15 vegetarian school lunch ideas kids will gobble up

Have your kids stopped eating meat? Is your family just trying to cut back? One trend I’m intrigued by is eating vegetarian on the weekdays, then going omnivore Saturday through Sunday. For health, happiness and environmental reasons, more and more families are simply opting out of anything that’s not grown from the ground—and that includes two of my daughters.

With school starting back up, you may be needing some more school lunch ideas for kids that don’t include meat to keep those cute lunch boxes—and little bellies—full!

Here are our favorite ways to pack lunch boxes that are hearty, satisfying, full of protein yet vegetarian all the way through.

15 vegetarian lunch ideas for kids

1. Simplified Focaccia Bread

When we lived in Italy, we learned that focaccia bread was originally made for fishermen who needed a fast lunch that would stick with them until dinner. Olive oil not only packs a flavorful punch but adds enough (good) fats to keep fishermen full. Turns out, it works for kids at school too and this easy recipe is the best way to make it!

2. Cheddar Cheese and Apple Muffins

Think of these savory baked goods as a twist on a biscuit–one that’s packed with tart apples and creamy, salty cheddar cheese.

3. Whole-Wheat Mini Tomato Galettes

Start with pie crust (use our easy recipe or take a shortcut with something from the store) then layer on the freshly sliced tomatoes (or potatoes!), sprinkle with cheese and bake. These make-ahead lunches will be the hit of your bento boxes (Tip: measure the size of your container and adjust your galettes before baking!)

4. Spicy Black Bean Enchilada Cups

Of all the ways to eat enchiladas, I bet you’ve never thought of this one. Fold tortillas into muffin pans and fill with all the gorgeous flavors of enchiladas. If your kids aren’t into spicy, simply skip the adobe sauce and use mild enchilada sauce instead. (P.S. If you like the idea of using your muffin pan for another lunch special, try lasagna cups too.)

5. Veggie Nuggets

Served at room temp, this vegetarian spin on every kid’s favorite food is a tasty treat. Don’t forget to pack dipping sauce! (Bonus: Make a big batch and store in the freezer to simply pull out when you’re ready to pack lunches.)

6. Fruit & Nut Butter Wraps

Begin with a tortilla or wrap, then slather on a thick layer of your chosen nut butter and top with freshly sliced fruit: strawberries, peaches, blueberries… Almost any combination works deliciously.

7. Puff Pastry Pizza

Talk about a happy meal. This one combines pizza with the buttery, flaky texture of puff pastry. Add any toppings your kids love, from plain cheese to tomatoes, mushrooms, olives and more.

8. Crispy Tofu Nuggets

If you’ve got an air fryer and a vegetarian kid, these tofu nuggets are your new best dish. Their perfectly crisp texture will remind you of a popular dish served in packs of six at a restaurant that rhymes with Schmic-donalds.

9. Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

“But how do you get enough protein?” For every parent of a vegetarian has heard this about a zillion times too many, here’s your one-word reply: quinoa! This golden grain is packed with the stuff, plus fiber to keep kids full. Fill a colorful pepper with quinoa, plus a handful of other tasty flavors, and you’ve got a protein-rich lunch to send to school on repeat.

10. Tiny Tomato Pies

My daughter asks me to make these pies for her birthday every year. And when her friends come over for dinner. And when it’s her turn to choose a meal. There’s something about a flaky crust topped with cheese and fresh tomato slices all grilled together that even elementary school kids can’t resist. (Psst: Since it starts with store-bought biscuit dough, these tiny pies come together in a snap.)

11. Quiche Cups

One of the best things about quiche is how versatile it is: add cheese, grilled veggies, roasted broccoli, fresh herbs…or none of the above. Since you use a muffin pan to make a dozen at a time, you can even change up the combinations to suit your kids’ tastes.

12. Simple Sushi Rolls

Don’t let the name fool you. Making sushi is not only easier than you think, but a fun way for kids to try their hand in the kitchen with you.

13. Toasted Bagel Bites with Hummus

Slice up a store-bought bagel and give it a minute under the broiler and you’ll have the crispy bites kids devour at lunch. My kids like a little hummus, marinara sauce or nut butter and jelly for dipping.

14. Very Pickle-y Egg Salad

The secret to this egg salad is simple: tons of dill pickles. The salty, sweet and crunchy texture makes the perfect bite with all those rich and creamy boiled eggs. (Tip: Save time with dill pickle relish.)

15. Taco Pop Tarts

What started as a cheeky way to use up taco filling has turned into one of my kids’ most-requested lunches. Just fill pie crust with your favorite taco filling (using beans or a veggie substitute for ground beef) and bake. Again, word to the wise, do measure your lunch box compartment ahead of time so you don’t make mammoth pop tarts like someone I know. Me, it’s me. Of course it’s me.

A version of this post was published October 22, 2021. It has been updated.