14 Protein-Packed Back to School Breakfast & Lunch Ideas for Kids

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Looking for easy back to school breakfast and lunch ideas for kids? This quick and delicious collection of meals will keep them energized with protein-packed ingredients that are all kid-approved.

Back to School Breakfast and Lunches for Kids

With three school-aged kids and a toddler, I do not have time for fancy meal prep in the mornings. There's just a few minutes each day to whip up breakfast, throw together lunches and get everyone in the car. I just hope they all remembered to brush their teeth!

When it comes to preparing breakfasts and lunches for my four kids during back-to-school season, I'm looking for quick, healthy, tasty, and fairly priced options.

I look for lean proteins that will keep them full. Eggs, yogurt, milk, and deli meat are versatile for use in many breakfast and lunch recipes that kids love. These staples help me spend less time in the kitchen but still lets me offer a nutritious meal to my kids.

Back to School Breakfasts Made Easy

A breakfast prepared with lean protein will keep tummies full longer so that kids can focus in class before snack or lunch.

So many breakfasts geared for kids are high in carbs and sugar. They don't offer the lean protein that kids need for muscle building. Skip the sugary cereals and offer the kids one of these quick breakfast meals to give them staying power for the morning and into the afternoon.

Round out the meal with complex carbs (like whole grain toast or tortillas), fresh fruit and a glass of milk.

Make Breakfast with Dinner's Leftovers

Prepare extra of certain foods at dinner the night before so you'll have the leftovers to use in breakfast the following day.

Foods like spinach, broccoli, chopped onions, mushrooms, black beans and potatoes go well with eggs the next morning.

Consider preparing breakfast the night before. Items like quiche or burritos can easily be pre-made and then warmed in the microwave.

Protein-Packed Breakfast Ideas for Kids

Ham, Egg & Cheese Open-Faced Sandwich - Top toast with a slice of cheese, deli ham, and a fried egg.

Potato Hash - Remove the skin from leftover boiled potatoes, then cut into bite-sized cubes. Saute in light oil with chopped onions, chopped deli meat, and chopped green peppers until warm and crisped. Season with salt and pepper.

Ham & Egg Tacos - Fill a warm corn tortilla with scrambled eggs, chopped ham, sauteeed onions, black beans, and salsa.

Scrambled Eggs & Meat - Thinly slice leftover steak and serve atop scrambled eggs. If your kiddo doesn't protest to veggies in the morning, consider adding in leftover cooked spinach, leftover cooked broccoli, or top the cooked eggs with chopped tomatoes.

Breakfast Pizza - Smear tomato sauce onto a lightly toasted whole grain English muffin. Top with pepperoni slices, scrambled egg, and a slice of mozzarella cheese. Broil for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on this and pull out when the cheese starts to bubble and brown.

What if Your Kids Don't Care for Eggs?

I was that kid growing up, turning up my nose at eggs. I did not like eating eggs until I was an adult. There are still great ways to incorporate the protein and skip the eggs.

Cottage Cheese - Stir in sliced peaches and serve with whole grain toast

Greek Yogurt - Sweeten with a drizzle of honey and top with berries and sliced almonds.

High Protein Smoothie Recipes - Get a variety of healthy and delicious smoothies recipes, especially great for warm weather.

Whole Grain English Muffin - Toast then top with nut butter and chia seeds. Serve alongside a bowl of cut melon.

Ham & Cheese Quesadilla - Stuff a folded-over whole grain tortilla with thin-sliced deli ham and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Heat in a saucepan sprayed with canola oil until the cheese is melted. Cool, then cut with a rotary cutter into triangles. Serve with sour cream or plain yogurt and salsa for dipping. This is a kid favorite for breakfast or lunch!

Back to School Lunches Prepared Fast & Healthy

My kids enjoy sandwiches but tend to get tired of eating them, day after day. Mix it up by offering a variety at lunchtime.

Deli Ham & Cheese Tortilla Roll-Ups - Smear a thin layer of mayo onto a flour tortilla. Layer with thin sliced ham and deli-sliced cheese. Roll up, then cut the tortilla into pinwheels.

Easy Cold Bean Salad Recipe - A family favorite, especially when the weather is warm. This one is great to make ahead and serve in lunch boxes.

Cobb Salad with Ham - Chop deli ham, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, and serve over the mix of chopped lettuces with crumbled Feta cheese. Serve with your kid's favorite salad dressing (probably Ranch!).

4-Bean Chili Recipe - Fill up a thermos with this hearty meatless chili. Great for serving during cool weather.

Crackers, Meat & Cheese - My toddler in particular loves this light meal she can eat with her fingers. Include sturdy crackers for kids to nibble alongside sliced deli meal and sliced cheese. Pair with fresh cut fruit on the side.

Bean & Cheese Burrito - Smear a tortilla with a thin layer of low-fat refried beans. Sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Microwave on a plate for 30 seconds, then wrap in aluminum foil to keep warm.

Pesto Pasta with Ham & Peas - This is the perfect cold salad for lunch! Combine cold, cooked pasta with chopped deli ham with cold, cooked peas. Stir in a dollop of prepared pesto.

Looking for More Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas?

100 Healthy Lunch Ideas for the School Lunchbox

40 Quick Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Kids

100 Delicious Kids Comfort Food Recipes

This article originally posted Sept 14, 2018 and has been updated and republished with a new date.

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