Is it lunch time, but you’re not sure what to pack? Looking for some healthy winter packed lunch ideas? Don’t fret — I’ve got you covered!
Going school lunch packing is one of the biggest challenges during winter time. My kids do not like to eat the same things every day and there are many days that they ask for food at home instead. That is why I love winter packed lunches, because I can give them anything and they will eat it, as long as it is inside their sandwich or wraps.
Healthy Winter Packed Lunch Ideas
Sweet potato and carrot soup
Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and makes this sweet potato soup taste extra luxurious.
LIGHT MEALS & SNACKS
Sweet potato soup
Lunchbox chorizo frittata
Easy veggie chilli
Minestrone soup
Warm spiced cauliflower and chickpea salad with pomegranate seeds
Egg muffins
Healthy bacon and lentil soup
Penne with spicy tomato and mozzarella sauce
Ten-minute tomato soup
Butternut squash and chickpea curry
How to make lasagne
Simple chorizo and bean stew
Lighter vegetable lasagne
Versatile vegetable stew
Smoked paprika chicken stew
Curried red lentil soup
Slow cooker lamb and sweet potato tagine
Smoked pancetta and lentil soup
Veggie mulligatawny soup
Pork and chickpea stew
Ultimate vegan stew
Chana dal
Kale and bacon soup
Jamaican beef patties
Peanut stew
Vegan pasties
Winter vegetable soup
Egg rolls
Carrot and parsnip soup
Roasted vegetable bowl
Parsnip soup
Cornish steak pasty
More Lunch collections
Wholesome grain bowls
Al desko
Best bacon recipes
Healthy lunch ideas
Healthy and filling soup recipes
Lunchbox recipes and ideas
Prep-ahead meals
Pitta pockets
Sandwich ideas
Simple salads
Wrap it up
19 Cozy Meal-Prep Recipes for Winter Lunches
When the weather dips below freezing, that cold, sad $14 desk salad isn’t going to cut it. Instead, we’re reaching for cozy soups and warms bowls to tide us over until winter thaws. Here are 19 warm, filling lunch recipes that you can meal prep ahead of time.
SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
Warm yourself up from the inside out.
MAKE-AHEAD ALOO GOBI
We found the secret to making your coworkers jealous.
KUNG PAO CHICKEN
What’s cozier than takeout? (Spoiler: This is.)
WHITE TURKEY CHILI WITH AVOCADO
A stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal.
DIJON-MAPLE CHICKEN WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH
One sheet pan now, four lunches later.
SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA MEATBALLS
Meatballs are our favorite food group.
FIRECRACKER CHICKEN WITH RICE
If the spicy-sweet sauce doesn’t convince you, the 35-minute cook time will.
HARISSA CHICKPEA STEW WITH EGGPLANT AND MILLET
This warming bowl is totally customizable to the seasons.
ONE-POT YELLOW CHICKPEA CAULIFLOWER CURRY
Pair it with a big batch of grains.
COCONUT SWEET POTATO LENTIL SOUP WITH RICE
Comforting and healthy, it’s the best of both worlds.
CHEATER’S SLOW-COOKER BEEF BOURGUIGNON
You’re a regular Julia Child, aren’t you?
LOADED BAKED POTATO CAULIFLOWER SOUP
Bacon, cheese and sour cream are a must.
BACON AND BEAN SOUP
Sooo much better than canned.
TURKEY CHILI
Chilly days call for…chili. (Sorry, had to.)
SPICY MAPLE ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH & BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH CRISPY BACON
Who said salads are just for summer? (Thanks, Monique Volz.)
MEAL PREP MOROCCAN CHICKPEA, SWEET POTATO AND CAULIFLOWER BOWLS
Go heavy on the spices—you won’t regret it.
MAKE-AHEAD SPICY CHIPOTLE TURKEY BURRITOS
Make a bunch and stash them in the freezer.
SHEET PAN MAPLE APRICOT CHICKEN
We’re suckers for a sweet and tangy glaze.
SHEET PAN PERI PERI CHICKEN WITH PORTUGUESE RED PEPPER SAUCE
Who can resist crispy chicken skin (or golden brown potatoes)? Thanks, Phoebe Lapine.
Healthy Warm Lunchbox Ideas
Looking for something warm to add to lunchboxes? We got your covered! Everyone loves a warm lunch every now and then, especially in the winter months. Here are some of our favorite warm lunchbox ideas.
During the chilly, snowy winter months, all my family craves are warm, comforting dishes. There’s something special about a hot bowl of soup on a freezing cold day. It really warms you up from the inside out. The same goes to school lunches. I’m always looking for new recipes that would make for a healthy warm lunchbox idea for packing lunches for the kids. Plus, the kids appreciate the non-sandwich lunch.
Warm lunchboxes are actually easy too, since they are either leftovers for dinner (hello easy meal planning!) or you can make a big batch on Sunday night and serve it up for several days.
One thing you need for the perfect warm lunch, is a good thermos. You have to keep those warm recipes…warm. So a good thermos is a must-have lunchbox item, especially in the winter! We love this 10 oz. Thermos brand thermos for packing warm foods in the lunchbox. We have at least 3 in my house, one for each child and one in case we can’t find the other two 😉
Here’s a tip for packing hot foods:
- Fill the thermos with boiling water.
- Heat up the food you’re adding to thermos.
- Pour out water and add food.
Your food will stay hotter longer by prepping the thermos with hot water beforehand! I usually let the hot water sit in the thermos for at least a minute before filling it with your favorite warm lunch. If you are looking for more food safety tips for packing lunches, here is a great guide for you on food safety tips for packing lunches.
Here are some healthy warm lunchbox ideas that are sure to please the kids (and you!)
Warm Lunchbox Ideas
Alphabet Vegetable Soup
Soup is always a welcome addition to lunchboxes. Kids love this Alphabet Vegetable Soup and we love that it has veggies in it.
Kale and Chicken Pot Pie
There is just something about Chicken Pot Pie that is comforting. This Kale and Chicken Pot Pie is sure to warm up the kids and give them a little extra comfort at lunchtime.
Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
This easy tomato basil soup is a classic! Don’t forget the crackers or simple sandwich for dipping.
Mandarin Chicken Stir-fry with Green Beans
We love all the flavors is this simple Mandarin Chicken Stir-fry with Green Beans. Make this for dinner and give everyone the delicious leftovers for lunch.
Wonton Taco Cups
Everyone loves mini versions of their favorite foods, and that is exactly what these Mini Wonton Taco Cups are! A yummy mini version of Taco Tuesday…but you can serve them up any day!
Veggie Nuggets for Kids
These veggie nuggets are an easy and delicious way to get some extra veggies into your child’s lunchbox.
Kid-Friendly Lunchbox Empanadas
Make an extra batch of these empanadas and freeze them for an easy lunch or dinner option! Everyone will love these empanadas and you will love that they are easy to make.
Lunch Box Burritos Recipe
These burritos are easy to make and will keep your child (or you!) fueled all day.
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Here is a fun spin on traditional tacos! This Cheesy Taco Pasta is easy to make and sure to be a favorite in lunchboxes.
Hummus and Veggie Panini
No one will miss the meat in this yummy panini. Loaded with hummus and veggies kids and adults alike will love this easy panini when it comes to lunchtime.
One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac
Make this One Pot Cheeseburger Mac for dinner and everyone will be excited to see the leftovers for lunch. This comforting recipe is a family favorite
Oh, So Very Simple Chickpea Curry Recipe with Rice
Simple and delicious. Yes please! Grab this easy recipe for a new lunchbox recipe.
Savory Chicken & Rice Muffins
Food is just more fun when it’s served like a muffin! This Savory Chicken & Rice Muffins recipe is easy and a warm lunchbox idea that everyone will enjoy.
Easy Sausage Stuffed Pepper Rings
These Easy Sausage Stuffed Pepper Rings are fun for lunch, but they also make for a delicious appetizer!
Freezable Pizza Pockets
I love recipes that I can make and then freeze for the easiest possile morning ever! These freezable pizza pockets are a family favorite and so easy to make. Who doesn’t love pizza?!
White Bean Quesadilla
Loaded with protein thanks to the white beans, kids will love seeing these White Bean Quesadillas when they open their lunchbox.
Chicken Zoodle Soup
I promise they won’t miss the noodles! This Chicken Zoodle Soup is a veggie spin on the traditional classic.
Homemade Ramen Noodle Soup Recipe
My kids love ramen noodles, and I love this homemade version. Skip store bought and make it at home…and then serve it up for a lunch they will love.
Black Bean Empanadas
We love this Black Bean Empanadas recipe in my house. Easily customized and loaded with flavor.
Whole Wheat Veggie Calzones
Bring on the veggies! These Whole Wheat Veggie Calzones are an excellent way to add more veggies into your child’s day.
Southwest Quiche Muffins Bento Box
Breakfast for lunch? Yes please! These protein-packed Southwest Quiche Muffins are a yummy addition to kids’ lunchboxes.
Homemade Pizza Pockets with Broccoli and Cheese
Broccoli with pizza? Yes! Kids will love these homemade pizza pockets, and you will love that you can sneak in some extra veggies.