Kid-Friendly Lunchtime Inspiration Under $20

As if finding new and interesting recipes that the kiddos will enjoy day in and out wasn’t challenging enough, doing so on a budget can be even trickier. 

The good news is that we have some great recipe inspiration that doesn’t have to break the piggy bank every week!  Not only can you feel good about sending the kids to school with some great sandwich ideas with these Wonder® Lunchtime Wins but also plan ahead with recipe ideas for any time of the day from breakfast, lunch, dinner and yes, even snack time!

1. Apricot, Cheddar and Chicken Sandwich 

First, this is a great time-saver but second, it’s a great sandwich idea to send along in their lunchbox or have at home on weekends.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
Ingredients 
•    2 slices of Wonder® White THIN Sandwich bread
•    ½ chicken breast, cooked and shredded or 4 slices of chicken deli meat 
•    2 slices of cheddar cheese 
•    2 tbsp apricot preserves or 1 fresh apricot, sliced 
•    1 tbsp mayonnaise 
•    Handful of lettuce 

Get the recipe directions here

2. Avocado Egg Salad

This is great kid-friendly lunchtime recipe idea as well as something you can munch on while working from home or back in the lunchroom at work.  The great thing with this one is that you can make the egg salad the night before and quickly assemble everyone’s sandwiches in the morning before adding in your fresh avocado.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
Ingredients
•    8 slices of 100% Whole Wheat Bread
•    1 medium avocado, pitted and peeled
•    4 tbsp mayonnaise
•    1 ½ tsp fresh lemon juice
•    2 tbsp red onion, chopped
•    6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
•    3 tbsp of chopped celery
•    1 tbsp finely chopped chives, parsley or dill
•    Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste 
•    Lettuce 

Get the recipe directions here

3. Cheeseburger Bun Tacos

Bring a little wonder to the dinner table with this fun way to serve up tacos all under $20. This easy recipe to add to your dinner plans features Wonder® White Hamburger Buns in place of your traditional hard taco shell or tortilla and is easy to add substitutions to like ground turkey or chicken in place of the ground beef.  Another easy trick is to add in some chopped vegetables underneath the meat and the kids may not even notice!

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
•    6 Wonder® White Hamburger Buns
•    ½ lb ground beef
•    ½ tsp onion powder
•    1 tsp salt
•    Freshly ground black pepper to taste
•    6 slices cheddar cheese
•    1 cup shredded lettuce
•    1 cup finely chopped tomatoes
•    ½ cup chopped bread and butter pickles

Get the recipe directions here

4. One Pan Egg and Bacon Cups

Serving up eggs, bacon, and a whole lotta love was never as budget-friendly as with this recipe idea. Add it to your next Sunday morning breakfast!
Customize each one with a letter, smiley face or heart using ketchup and leave the kids in wonder over how you created this special moment!

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
•    6 Wonder® English Muffins 
•    12 slices ready-cooked bacon
•    1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
•    12 large eggs
•    4 tbsp of melted butter 
•    Non-stick cooking spray 
•    Salt & cracked black pepper to taste

Get the recipe directions here 

5. Back in Class-Sushi-Inspired Sandwich Bites

This one may look like a million bucks but it’s a surprisingly cost effective lunchbox win no matter how old your kiddo is. Change up the fillings to match what your picky eaters prefer most and don’t forget to create some extras for yourself!

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
•    8 slices Wonder® White THIN Sandwich Bread
•    1 tbsp margarine spread
•    ½ small avocado, thinly sliced
•    ½ red bell pepper
•    1 iceberg lettuce leaf, finely sliced
 
Tuna and Celery Filling:
•    180g can flaked tuna, drained
•    ½ celery stalk, finely chopped
•    2 tbsp mayonnaise
 
Chicken and Corn filling:
•    ½ cup cooked chicken, finely chopped
•    15g can creamed corn
•    1 tbsp chives, finely chopped

Get the recipe directions here

If you’re looking for even more quick and easy meal inspirations check out these kid-friendly food ideas that you can complete in 20 minutes or less