Get into a better lunch-packing groove [1] this school year by trying out creative lunches that your kids will actually enjoy but which won't be a major hassle for you. Instead of packing the standard lunch each morning (or every night before), consider using your freezer to your advantage. From sandwiches and burritos to a variety of "kabobs," there are a ton of kid-friendly lunches [2] that can be prepped ahead of time and frozen until you're ready to grab them during a hectic morning. Just toss one of these 14 freezer-friendly meals into your child's lunchbox and they will be thawed to perfection by the time your little one is ready to eat.
Cauliflower Cashew Lunch Bowls
With a tangy honey-ginger vinaigrette, your kiddos will love these cauliflower cashew lunch bowls [3], but you'll appreciate just how easy they are to make and freeze a week's worth ahead of time.
Cheesy Chicken Pizza Pockets
Pop these cheesy chicken pizza pockets [4] out of the freezer and they will be thawed and ready to eat by lunchtime. Or you can take them out the night before to thaw, heat them in the morning, and then wrap them in foil to stay warm until your little one is ready to chow down.
Thai Chicken Lunch Bowls
Not only are these Thai chicken lunch bowls [5] packed with protein, but they're also a creative lunch option that freeze remarkably well.
Turkey Burger Kid Kabobs
Turkey burger kabobs [6] are already a kid-favorite school lunch, but when mom or dad keeps a stash in the freezer to grab for busy mornings, both parents and children are equally pleased. Pro tip: lettuce doesn't freeze well because it releases a lot of liquid when it thaws. To avoid it being soggy by lunch, add fresh leaves to the skewer the morning of.
Hummus Chicken Salad Wraps
Skip the mayo and try hummus for this chicken salad wrap [7]. Once you take it out of the freezer in the morning, send your kiddo off to school knowing that it will be perfectly defrosted but still chilled by the time he or she is ready for lunch.
Peanut Butter Fruit Wrap
For a twist on the traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich (which happens to be a freezer-friendly favorite), try out a peanut butter fruit wrap [8] instead.
Rainbow Kid Kabobs With California Yogurt
Fresh fruit and yogurt both freeze better than many expect, and when you pull rainbow kid kabobs with California yogurt [9] out of the freezer, you know your child is getting an easy fruit treat that's free from added syrup or sugar.
Apricot Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Before you try making ahead deli meat lunches for your freezer, kick your sandwich game up a notch with this delicious apricot ham and cheese combo [10].
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Enjoy the convenience of a freezer meal while still giving your little one a healthy option with this Teriyaki chicken bowl [11].
Pizza on a Stick
Pizza on a stick [12] tastes just as good as it sounds, and will be completely thawed by lunchtime.
Shredded Mexican Beef Burrito
This shredded Mexican beef burrito [13] will be your favorite lunch standby meal thanks to how easy it is to freeze, pack, and go.
Peanut Butter and Fruit Sandwich Kebabs
Peanut butter and fruit sandwich kebabs [14] with fresh veggies can be packed days ahead of time and frozen without your child noticing the difference.
Freezable Breakfast Burritos
If your little one has an undeniable love for breakfast, add some joy to his or her lunchbox with these freezable breakfast burritos [15].
Sun-Dried Tomato Chickpea Burgers
After freezing a batch of these flavorful sun-dried tomato chickpea burgers [16], add your child's favorite toppings for an easy-yet-healthy school lunch.