The back-to-school season is here, and for parents, that often means the daily challenge of making sure their children eat well at school. Food blogger and mother of three, Giouli Bouza, offers practical solutions—not on the plate, but in the lunchbox.
If you haven’t yet explored the art of the school snack, a glance at social media reveals hundreds of pages dedicated to healthy, colorful, and creatively prepared meals that parents make for their children. These posts compete daily for the “most imaginative lunchbox” award, showcasing dishes that would normally take hours to prepare. Of course, very few working parents have that kind of time every day.
Despite the social media pressure, Giouli points out that children often prefer familiar flavors. “Kids like the safety of the known,” she says. That’s why her approach focuses on simple, quick, and tasty solutions that work for both everyday meals and school lunchboxes.
Cooking for the Whole Family
Giouli treats cooking as a family affair, emphasizing simplicity. “Simple dishes are the ones that save everyone time because both mom and dad can prepare them easily,” she explains. Cooking is learned step by step—and, most importantly, with love. Today, online videos make the process even easier.
Her followers particularly enjoy recipes for waffles, small cheese pies, and other snacks suitable for school lunchboxes—foods that are both quick to make and kid-approved. The key, Giouli says, is not to aim for gourmet masterpieces but for familiar favorites that children will actually eat.
The Right Combinations
Lunchboxes should ideally include a mix of flavors and textures that appeal to children. Giouli recommends:
- Something savory: a cheese pie, omelet, or egg toast
- Something sweet: a piece of cake or a sugar-free cookie
- Fruit: cut into bite-sized pieces
- Water: always have a bottle on hand
Small experiments are possible, such as including a new vegetable inside a familiar snack. This helps children gradually try new flavors without resistance.
3 Kid-Approved Snacks for School Lunchboxes
1. Fluffy Cheese Pies
Perfect for school lunches or afternoon snacks. Simple ingredients and steps result in light, flavorful bites that children and adults will love.
Serves: 25 pieces | Prep: 40 min | Bake: 25–35 min | Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 200 g cream cheese
- 150 g melted butter
- 500 g self-raising flour
- 2 eggs
- 300 g feta, crumbled
- 150 g grated yellow cheese
- Sesame seeds, for sprinkling
Method:
- Mix cream cheese with eggs until smooth. Add melted butter and mix well. Gradually incorporate flour, kneading until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- In a separate bowl, combine feta and yellow cheese.
- Take small portions of dough, flatten into discs, and fill with the cheese mixture. Fold into half-moons or roll into small shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment, sprinkle with sesame, and bake at 180°C (356°F) for 25–35 minutes until golden.
Tip: Add fresh herbs like mint for extra aroma.
2. Carrot Breadsticks
A healthy and tasty snack that’s perfect for school.
Serves: 15–20 | Prep: 30 min | Bake: 35 min | Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 200 g oat flour
- 2 carrots, grated
- 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 30 ml water
- Salt & garlic powder, to taste
Method:
- Combine grated carrots, oat flour, olive oil, water, salt, and garlic powder. Knead into a uniform, firm dough.
- Shape into elongated sticks of desired size.
- Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake at 180°C (356°F) for 35 minutes.
- Turn off the oven, open the door, and leave the sticks inside for 30 minutes to crisp.
3. Fluffy Sweet Potato Pizza
A healthier, soft version of classic pizza using sweet potato for natural sweetness and great texture.
Serves: 2 pizzas | Prep: 30 min | Bake: 20 min | Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 500 g cooked sweet potatoes
- 500 g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Tomato sauce, as needed
- Grated yellow cheese, as preferred
Method:
- Mash sweet potatoes in a bowl, add salt, olive oil, and flour. Knead into a soft dough.
- Oil a round baking dish and spread half the dough evenly. Reserve the other half for a second pizza or small rolls.
- Spread tomato sauce over the dough and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 15–20 minutes until the dough puffs and browns.
Tip: Add oregano or basil to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
