There's nothing better than a yummy hot lunch on a cold winter's day. Sending a hot meal to school is also a way of getting a nutritious meal into your kids! Swap out the sandwich and opt for one of the below meals to warm their bellies at school or when on-the-go.
Firstly, to send hot food to school you need to ensure you have a good quality insulated food jar to keep the food hot until lunch time. Check out our range here. We love the OmieBox (pictured below) as you can send hot food next to cold food in one lunchbox!
Secondly, make sure you prep your thermal container by filling it with boiling water and letting it stand for about 5 minutes to pre-heat it and ensure the food stays hotter for longer. Heat the food up until piping hot, add to the jar and close immediately (fill the jar right up - the less air, the better it will retain the heat).
We've rounded up 10 of our favourite hot lunch ideas for kids. Click on the links below to be taken to the recipes.
1. Pasta - Superhero Pasta Sauce by Kidgredients
Pasta is always a favourite with kids, and this sauce is loaded with veggies!
Image sourced from Kidgredients
2. Noodles - Veggie Stuffed Chow Mein by Super Healthy Kids
Kids generally love noodles, and this is another one packed full of veggies. If you use veggies they like, they're more likely to eat them, especially covered in this yummy sauce!
Image sourced from Super Healthy Kids
3. Meatballs - Parmesan Chicken Basil Baked Meatballs by Kidgredients
While spaghetti and meatballs would be a great option, we also love these baked meatballs for something a little different!
Image sourced from Kidgredients
4. Stir Fry - Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry by Dinner at the Zoo
Stir fry is a quick and easy dinner meal, and it makes a great lunch too! Teriyaki flavour is one generally liked by kids, and in this recipe you can mix up the veggies to include the ones your kids like.
Image sourced from Dinner at the Zoo
5. Soup - Easy Minestrone Soup by My Fussy Eater
Soup is a great way to warm bellies and pack lots of nutrients into lunch time.
Image sourced from My Fussy Eater
6. Risotto - Creamy Tomato & Mozzarella Quinoa Risotto by Happy Veggie Kitchen
This simple recipe looks like a crowd pleaser - and there are variations depending on the ages and tastes of the kids (and adults too!). We love the inclusion of Quinoa for extra protein!
Image sourced from Happy Veggie Kitchen
7. Curry - Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala by My Fussy Eater
Mild curries like this one are nourishing, warming and filling. Butter chicken is another favourite with kids! Serve with brown rice.
Image sourced from My Fussy Eater
8. Fried Rice - Pineapple Fried Rice by Dinner at the Zoo
Fried rice is one of our son's favourites, and this recipe has the added sweetness of pineapple - yum!
Image sourced from Dinner at the Zoo
9. Stew/Casserole - Slow Cooker Chicken Vegetable Stew by Super Healthy Kids
This is an easy one to make in the slow cooker - put it on in the morning, have it for dinner and keep some aside to heat up for the next day.
Image sourced from Super Healthy Kids
10. Leftovers! This one makes packing lunches so simple - just make a little more at night and use any leftovers you have the next day. Heat them up and lunch is done - easy and nutritious!
There are so many options when it comes to hot lunches for kids. The key is to send something you know they like so they will eat it. And make sure the insulated food jar you have is good quality to ensure the food stays hot until lunch time. Oh, and don't forget to pack a spoon or fork ;)
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