking for an easy recipe that you can freeze for up to 2 weeks? Pop one into the microwave for a delicious breakfast on the go! One of the perfect lunchbox snacks!

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 cups plain flour
• 50g butter
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 cup creamed corn
• ½ cup whole corn
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 4 rashers bacon (optional)
• 2 tomatoes (optional)

Method

• Pre-heat your oven to 180°C.
• In a large bowl, combine the whole corn, creamed corn, grated cheese and melted butter.
• In a second bowl, beat together eggs and milk. Add the sifted plain flour, baking powder and salt.
• Gently fold the contents of the two bowls together until well combined.
• Spoon the mixture into two lightly greased 12-hole muffin pans.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
• Serve warm or cold.

Jaffels

Now this is one of the great lunchbox snacks! Crustless and toasted to crispy perfection. This would be our top pick for a yummy lunchbox idea: it’s hearty, filling and completely homemade, which means you get to control what goes into it and the amount of oil used.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 1 large onion – finely chopped
• 1 medium potato, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 250ml beef stock
• 500g mince
• 7g (sachet) of Raja mild and spicy curry powder
• 1 x small tin of tomato paste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 20 slices of white or brown bread.
• Mrs Balls Chutney

Method

• Brown onion and garlic in the oil.
• Add mince and Raja curry powder, stir-fry for 5 minutes.
• Add tomato paste, potato chunks, peas and stock.
• Reduce heat and simmer slowly for about 20-25 minutes or until sauce has reduced by one third.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Spread the bread with butter and place buttered side on the jaffel pan.
• Cut off the bread edges.
• Add dollops of mince mixture on to bread and top with chutney. Place another slice of bread on top and close.
• Fry over high heat for about 5 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Lunchbox snacks, continued.

Now that we have the main attraction sorted, let’s look at some yummy snacks to include to help the kids get all through the day. As with the bready options, the snacks not only need to be kid-approved, but also balanced and healthy. Let’s aim for empty lunchboxes all year round!

Pretzels and peanut butter

Two tablespoons contain approximately 190 calories and 16 grams of fat per serving. Whilst this might sound a little excessive, it actually has many health benefits to sustain your child throughout the day. Protein helps keep you fuller for longer and the added calories mean a burst of energy! Perfect to get them up and energized for the school day!

Crackers and cheese slices

Milk is essential for building strong bones and teeth, preventing tooth cavities and bone problems later in life.

Apricot muesli slice

Muesli bars are a great option to snack on because it allows for a slow release of energy.  Wholegrain contains protein for body building, carbs for energy, fibre for a healthy digestion and essential fats, vitamins and minerals. So perfect lunchbox snacks!

What is your favourite healthy lunchbox snack? Sharing is caring so let’s hear what’s for lunch!

(As a bonus, here’s some suggestions on “buttering up” your child’s teacher!