Hot Lunch Ideas for Back to School

Summer vacation is quickly coming to an end. Every year back to school seems to happen sooner and sooner. Time to start planning ahead! Make sure your kids are starting the year on the right foot, or stomach!

Kids can’t focus when they’re hungry, so our Sunday Supper recipes this week are all about hot lunch ideas.

Collage of four hot lunch ideas with the text 'sunday supper hot lunch ideas for back to school'

Sandwiches are easy to throw into a lunch box, but they can get boring day after day. Of course, you can always send in lunch money, but how do you know all that money isn’t going for ice cream and snacks?

Get the best of both worlds by packing your kids a hot lunch! Grab a thermos and check out these tasty hot lunch ideas!

Hot lunch ideas: a pepperoni pizza with a slice of pizza pulling away

When it comes to hot lunch day at school, pizza is king. But instead of greasy cafeteria pizza pack your kids a healthier pizza with this FatHead Pizza Crust Recipe from the Wholesome Yum.

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese in a red skillet ready to eat

Nothing makes planning lunch easier than a meal cooked in one pot. This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese from our Sunday Supper Collection is easy to make, but super cheesy and delicious!

Homemade hot pockets on a white plate with salsa and sour cream

Everything is better homemade, especially hot pockets! These homemade hot pockets from Family Food on the Table are easy to customize to fit your kid’s taste!

Homemade quick spicy chicken chow mein in a white dish

While leftover Chinese food is easy to throw into a lunch box, it’s so much tastier when you make it at home! Leftovers of this Quick Spicy Chicken Chow Mein from Easy Cooking with Molly are the perfect hot lunch idea!

Thai style chicken buddha bowl meal in a bowl with sauce on top and a fork to the side

Bowls are all the rage in the foodie world, so why not bring them for a hot lunch! This Thai Style Chicken Buddha Bowl from our Sunday Supper Recipe Collection is perfect for your more adventurous eaters!

Creamy garlic shells pasta in a black bowl

Start the school year on a cheesy note with this Creamy Garlic Shells Pasta from 4 Son’s R Us.

A quesadilla cut into slices on a black plate

Instead of a boring sandwich, send a cheesy quesadilla. We love this Gluten Free Quesadilla with Cheddar and Pears from Cricket’s Confections because it uses our favorite Cabot Cheese!

Baked spaghetti cups with a chicken meatball topping on a white plate

What kid doesn’t love finger food? This recipe for a Baked Spaghetti Cup with Chicken Meatball from Easy Cooking With Molly is so fun even the pickiest eaters will gobble them right up!

Freezer English Muffin Mini Pizzas from Simple Seasonal on a baking sheet

Want to really plan ahead? How about some Freezer English Muffin Mini Pizzas from Simple Seasonal? You can stockpile them for the busy nights you don’t have time to pack lunch. The best part? This recipe is so easy the kids can make them!