Kebab-It and Go: 5 Bento Box School Lunch Ideas

Skip the usual school lunch fare and treat the kiddos to a bento box full of tasty kebabs. From PB&J skewers to mini cheeseburgers on a stick, we’ve rounded up five fun ways to reinvent their favorite meals. They’re easy to make and so good that they’re almost too cool for school.

Traditionally used in Japan to pack individual portions of rice, meat and vegetables, bento boxes are perfect for kids too — especially those picky eaters who don’t like their foods to touch. Plus, they reduce the need for single-use plastic bags and simplify the lunch-packing process for busy parents.

Need even more school lunch ideas? Shop our favorite lunchboxes and fun lunch accessories for kids. Plus, learn how to make a month of healthy, kid-approved lunches using 15 mix-and-match ingredients per week.

Sandwiches will ALWAYS be a go-to lunch option, but this turkey and cheese duo is served up with a twist, literally. Get that serving of fruit in there by skewering some bits of apple and a few grapes. And who wouldn't love chocolatey marshmallows on a pretzel stick for dessert?

If your kids are obsessed with pasta, try this meatball tortellini stack with spicy marinara sauce. If you run out of skewers, use uncooked spaghetti! Pair it with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes or fresh fruit to ensure you find ZERO leftovers at the end of the day.

Let them Greek out with skewered chicken, pita, cherry tomato and olives. Include a side of feta cheese they can sprinkle to their heart's desire. And it's not an authentic Mediterranean experience without the hummus! Top it all off with a light strawberry shortcake combo.