As parents, we all know the struggle of packing school lunchboxes that are not only nutritious but also something our kids will actually eat. Between early morning chaos and after-school activities, having a few prepped meals on hand can be a lifesaver. That’s why meal prepping snacks and breakfast items in advance is my go-to strategy for making mornings run smoothly.

If you’re looking for easy, homemade lunchbox fillers that your kids will love, these three simple meal prep ideas are perfect and serious crowd pleasers in our home:

1. Cheese and Ham Scrolls
2. Protein Pancake Bowls
3. and Flapjacks.

They’re easy to make in batches, store well, and are guaranteed to be a hit with the little ones!

Cheese and Ham Scrolls – The Perfect Savory Bite

Forget boring sandwiches—these cheese and ham scrolls are a fun and delicious alternative! Packed with flavour and easy to grab on the go, they make an excellent addition to lunchboxes or even an after-school snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 roll defrosted puff pastry
• Grated cheese (I use cheddar)
• Ham
• Egg for eggwash

To be honest, you can use any fillings you’d like, this is just generally my go-to

Method:

1. Roll out your defrosted puff pastry and sprinkle with grated cheese and lay down the ham.
2. Roll it up, not too tight!
3. Slice it, each slice should be about 3cm thick
4. Lay the slices down face down in your airfryer and brush with egg wash.
5. Pop into your airfryer on 180C for 15min or into the oven on 180C for around 30min or until golden and crispy

These sandwich scrolls are best stored in an airtight container and can be frozen for busy weeks ahead.

Protein Pancake Bowls – A Nutritious Breakfast or Snack

Mornings can be a rush, but having these protein-packed pancake bowls ready to go makes breakfast stress-free. They’re soft, fluffy, and full of goodness, keeping little tummies full until lunchtime.

They’re also great for me to grab and pack in my bag if I’m going into the office or don’t have time to put breakfast together.

Ingredients:

• 60g flour
• 75g Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 150ml milk of choice
• 40g protein powder
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp melted chocolate spread

Method:

1. Combine all the ingredients (except the chocolate spread) and mix well.
2. Split the batter between 2-3 oven-proof dishes (I use 3 small glass containers)
3. Drizzle the melted chocolate spread
4. Pop into the airfryer on 180C for 15min or the oven on 180C for 25min (or until cooked through).

Serve these with a side of yogurt, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey for extra flavour. They also double up as a great mid-morning/afternoon snack

Flapjacks – A Classic Brekkie

There’s nothing better than a yummy flapjack stack for brekkie. Homemade ones are just so much more delicious and let’s be honest a lot cheaper than store bought ones.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp oil

Method:

• Combine all ingredients well.
• In a greased pan, drop spoonfuls of the batter and cook until bubbles start to form on the top of the flapjacks. Flip them to cook on the other side until cooked through.

Flapjacks are perfect for meal prepping because they store well and stay fresh for days. Plus, they’re an ideal after-school snack when the kids come home hungry and looking for something quick to munch on.

If you’re new to meal prepping or are just feeling a bit stuck, here are some of my tips that help me:

Meal Prepping Tips for Busy Parents

• Batch Bake: Double or triple your recipes and freeze extras to save time later, this includes dinners. Leftovers are king as far as I know.
• Use Airtight Storage: Keep your snacks fresh longer by storing them in airtight containers or ziplock bags.
• Get the Kids Involved: Little hands love to help! Let them mix, roll, or decorate to make meal prepping a fun family activity.
• Keep It Balanced: Aim for a mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats in every meal to keep kids energized throughout the day.

These three lunchbox meal prep ideas will not only simplify your mornings but also ensure your kids have wholesome, homemade snacks to enjoy. Give them a try this week, and let me know which one is your little one’s favorite!

More Lunchbox Ideas!

>>Veggie muffins – toddler approved!

>>A weeks worth of lunchbox ideas

>>Quick and Easy Pizza roll-ups

>>Airfryer apple dippers