We’ve recently discovered something that’s changed everything: lunch in a Thermos. Instead of stuffing sandwiches in bento boxes every morning, now I have the chance to fill cute little containers with all sorts of hot – and cold – dishes.
Not only does the Thermos approach increase the variety of food they are eating at lunch (added nutrition!) it also means wasting less food. Because it’s almost always leftovers, that our kids devour.
They even say things like this at dinner now, “Can you pack this in my lunch?” Um, yes! Yes, I can.
How to Pack Kids’ Lunches in a Thermos
- To keep hot food warmer, do fill the Thermos with boiling water for 10 minutes before filling with hot food. Our kids report that it really does work.
- Don’t forget a spoon! But word to the wise: don’t send a spoon you love. That utensil may never find its way home… (Related: I found a bunch of adorable spoons and forks with polka dotted handles at Walmart this weekend. For $.62 each.)
- Find a happy medium between screwing on the lid securely and creating a seal that requires a vice grip to open at school. (Tip: Have your kids test it at home before you use it the first time.)
All the Things I Pack in a Thermos for My Kids’ Lunches
Simple homemade soups–with toppings! It’s ideal to add a little container with shredded cheese, bacon and/or crackers for kiddos to assemble fresh.
Slow Cooker potato soup
- Easy Homemade Tomato Soup with White Beans
- 6-Ingredient Creamy Broccoli Soup
- Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup
Pasta! Yes, leftovers are the new school lunches. The ones our kids LOVE every time.
Whole-Wheat Penne with Ginger Pork & Sugar Snap Peas
- Baked Macaroni & Cheese (with Carrots)
- My Favorite Pasta I Learned to Cook When We Lived In Italy: Amatriciana
- Enchilada Casserole with Quinoa & Beans
- Whole-Wheat Penne with Ginger Pork & Sugar Snap Peas
- 15-Minute Stove-Top Macaroni & Cheese
Cold dishes work too! And bonus, there’s no need to warm up the Thermos.
Using a Thermos for the kids’ lunches has become the easiest way to change up our routine. And a delicious one.
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Umm, no.
Well, why not? If these recipes wouldn’t be a hit (and trust me I’ve had a lot of experience there) I’d try any other recipe that your little guy DOES like. Pasta, soup and so on. It’s actually a really refreshing change from sandwiches every day. Or not. 😉
I’m really sorry for my poor description. I sometimes have a bad choice of words. I guess it’s a guy thing. Plus I’m nervous about going back home. It’s been a long time.
My son has a hard time with food that we grew up on. I think it is because he has lived in hot and humid climates.
Charity, you know I love Foodlets and I fully support it!
Great blog! Dont have kids of school age kids yet so wondering – why not pack pasta and stuff cold? Of course it’s yummier hot – well at least soup is – but other things, quinoa, pasta etc are quite ok cold.. any hidden reason I am not thinking of?
No, you are totally right! This was a winter post so most of our ideas were warm and cozy but by all means, a room temperature or cold dish will be wonderful this summer. Thanks for your note!