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Lunch ideas for kids

Lunches are essential for growing kids and are a good way to build up energy and prevent that classic mid-afternoon slump. Here are some of our favourite tried and tested recipes; loved by kids and easily prepared by mum (or dad...)

Cheese and potato whirls

★★★★★ Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. 2 Ratings

Easy to make, great party food and the kids love them!

  • 50 Mins
  • Medium
  • Vegetarian

Fakeaway slow cooker doner kebab

★★★★★ Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars. 29 Ratings

A healthier version of a takeaway doner kebab, which can be high in fat – try this lower fat, but very tasty alternative...

  • 4 Hrs 10 Mins
  • Easy
  • Healthy

How to poach fish in milk

★★★★☆ Rated 4 out of 5 stars. 1 Rating

We've used haddock in this classic recipe, but any other fish, such as cod, would taste great, too.

  • 45 Mins
  • Easy
  • Healthy

Macaroni cheese for kids

★★★★★ Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars. 20 Ratings

A super easy, budget-friendly meal, ideal for toddlers and big kids alike...

  • 40 Mins
  • Easy
  • Vegetarian

Pork mince & pasta bake

★★★★★ Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars. 6 Ratings

A tasty variation on lasagne, using pork mince and pasta shapes...

  • 1 Hr 15 Mins
  • Easy

Staffordshire beef lobby

★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 1 Rating

A delicious and hearty meal, ideal for those on a budget. See Tips for how to make this dish even more budget-friendly. Beef lobby is a classic Staffordshire stew, traditionally eaten by pottery workers. It's thought that the name 'lobby' comes from 'lobscouse' – a cheap stew eaten in the area, which is also where the word 'scouse' originally comes from! You can make this recipe on the hob or in a slow cooker (see Tips for how).

Staffordshire beef lobby stew
  • 2 Hrs
  • Easy

Air fryer chicken wings

Make this tasty snack in minutes, then pair with yoghurt, blue cheese, celery or carrot sticks for a perfect kid-friendly snack.

golden chicken wings in an air fryer basket illustrating how to make wings in an air fryer
  • Easy

Alpine eggs

★★★★★ Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars. 14 Ratings

An easy egg dish with spinach...

  • 15 Mins
  • Easy
  • Vegetarian

American fried chicken

★★★★★ Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. 11 Ratings

A tastier and slightly healthier version of chicken nuggets...

  • 16 Mins
  • Medium

American potato salad

★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 1 Rating

A great alternative to a traditional potato salad...

  • 35 Mins
  • Easy
  • Healthy

Asparagus and pea risotto

★★★★☆ Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars. 5 Ratings

When asparagus is in season try this tasty seasonal recipe...

  • 40 Mins
  • Easy

Asparagus soup

★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 1 Rating

Simple soup recipe made with tender asaparagus and fresh cream

  • 45 Mins
  • Easy
  • Vegetarian

Aubergine bake

★★★★★ Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. 5 Ratings

A great recipe that both vegetarians and meat-eaters can enjoy!

  • 1 Hr 45 Mins
  • Medium
  • Vegetarian

Autumn halloumi salad

★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 1 Rating

Filling salad with halloumi, mushrooms and kale

  • 30 Mins
  • Easy

Avocado pasta

★★★★★ Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. 11 Ratings

A creamy, thick and rich pasta sauce, which is healthy too...

  • 15 Mins
  • Easy
  • Healthy

Baby beef stew

★★★★★ Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. 7 Ratings

Red meat is a good source of easily absorbed iron, which babies need for growth and brain development...

  • 35 Mins
  • Easy
  • Healthy
  • Gluten Free

Baby couscous

★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 1 Rating

A deliciously simple bowl of couscous that both baby and grown-ups will enjoy

  • 15 Mins
  • Easy
  • Healthy
  • Vegan
  • Dairy Free

Bacon and lentil duff

★★★★★ Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. 3 Ratings

A tasty meal with enough for leftovers...

  • 2 Hrs 5 Mins
  • Medium

Bacon wrapped mushrooms

★★★★★ Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. 7 Ratings

This is a barbecue recipe, but would also be tasty on the breakfast plate...

  • 10 Mins
  • Easy
  • Gluten Free

Baked bean curry

★★★★☆ Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars. 18 Ratings

This is a good, quick and very healthy meal for all the family...

  • 15 Mins
  • Easy
  • Healthy
  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten Free

Baked bean omelette

★★★★☆ Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars. 14 Ratings

A very cheap & easy meal using baked beans...

  • 12 Mins
  • Easy
  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten Free

Baked eggs

★★★★★ Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. 5 Ratings

Ideal for children and adults alike...

  • 15 Mins
  • Easy
  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten Free

Baked lentil risotto

★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 1 Rating

A hearty baked risotto with lentils, parsnips and potatoes

  • 1 Hr
  • Easy
  • Vegan
  • Dairy Free