58 Toddler Lunch Ideas Even the Pickiest Eaters Will Love

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, make ahead

Cheesy, crispy, bite-size and dippable, What’s not to love? (Don’t forget, they’re also ready in 30 minutes.) In fact, Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth confirms that these puppies can please a crowd of grown-ups, too: “Hors d'oeuvres and toddler meals tend to have a lot in common—they're typically bite-size, relatively simple and can be eaten with your hands—so while I can't say I've tested these chicken parmesan bites with children, I can tell you they were a big hit at a party with adults who tend to eat like children!” In other words, everyone wins—just be sure to coat each one in batter as generously as possible for best results.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, high protein

To dip or not to dip? That is the question. Thankfully, the answer is easy. I highly recommend packing their lunch boxes with tartar sauce, ranch dressing, ketchup or honey mustard. Either way, SEO Editor Marissa Wu says you can’t go wrong: “I was an au pair back in the day, and I can't remember a single kid who turned down a fish stick. Even I can't turn one down! Crispy, hot and honestly, homemade is great but if you feel like doing premade frozen ones, no one will complain."

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe, <10 ingredients

"No one ever throws a fit when a quesadilla is on the menu. Easy enough that they can help me if they want and I'm not stressing about cleaning up a thousand pounds of food from the floor, and they're done in minutes, which is perfect for starving, impatient tiny hooligans and their attention spans." says Wu. So why not save time by making one big quesadilla and cutting it into manageable squares? (Bonus points if you sneak in a veggie or two.) Pack sour cream and salsa in their lunch box for dipping.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, make ahead, gluten free

Wu is a big fan of this one, too: “I love veggie sushi (or regular sushi, if your kid's adventurous) since everything's already in bite-sized chunks, and chances are they'll satisfy hungry people of all ages, so you don't have to cook kid food and then something more edible for yourself." And even though you might be prepping this toddler lunch idea for your kid, I won't tell if you sneak a few for yourself, because they're honestly almost as good as your local takeout spot. Ultimately, though, this is just practice for when your kid graduates to the real thing. (OK, maybe they’ll start with California rolls).

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser

“My kids couldn’t tell the difference between them and their usual go-to Dino nuggets, and I loved that they were made entirely from ingredients whose names I could pronounce,” says Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint, Editor-in-Chief. They might not be shaped like dinosaurs, but this homemade toddler lunch idea is just as easy to make as the frozen ones and taste a lot better, too. The quinoa breading is crispy, the chicken is moist and they’re begging to be dipped in barbecue sauce. Freeze the leftovers...if there are any.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, <10 ingredients

God forbid the PB&B rollups touch the celery, right? These snack boxes let you meal prep—and give kids plenty of options to choose from. “I tend to halve bananas, so they're not as thick, before slicing them into coins. Peanut butter and banana is a classic combination, though my kids love Sun Butter just as much, which makes this safe to send to daycare,” says Candace Davison, vice president of editorial content. 

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, low sugar, vegetarian

I'm not saying you should lie, but if you don’t tell ’em there’s broccoli in there, they won’t know. If you want to add some protein that you know they'll eat, sneak in some grilled chicken or try blending tofu into the sauce.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, one bowl, beginner-friendly

They’re made with whole wheat flour for a boost of nutrition. Add veggies or any other toppings you know your picky eater will tolerate. Want to make them ahead? They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, make ahead

Whoever came up with “don’t play with your food” had never eaten one of these sandwiches. With a fun game in their lunch box, I know your toddler will be asking for these babies again and again.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, gluten free

Salty ham and savory cheese are always a winning combo, and the ability to eat their lunch with their fingers is a major plus too. This works for those looking for gluten-free recipes, too, because sweet potatoes are used in lieu of noodles.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, gluten free

Pancakes for lunch? Listen, it’s all about choosing your battles. These contain no added sugar and are high in protein and fiber. Bonus points from your toddler if you add chocolate chips...they'll be bragging to their lunch buddies at daycare in no time.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser

This high-protein recipe is quick to make, filling and healthy to boot. You can swap the fillings for whatever your kid likes best (bacon? sausage? tomatoes?). Freeze the leftovers for a future breakfast or lunch. “Skip the salsa if your kids are wary of spice,” Davison suggests.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

It’s not that much more effort than the kind from a can, and you have the added benefit of knowing what it’s made of. The crispy, tangy Manchego cheese topping brings the flavor up a few dozen notches.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, high protein

Easy on the chiles, heavy on the cheese—just how your picky eater likes it. These are filled with shredded chicken, but you can substitute another protein, like ground beef. If your toddler is super sensitive, go light on the enchilada sauce or leave it out entirely.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, make ahead

Macaroni and cheese is always a good idea, but when it comes in a portable, pre-portioned package, it’s even better for daycare. Since the leftovers store beautifully, your toddler will have lunch for a few days. “These get a little crispy on the outside but stay fairly gooey on the inside,” Davison says. “Each batch makes about four dozen bites, so there’s plenty for the whole family. I like mine drizzled with ranch—don’t judge!—or hot sauce.”

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, crowd-pleaser

Brunch for lunch? “I’m all for it,” Davison says, who swears by this Greek yogurt-based recipe as a shortcut to making bagels from scratch. “There’s no fussing with yeast and hardly any kneading, making this a fun weekend project that won’t wear you out. Serve the bagels with cream cheese or as sandwiches with soft-scrambled eggs and ham, and your kids will devour them in seconds—promise.”

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, make ahead, crowd pleaser

What’s the secret to getting your kid to eat romaine? Toss it with lots of fun, ruffly noodles and a bunch of bacon, of course. If you're making it ahead of time, store it in the fridge for a few days and add the dressing when you're ready to serve.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, make ahead

Kiddo hates turkey? Swap in ham or chicken. No-go on the spinach? Skip it. This easy toddler lunch idea is endlessly adaptable for your picky eater. Choose whatever produce they like and serve with something crunchy, like carrot sticks or potato chips.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, high protein, beginner-friendly

Good news: Crispy cauliflower looks a lot like chicken nuggets. Start ’em on taco Tuesday early and garnish with whatever toppings they like. Maybe leave out the jalapeño slices, unless your picky eater is feeling particularly daring.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: ready in <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, high protein

They’re even easier than the ones you buy in the freezer section. Don’t have an air fryer? Just bake them in your oven. Easy as that.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, beginner-friendly

Cute? Check. Fun to eat? Check. Endlessly customizable? You bet. Your kid may start to think all sandwiches should be served on a stick. The recipe calls for Havarti and gouda, but you can change up the toppings based on your toddler's preferences.

• Time Commitment: 23 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients

If soppressata feels too fancy for your toddler’s tastes, try pepperoni. Not into pecorino? Mozz works well too. You’re essentially making pizza roll-ups, so what’s not to love? 

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, high protein, beginner-friendly

Since every meal can’t possibly be smothered in cheese sauce (believe me, I’ve tried), this one has a secret: It’s made with butternut squash instead. If you aren't used to making caramelized onions, remember: Keep the heat low and be patient.

• Time Commitment: 55 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, make ahead

Wanna know a secret? There’s zero frying involved in making these better-for-you tenders. The panko breadcrumb crust and turning the tenders halfway through baking guarantees a crisp, even exterior.

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly

If your picky eater won't eat veggies and rice, these "sushi" rolls might win them over. Two of any kid's favorite food groups (peanut butter and apples, of course) come together here in one fun-to-eat package.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, beginner-friendly

Further proof that breakfast doesn’t have to be limited to the early a.m. hours. These ham and cheese quesadillas only take 30 minutes to make, and they even have a little broccoli snuck in there for good measure. They can also be kept in the fridge for up to three days.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, vegetarian

Broccoli sneaks its way in again, this time in a kid-friendly (and healthy-ish) spin on grilled cheese. If your family is gluten-free, sub wheat-free bread. Either way, serve it with a little travel container of tomato soup on the side.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, dairy free, low sugar

Because even your 3-year-old isn’t immune to the appeal of corkscrew-shaped pasta. This Tex-Mex inspired dish is already full of plant-based protein and healthy fats, but if you want to add additional veggies or meat, you totally can.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: make ahead, gluten free, vegetarian

Swap the traditional crust with a kid- and parent-approved potato exterior. (Psst: You could even use sweet potatoes if you want.) If you're looking for something nut-free, swap the almond milk for dairy or another milk alternative.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, make ahead

Matchstick carrots, seedless grapes and a small side of naan turn this easy chickpea salad into a full meal. This recipe makes four lunches at once, so whip this up on a Sunday and you'll be set for most of the week.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser, make ahead

Worried about the spice level? There’s just one teaspoon of chili powder in this recipe. And if you're looking to make the recipe leaner, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, gluten free

Your toddler won’t know it, but these pack their lunch boxes with protein, healthy fats and plenty of veggies. You'll know the cups are cooked when they're brown and crispy on the outside. The cheddar cheese is optional but encouraged.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, vegetarian, high protein

Just like grandma’s…except with a sneaky serving of cauliflower. Unlike many dishes that showcase the cruciferous veggie, the popular veggie doesn't replace the carbs here, but simply augments the recipe. I'm betting your kid will be down with that.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

Plain noodles with Parm? Your kid has good taste, and I promise this recipe comes with more flavor than the plain picky-eater classic. This pasta is ready in less than 15 minutes, so it’s ideal for busy weekdays. You're more than welcome to add proteins and vegetables your toddler will like.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian

Beans and cheese stuffed into pint-size wonton wrappers make for a delicious midday meal, so delicious that you might sneak one for yourself. They're the optimal finger food, and super dippable, so they're bound to become a staple in your household.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, high protein

I’ve found your new mantra: Peas, penne and Parmesan. Feel free to swap the classic pork sausage for chicken or even something plant-based, if you're craving a change.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <500 calories, low sugar

A slightly sweet sauce and slurpable noodles are the key to expanding your kid’s palate. I suggest packing their lunch box with some of that leftover sesame sauce, and maybe a spare serving of crunchy sesame seeds, too.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

Will they believe you if you tell them it’s hot dogs? (It won’t matter…they’ll devour the carrot-filled bites before they realize a thing.) The recipe suggests serving them with green goddess dressing, but swap in a different dip if that's too adventurous for your toddler. While the carrots get tender as you roast them, err on the side of caution and ensure they’re chopped thin enough so they’re not a choking hazard.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: ready in <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

The trick to easy homemade pizza? Use flour tortillas for the crust. “Damn Delicious’s hack of using a vegetable can to trim the tortillas to the perfect size is brilliant,” Davison says. “This is also a fun meal to prep with older toddlers and preschoolers, letting them choose the toppings, though I’ll be honest: My kids typically just want cheese or mini pepperoni, no matter what.”

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, low sugar, beginner-friendly

If a salad and a chicken nugget had a baby. While frying is involved, each nugget only needs to sit in the oil for about 6 minutes, or until golden brown. If the suggested lemon-pepper aioli isn’t up your kid’s alley, just skip it.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, make ahead, gluten free

Junior might not eat the bell pepper boat, but he’ll gobble up what’s inside: a creamy, yogurt-y chicken salad, packed with hidden vegetables (particularly if they’re very finely chopped). Each batch yields an impressive amount of filling, so you'll have leftovers for the week.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: gluten free, beginner-friendly, vegetarian

Aside from being tasty, these potato “toasts” are great for gluten-sensitive tots. All that's missing is her favorite dip. Get creative and use anything from avocado to mashed peas to modestly spiced black beans.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, <30 minutes, make ahead

So, the spaghetti and meatballs you lovingly made last night went untouched. No worries: Repurpose the leftovers into a frittata, cut it into kid-size slices and watch this toddler lunch idea disappear. Include vegetables, additional protein—whatever you want.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, low sugar, high protein

Admit it: Your child could live entirely on things marketed as nuggets. While you can deep fry them, you can also bake them in the oven for less messy preparation and lighter results.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, high protein

Here’s proof that you don’t always need to hide the veggies in order for your toddler to eat them. Using Banza chickpea pasta adds protein and keeps the dish gluten-free, but I won't tell if you substitute regular pasta.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, vegetarian

She’ll love that it looks like confetti, you’ll love that it takes only 20 minutes to whip up. Plus, all those veggies will make you feel better about the fact that your toddler has been living on chicken nuggets for two weeks.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, low sugar, vegetarian

Who needs French fries when you can have sweet potato fritters? Make them even more toddler-friendly by scaling down the size. Serve with apple sauce for a fruity, nutrient-packed dip.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly, no cook

Presenting the failsafe ingredient that will make your kid want to eat anything: cream cheese. If your picky eater won't eat bell peppers, swap them for olives, corn, green onions or canned green chiles.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian

With whole grains, protein and veggies, these cheesy rice muffins are a complete package. Add them with some sliced fruit, chef’s toddler’s choice, to the lunch box. When you reheat the leftovers, sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top before popping them in the oven.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, high protein

Soft, salty and just sweet enough. Serve ’em with jam for dipping or a side of sliced green apples, cheese or pears. If your toddler's daycare is nut-free, stuff them with sunflower butter instead.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, <30 minutes, vegetarian

Prep these greens-filled egg bites ahead on the weekend and reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave just before serving. (Before you ask, you can totally swap the veggies and cheese for your kid’s favorites.)

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, low sugar

If your toddler is adventurous, serve these fritters with the slightly spicy elote dip. If not, skip it in favor of—dare I say it?—ketchup. And if you're feeling bold, add spinach to the fritters.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, <30 minutes

Chopping up the herbs into ultra-fine bits is a great way to expose your tot to new flavors without the texture sparking a tantrum. Just be sure the pan is smoking hot when you place the salmon cakes so they turn out crispy, not soggy.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly

Whether you’re 2 or 102, it’s simply impossible to say no to pizza. (Ditto for a toddler lunch idea that’s ready in 25 minutes.) Even though pre-made sauce is perfectly acceptable, if you make your own, you can sneak in extra veggies!

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, high protein

These mini versions of your favorite sandwich are adorable, full of protein and packed with flavor. Leave out whatever ingredients your picky eater won't like, and add whatever you think they would benefit from. The recipe yields 12, so get ready for leftovers.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, high protein

Secure a quality Thermos to pack this soul-soother in your toddler's lunch box. With grains, proteins and vegetables, this soup makes for a quality meal. Just know all the daycare parents will be asking you for the recipe later.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, kid-friendly, vegetarian, one pan

This tasty spin on a classic childhood favorite makes for a tasty toddler lunch idea that can be easily zhuzhed up with fresh fruit or veggies. You can even add Nutella or Fluff to the sammy, if you really want to win over that picky eater of yours.

• Time Commitment: 7-9 hours
• Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, make ahead

It’s your go-to at Panera; why not make it at home? That way you can customize it to your family’s preferences. “The creaminess of the soup gets my daughter to eat veggies she’d normally avoid—like onions and celery—especially if I chop them up finely,” Davison says, adding that she’s often added a cup of frozen corn to the mix as well. Pour some into a Thermos and it’s ready to go at lunch time.