School Lunch Ideas Thermos: Yummy Twists to Keep Lunchtime Exciting!

School Lunch Ideas Thermos: Yummy Twists to Keep Lunchtime Exciting!

By Sara Taylor

School Lunch Ideas Thermos: Yummy Twists to Keep Lunchtime Exciting!

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
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Recipes

With the first few weeks of school comes the inevitable repetition of cold sandwiches and the need to get some variety in lunches. This is where a thermos will be your best friend! Not only are they super easy to pack (pour and twist on the lid), but the meal will be warm and cozy when it’s time for them to eat. You’ll be the hero when they have a comforting lunch while the other kids have sandwiches!

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1) Chicken Noodle Soup

a bowl of chicken noodle soup in a wide horizontal shot, golden broth with egg noodles, shredded chicken, carrots and celery, on a light wooden table beside a thermos, natural window light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The ultimate cozy classic, and the one your child will truly complete.

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a bowl of chicken noodle soup in a wide horizontal shot, golden broth with egg noodles, shredded chicken, carrots and celery, on a light wooden table beside a thermos, natural window light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Noodle Soup

This chicken noodle soup has a broth base, and it makes for a great lunch, because it tastes like a warm hug, and it is great to take in a thermos.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 1.5 cups egg noodles
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a pot and saute the carrots, celery, and onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  3. Add the egg noodles and cook until tender, about 7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the shredded chicken and warm through.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, then ladle into a preheated thermos.

Notes

Slightly undercook the noodles since they keep softening in the hot thermos.

2) Macaroni and Cheese

creamy macaroni and cheese in a wide horizontal shot, glossy orange cheese sauce coating elbow pasta, in a shallow bowl on a bright kitchen counter, steam rising, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Creamy, gooey, and best of all, it can be served from a thermos right at lunchtime!

creamy macaroni and cheese in a wide horizontal shot, glossy orange cheese sauce coating elbow pasta, in a shallow bowl on a bright kitchen counter, steam rising, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Macaroni and Cheese

Stovetop mac and cheese is extra creamy, cheesy, and comforting!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk warmed
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Cook the macaroni until just tender, then drain and set aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk in the warm milk until smooth and thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar until melted and silky.
  5. Fold in the macaroni, season with salt, and spoon into a warm thermos.

Notes

Make the sauce a little looser than usual so it stays creamy by lunch.

3) Vegetable Stir Fry

a colorful vegetable stir fry over rice in a wide horizontal shot, glossy bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas and carrots, in a bowl on a wooden surface, natural daylight, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A fun way to get veggies in their school day.

a colorful vegetable stir fry over rice in a wide horizontal shot, glossy bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas and carrots, in a bowl on a wooden surface, natural daylight, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Vegetable Stir Fry

Soy-glazed vegetable stir fry over rice. It can be taken on the road and will stay warm.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cups cooked rice warm

Method
 

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
  2. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas, and carrot and stir fry for 5 minutes.
  3. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil and toss until the veggies are crisp-tender.
  4. Spoon the warm rice into the bottom of a thermos.
  5. Top with the hot stir-fried vegetables and seal.

Notes

Keep the veggies a touch crunchy so they don't go mushy in the thermos.

4) Chicken Fried Rice

chicken fried rice in a wide horizontal shot, fluffy rice with diced chicken, scrambled egg, peas and green onions, in a bowl on a light counter beside chopsticks, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

All the takeout vibes are packed in a lunchbox-friendly thermos.

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chicken fried rice in a wide horizontal shot, fluffy rice with diced chicken, scrambled egg, peas and green onions, in a bowl on a light counter beside chopsticks, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Fried Rice

This chicken fried rice is hearty and packed with eggs and veggies. It also reheats really well.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1.5 cups cooked chicken diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 3 cups cooked rice day-old
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 green onions sliced

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil and scramble the eggs, then set aside.
  2. Add the remaining oil and saute the chicken and peas and carrots for 4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the rice and break up any clumps as it heats through.
  4. Drizzle in the soy sauce and toss until everything is coated and hot.
  5. Fold in the scrambled egg and green onions, then pack into a warm thermos.

Notes

Day-old rice keeps the grains separate and fluffy instead of sticky.

5) Beef Chili

a bowl of hearty beef chili in a wide horizontal shot, thick tomato-red chili with beans and ground beef, topped with shredded cheese, on a rustic table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Hearty and a bit smoky, this will surely leave your thermos empty.

a bowl of hearty beef chili in a wide horizontal shot, thick tomato-red chili with beans and ground beef, topped with shredded cheese, on a rustic table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Beef Chili

This is a hearty beef and bean chili that even kids will love. It will warm up perfectly for lunch and only gets better with time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
  • 1 can kidney beans drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • salt to taste

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion in a pot, then drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in the chili powder and cumin and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth.
  4. Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  5. Season with salt and ladle into a preheated thermos.

Notes

Pack a small bag of shredded cheese on the side for sprinkling on top.

6) Tomato Basil Soup

With a smooth and cozy texture, it practically begs to be paired with a grilled cheese!

Tomato Basil Soup

A Soup to Warm Up the Lunch Line.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cans crushed tomatoes 28 oz each
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter and saute the onion and garlic until soft.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
  3. Simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  4. Blend until smooth, then stir in the cream and basil.
  5. Warm through and pour into a preheated thermos.

Notes

Skip the cream and use a splash of milk for a lighter version.

7) Lentil Stew

a hearty lentil stew in a wide horizontal shot, thick brown stew with lentils, carrots and tomatoes, in a rustic bowl on a wooden table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Filling and wholesome is a kind of lunch that gives them power to to go through the rest of the afternoon.

a hearty lentil stew in a wide horizontal shot, thick brown stew with lentils, carrots and tomatoes, in a rustic bowl on a wooden table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Lentil Stew

A healthy lentil and vegetable stew that's packed with protein and easy to take on the go!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 1.5 cups brown lentils rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • salt to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil and saute the onion and carrots until softened.
  2. Stir in the cumin and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
  4. Simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
  5. Season with salt and ladle into a warm thermos.

Notes

A squeeze of lemon brightens it right up if your kid likes a little tang.

8) Ravioli with Marinara Sauce

cheese ravioli in marinara sauce in a wide horizontal shot, plump pasta pillows coated in red sauce with grated parmesan and basil, in a bowl on a light table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These are special treats, little pasta pillows that are also saucy!

cheese ravioli in marinara sauce in a wide horizontal shot, plump pasta pillows coated in red sauce with grated parmesan and basil, in a bowl on a light table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Ravioli with Marinara Sauce

Tender cheese ravioli gently mixed with a garlic marinara sauce. This dish will still be warm and saucy when it’s time to eat lunch.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package cheese ravioli 20 oz
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2.5 cups marinara sauce
  • 0.25 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the ravioli according to package directions, then drain.
  2. Heat the olive oil and saute the garlic until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the marinara sauce and warm through.
  4. Gently fold the ravioli into the sauce.
  5. Stir in the parmesan, season, and spoon into a warm thermos.

Notes

Toss the ravioli in a little extra sauce so they don't stick together.

9) Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

creamy broccoli cheddar soup in a wide horizontal shot, thick golden cheese soup studded with broccoli florets, in a bowl on a bright kitchen counter, steam rising, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

So cheesy, they will never notice all the broccoli in it.

creamy broccoli cheddar soup in a wide horizontal shot, thick golden cheese soup studded with broccoli florets, in a bowl on a bright kitchen counter, steam rising, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This rich and velvety broccoli cheddar soup will make a perfect cozy lunch. Your child will request it again and again!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cups broccoli florets chopped
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter and saute the onion until soft.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly add the milk and broth, whisking until smooth.
  4. Add the broccoli and simmer until tender, about 12 minutes.
  5. Stir in the cheddar until melted, then pour into a warm thermos.

Notes

Chop the broccoli small so every spoonful has a little bite of green.

10) Thai Green Curry

Thai green curry over rice in a wide horizontal shot, creamy pale-green coconut curry with bell peppers, green beans and chicken, in a bowl on a wooden table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A little adventurous and a lot fun to change up the lunch routine!

Thai green curry over rice in a wide horizontal shot, creamy pale-green coconut curry with bell peppers, green beans and chicken, in a bowl on a wooden table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Thai Green Curry

Creamy coconut green curry with vegetables over rice will take your lunch time to new heights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp green curry paste
  • 1 can coconut milk 14 oz
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup green beans trimmed
  • 1 cup cooked chicken diced
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 cups cooked rice warm

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil and stir the green curry paste until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the bell pepper and green beans and cook until tender.
  4. Stir in the chicken and brown sugar and warm through.
  5. Spoon rice into a thermos and ladle the curry over the top.

Notes

Start with less curry paste for younger kids, then adjust to their heat tolerance.
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