School Lunch Ideas Oats: Deliciously Wholesome Recipes Your Kids Will Love!

School Lunch Ideas Oats: Deliciously Wholesome Recipes Your Kids Will Love!

By Sara Taylor

School Lunch Ideas Oats: Deliciously Wholesome Recipes Your Kids Will Love!

By Sara Taylor
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Updated
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Recipes

If your children only eat oatmeal for breakfast, this small collection is here to change that. These lunchbox oideas are full of oats and are fun to eat. They are healthy and can be made ahead of time. Pack one (or rotate through all ten) and see how many of those lunch boxes are empty!

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1) Overnight Oats with Berries

a jar of creamy overnight oats topped with glossy fresh blueberries and raspberries and a honey drizzle, in a wide horizontal shot on a sunny kitchen counter, a spoon resting beside it, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You can prepare the lunchbox MVP in three minutes, the night before.

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a jar of creamy overnight oats topped with glossy fresh blueberries and raspberries and a honey drizzle, in a wide horizontal shot on a sunny kitchen counter, a spoon resting beside it, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Overnight Oats with Berries

Grab this easy to go lunch with layered creamy no-cook oats, sweet mixed berries, and drizzled honey.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 cup mixed berries fresh or frozen
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Stir together the oats, milk, yogurt, honey and salt in a jar or container.
  2. Gently fold in half of the berries.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 4 hours.
  4. In the morning, top with the remaining berries and pack with the lid on.
  5. Stir before eating; loosen with a splash of milk if it got too thick.

Notes

These keep for up to 3 days, so make a double batch for the week.

2) Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars

golden peanut butter banana oat bars cut into squares on a wooden board, a few studded with melty chocolate chips, in a wide horizontal shot on a rustic table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Soft bars packed with goodness that also give you a touch of sweetness.

golden peanut butter banana oat bars cut into squares on a wooden board, a few studded with melty chocolate chips, in a wide horizontal shot on a rustic table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars

These chewy, easy bars are sweetened with banana and peanut butter, and are sliced perfectly for little hands!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 2 ripe bananas mashed
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 pan with parchment.
  2. Mash the bananas, then stir in peanut butter, honey and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Add the oats and cinnamon and mix until everything is coated.
  4. Fold in the chocolate chips and press the mixture firmly into the pan.
  5. Bake 25 minutes until the edges are golden and set.
  6. Cool completely before slicing into 12 bars.

Notes

Swap in sunflower seed butter for a nut-free, school-safe version.

3) Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

a bowl of creamy apple cinnamon oatmeal dotted with soft apple chunks and a swirl of maple syrup, in a wide horizontal shot on a warm wooden table, a cinnamon stick beside it, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pack warm stovetop oatmeal in a thermos and get ready for a cozy meal that will remind you of fresh apple pie!

a bowl of creamy apple cinnamon oatmeal dotted with soft apple chunks and a swirl of maple syrup, in a wide horizontal shot on a warm wooden table, a cinnamon stick beside it, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Warm and comforting oatmeal simmered with apples, cinnamon, and a dash of maple.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 apple peeled and diced
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Bring the milk and salt to a gentle simmer in a small pot.
  2. Add the oats, diced apple and cinnamon, stirring to combine.
  3. Simmer 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until thick and the apples soften.
  4. Stir in the maple syrup off the heat.
  5. Spoon into a warmed thermos so it stays cozy until lunch.

Notes

Warm the thermos with hot water first so the oatmeal stays toasty for hours.

4) Savory Oats with Spinach and Cheese

a creamy bowl of savory oats flecked with bright green spinach and melted cheddar, in a wide horizontal shot on a light linen tablecloth, a fork resting nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This bowl helps prove that oats don’t have to sweet and is like a cozy risotto.

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a creamy bowl of savory oats flecked with bright green spinach and melted cheddar, in a wide horizontal shot on a light linen tablecloth, a fork resting nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Savory Oats with Spinach and Cheese

A cheesy savory oat bowl mixed with wilted spinach is a surprisingly filling option for lunch.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups spinach chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a small pot and stir in the oats to lightly toast for 1 minute.
  2. Pour in the broth and garlic powder, then simmer 8 minutes until creamy.
  3. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted.
  4. Fold in the cheddar until melted, then season with salt and pepper.
  5. Pack warm in a thermos with a few crackers on the side.

Notes

A sprinkle of parmesan on top makes it feel extra special.

5) Chia Seed Oat Pudding

a glass of thick chia oat pudding topped with bright golden mango cubes, in a wide horizontal shot on a sunlit counter, a small spoon alongside, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This pudding thickens in the fridge overnight, so all you have to do is spoon and enjoy!

a glass of thick chia oat pudding topped with bright golden mango cubes, in a wide horizontal shot on a sunlit counter, a small spoon alongside, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chia Seed Oat Pudding

A pudding that is smooth and slightly sweet that is made thicker with oats and chia seeds and topped with fruit.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 3 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup diced mango

Method
 

  1. Whisk the oats, chia seeds, milk, maple syrup and vanilla together in a jar.
  2. Let it sit 5 minutes, then whisk again to break up any clumps.
  3. Cover and chill overnight until thick and pudding-like.
  4. Stir well and top with the diced mango before packing.
  5. Add a splash of milk if it set firmer than you like.

Notes

Any soft fruit works here, so use whatever is in season.

6) Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites

a cluster of round oatmeal raisin energy bites piled on a small plate, dotted with plump raisins, in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden board, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

11. Little nuggets are no baked and they taste like Cookie Dough, but have the nutrition of a snack.

a cluster of round oatmeal raisin energy bites piled on a small plate, dotted with plump raisins, in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden board, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites

Oatmeal raisin no-bake bite snacks with cinnamon.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 16 bites
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Stir the peanut butter, honey and vanilla together in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Add the oats, raisins and cinnamon and mix until fully combined.
  3. Chill the mixture for 15 minutes so it firms up.
  4. Roll into 16 tablespoon-sized balls with damp hands.
  5. Store in the fridge and pack 3 or 4 per lunchbox.

Notes

If the mix feels dry, add a teaspoon more honey until it holds together.

7) Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats

a jar of creamy blueberry overnight oats swirled purple and topped with whole blueberries and a curl of lemon zest, in a wide horizontal shot on a bright counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Tasty blueberry muffins that you don’t have to put in the oven.

a jar of creamy blueberry overnight oats swirled purple and topped with whole blueberries and a curl of lemon zest, in a wide horizontal shot on a bright counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are made to taste like warm blueberry muffins with soft berries and lemon.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup plain yogurt
  • 3/4 cup blueberries
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Combine the oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, lemon zest and vanilla in a jar.
  2. Mash a few of the blueberries and stir them in for a muffin-like swirl.
  3. Fold in the rest of the whole blueberries.
  4. Cover and refrigerate overnight until thick and creamy.
  5. Stir and pack chilled, loosening with milk if needed.

Notes

A pinch of cinnamon makes these taste even more bakery-like.

8) Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

a warm bowl of pumpkin oatmeal in a deep orange hue with a sprinkle of spice on top, in a wide horizontal shot on a cozy wooden table beside a small pumpkin, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A fall-in-a-thermos style lunch that captures the scents of the season!

a warm bowl of pumpkin oatmeal in a deep orange hue with a sprinkle of spice on top, in a wide horizontal shot on a cozy wooden table beside a small pumpkin, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

Creamy oatmeal combined with authentic pumpkin puree and spices. Perfect for lunch.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Bring the milk and salt to a gentle simmer in a small pot.
  2. Stir in the oats and cook 6 minutes until they start to thicken.
  3. Whisk in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and brown sugar.
  4. Simmer another 3 minutes until creamy and warmed through.
  5. Pack into a warmed thermos for lunch.

Notes

A few chopped pecans on top add a nice crunch.

9) Strawberry Vanilla Oatmeal

a creamy bowl of strawberry oatmeal tinged pink and topped with glossy sliced strawberries, in a wide horizontal shot on a light table, a spoon resting beside it, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It even has the picky eaters begging for more! It is sweet, pink, and creamy.

a creamy bowl of strawberry oatmeal tinged pink and topped with glossy sliced strawberries, in a wide horizontal shot on a light table, a spoon resting beside it, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Strawberry Vanilla Oatmeal

Oatmeal with vanilla and strawberries.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup strawberries sliced
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Simmer the milk and salt in a small pot until steaming.
  2. Stir in the oats and half of the sliced strawberries.
  3. Cook 8 minutes, stirring, until the berries break down and the oats thicken.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and honey.
  5. Top with the remaining fresh strawberries and pack warm.

Notes

Frozen strawberries work great when fresh ones are out of season.

10) Coconut Almond Granola

golden coconut almond granola clusters spread on a baking sheet with toasted coconut flakes and almond slivers, in a wide horizontal shot on a kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The perfect crunchy granola is here! Enjoy the goodness with a handful or sprinkle it anywhere!

golden coconut almond granola clusters spread on a baking sheet with toasted coconut flakes and almond slivers, in a wide horizontal shot on a kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Coconut Almond Granola

Toasted coconut and almond granola is lightly sweetened with maple and has a delicious golden and crunchy texture.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Toss the oats, almonds, coconut and salt together in a large bowl.
  3. Pour over the maple syrup, melted coconut oil and vanilla, then stir to coat.
  4. Spread in an even layer and bake 25 minutes, stirring once halfway.
  5. Cool completely on the pan so it crisps into clusters.
  6. Pack a handful in a small container alongside yogurt or fruit.

Notes

Don't stir while cooling if you want big crunchy clusters.
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