It's that time of year again! The time of year where you stare at your pantry, then stare at your kids' empty lunchboxes then back at the pantry and wonder what the heck am I going to make my kids for lunch today? On top of that, it's 7am and your kids are demanding breakfast and that constantly running to-do list in your brain is reminding you that you still haven't figured out what's for dinner tonight either.
If your life is anything like mine this is a regular occurrence which is why I thought I'd put together this list of my favourite Canned Soup Mom recipes that turn leftovers into lunchbox favourites.
You can thank me tomorrow morning around 7am!
I love this recipe because I can fill the rolls with the things my kids will actually eat. In our case(s) that's chicken, lettuce, carrots and rice noodles. Of course, most of our kids' schools are peanut free so be sure to send plum sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
After the
Breakfast Muffin sensation, I was determined to come up with a quick dinner and lunchbox friendly version. I present to you—
Pizza Muffins. Simply fill with your kids' favourite toppings (even let them help—they are that easy!) and make a few extras for lunchboxes the next day.
These are one of my freezer staples. On days I'm really stuck for lunchbox ideas, I defrost a few of these, toss them into a warmed thermos and send with plum sauce for dipping. With a separate Tupperware of cut up vegetables and dip my kids are thrilled.
Big Batch Meatballs
Another freezer fave of mine. My kids LOVE LOVE LOVE
meatballs. In the morning I simply defrost, cut into halves or quarters (depending on the child) and send in a warmed thermos with a crusty bun or croissant on the side. My kids say they are moist enough (even after freezing and defrosting) that they don't need any ketchup or tomato sauce for dipping. To mix it up a bit, toss a little leftover pasta and sauce in the thermos too!
My Kids' Love Their (Mini) Buns
My
Beer Crock Pot Pulled Pork (don't worry the alcohol cooks off!) and my
Easiest Sloppy Joes recipes make great leftovers and are perfect not only for the kids' lunchboxes but parents' too. All I do is warm up individual portions, toss them into a warmed thermos and send with the buns on the side. My kids like the mini/slider buns best! Make sure to send a spoon so your kids can scoop the filling onto their buns.
TIP: Have the little ones practice their scooping at the dinner table the night before.
This recipe is made once a week in the Canned Soup Mom kitchen and makes great "assemble your own tacos" for lunch the next day for kids and parents alike. Simply send heated chicken taco filling in a warmed thermos and taco shells on the side with a Tupperware of their favourite toppings. My kids love lettuce, salsa and shredded cheese.
TIP: Pack the Tupperware of toppings while you're cleaning up from dinner. This helps make for quick lunchbox assembly the next morning!
BONUS: Want to know how to keep your thermos warm until lunchtime?
Check out my easy tip. (and be sure to add any of your own tips too!)
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