Lunchtime Ideas Gallery

Great ideas to keep your kids fully fueled for the day.

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Kids' First Mac and Cheese

A quick and delicious variation on an old favorite.
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Grilled Cheese Margherita

Basil and mozzarella lend an Italian flair to this grilled cheese sandwich.
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Ham and Cheese Empanadas

These savory turnovers are easy for kids to assemble and even easier for them to eat.
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Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

This cheesesteak is pretty true to the Philadelphia-born original. But we've made a few modifications, including adding peppers and using Provolone cheese rather than the more traditional Cheez Whiz.
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Pork (or Beef) on a Bun

Pulled pork or brisket that's close to barbecue-joint good.
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Sandwich on a Stick

How do you turn a sandwich into a fun snack? Make it a stick-wich!
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Sloppy Toms

A turkey-lover's alternative to a classic kids' meal, sloppy Joes.
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Taco Roll-Ups

These quick, flavorful roll-ups bring Mexican flair to on-the-go meals.
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Two-Tone Sandwiches

Make your kids' lunch too cool to trade with this fun sandwich.
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Yummy Gyros

Traditional Greek gyros (pronounced YEER-ohs) are made from minced lamb or beef that has been molded into a 20-pound cone and roasted on a spit. The meat is sliced, then wrapped in a pita with onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki, a cucumber sauce. Because roas
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Squid Dogs

These odd-looking but tasty treats are an ingenious combination of two toddler favorites: hot dogs and spaghetti.
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Grilled Packet Potatoes

Versatile and delicious, this grill-top recipe created by food writer Judith Fertig is about as easy as they come.
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Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs

This sunny pasta salad is a hit with kids and parents alike. Other fresh herbs, such as chopped dill or oregano, may be substituted for the tarragon.
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Carrot Patches

Here's a treat hungry students are sure to dig: baby carrots planted in tasty dip.
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Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich

Maybe you can't get away on a tropical vacation just now, but this juicy chicken sandwich, topped with a slice of pineapple, will make you feel as if you have. Once you make the sauce -- which can be done hours or even a day ahead -- this is a breeze to p
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Oven-Fried Fish & Chips

Oven-fried fish & chips is a quick, no mess way to get a great family meal on the table in minutes.
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Korean Fried Chicken Fingers

Chef Andrew Zimmern shares an adventurous recipe for Korean Fried Chicken Fingers that your kids will love!
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Sandy Shells and Pearls

Kids will be happy as clams to dine on Sandy Shells and Pearls.
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Ellie's Oven Fries

"French fries are my favorite food," says the Food Network's Ellie Krieger. Here's how she gets that crisp, oil-fried taste without all the oil.
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Pizza Salad

Cheese, pepperoni, olives, and other classic pizza toppings make this flavorful salad a sure hit.
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Peanut Butter, Banana, and Berry Salad

A quick-to-mix peanut butter dressing makes the perfect complement to this whimsical combination of greens, bananas, and berries.
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Say Cheese! Ravioli

You and your kids will love making and eating these ravioli; because it's so easy to make, fresh pasta is a great family cooking project, and it has a wonderfully delicate texture you just can't find in store-bought varieties.
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Calzones

These delicious calzones are just like a folded over pizza. You have the delicious crust all the way around, and in the center is the delectable cheese, sauce, and other fillings of your choice.
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Fish Fingers

Simple and fun to make, these fish sticks are bound to become one of your family's favorite quick dinners. We used fillet of sole, but grouper and cod also work well.
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Rocket Dogs

These rabble-rousers are a blast to make and eat!
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Read It and Eat

Bring the incredible, edible alphabet to life for your little learner with these ABC-inspired foods that the two of you can talk -- or sing -- about before he gobbles them down.
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Sandwich Loaf

Perfect for PB&J or French toast, this simple loaf is both soft and sturdy.
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Asian Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Think of this dish as southern barbecue with an Asian twist. The pork is slow-cooked in a blend of hoisin and soy sauces and can be made a day or two before your gathering.
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Tuna Fish Sandwich

For a kid-friendly lunch with a protein punch, try this lighter version of the midday classic.
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Fish Filets

Instead of being deep-fried, these flaky, golden fish filets are coated with crackers and panfried in a small amount of canola oil.
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Silly Face Sandwich

Get your kids to eat their veggies with this tasty sandwich.
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