15 Back to School Bento Box Ideas
I’ll admit it—I’m a little obsessed with bento boxes. There’s something so satisfying about opening that tidy container at lunchtime and seeing everything perfectly portioned, colorful, and inviting.
But you don’t have to be a Pinterest mom to pull it off! Bento boxes are actually one of the easiest ways to pack lunches that look fun, taste great, and help you sneak in a little more variety (and maybe even a vegetable or two).
This collection of 15 bento box ideas is designed for real life—no fancy cutters or time-consuming recipes. Just simple, fresh combinations you can prep in minutes on a busy school morning.
Whether your kids love sandwiches, wraps, or snack-style lunches, these ideas will save you time and keep little tummies happy. Let’s get started with the first 7 bentos that prove lunch can be both easy and exciting!
1. Turkey & Cheese Roll-Up Bento
Description:
This classic combo never disappoints—bite-sized turkey and cheese roll-ups, plus crunchy sides for balance.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices deli turkey
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup baby carrots
- 1/2 cup grapes
- Whole grain crackers
Instructions:
- Lay turkey slices flat.
- Place half a cheese slice on each and roll up tightly.
- Slice each roll into 2–3 pieces.
- Arrange roll-ups in one bento section.
- Add carrots, grapes, and crackers in separate compartments.
2. DIY Mini Bagel Pizza Bento
Description:
Little bagels turn into no-cook pizza that kids build themselves—fun and customizable!
Ingredients:
- 2 mini plain bagels, split
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup mini pepperoni
- Baby spinach (optional)
Instructions:
- Place bagel halves in one bento compartment.
- Spoon marinara into a small leak-proof container.
- Fill another container with mozzarella and pepperoni.
- If using, add baby spinach in a separate spot.
- Pack everything so kids can assemble at lunch.
3. Hummus & Veggie Snack Bento
Description:
Creamy hummus pairs perfectly with fresh veggies and pita chips—great for dipping and munching.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup hummus
- 1/2 cup baby carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumber sticks
- 1/2 cup bell pepper strips
- Pita chips
Instructions:
- Spoon hummus into a small container with a lid.
- Arrange carrots, cucumbers, and peppers in one section.
- Add pita chips to a dry compartment to keep them crisp.
- Seal and refrigerate.
4. Breakfast for Lunch Bento
Description:
Who says you can’t have breakfast in the middle of the day? This bento is packed with morning favorites.
Ingredients:
- 2 mini waffles (frozen or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- 1/2 cup mixed berries
- String cheese
Instructions:
- Place mini waffles in one section.
- Pour syrup into a small container with a tight lid.
- Peel and pack the egg in another section.
- Add berries and string cheese.
- Keep chilled until lunch.
5. Chicken Salad & Crackers Bento
Description:
Savory chicken salad served with crackers makes for a protein-rich, scoopable lunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Whole grain crackers
- 1/2 cup apple slices
Instructions:
- Mix chicken, mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spoon chicken salad into a compartment.
- Add crackers in a dry section.
- Arrange apple slices in another compartment.
- Seal and chill.
6. Sunflower Butter & Banana Roll-Up Bento
Description:
A sweet and nut-free bento that feels like a treat but packs healthy energy.
Ingredients:
- 1 large tortilla
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seed butter
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup baby carrots
- 1/2 cup pretzels
Instructions:
- Lay tortilla flat.
- Spread evenly with sunflower butter.
- Place banana on one edge and roll up.
- Slice into pinwheels.
- Arrange in a compartment with carrots and pretzels in others.
7. Cheese, Ham & Fruit Kabob Bento
Description:
Lunch on a stick! These kabobs make eating lunch fun and interactive.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices deli ham
- 4 cubes cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grapes
- Whole grain crackers
Instructions:
- Fold ham slices into squares.
- Thread ham, cheese, and grapes onto short skewers or toothpicks.
- Arrange kabobs in a bento section.
- Add crackers in a separate compartment.
8. Greek Yogurt Parfait Bento
Description:
This parfait bento feels like a special treat but is loaded with protein and fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup fresh berries
- 1/4 cup nut-free granola
- 1/2 cup baby carrots
- 1/2 cup pretzel twists
Instructions:
- Spoon yogurt into a leak-proof container.
- Top with fresh berries.
- Pack granola separately to stay crisp.
- Arrange carrots and pretzels in compartments.
- Keep chilled until lunchtime.
9. DIY Taco Bento Box
Description:
Make-your-own tacos in a lunchbox—no reheating required!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 4 mini flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup corn chips
Instructions:
- Place chicken in a compartment.
- Spoon salsa into a small sealed container.
- Add shredded cheese in another section.
- Stack tortillas in a separate compartment.
- Pack corn chips for crunch.
10. Veggie Cream Cheese Pinwheel Bento
Description:
Colorful pinwheels with crunchy veggies and smooth cream cheese make lunch feel extra special.
Ingredients:
- 1 large tortilla
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup baby spinach
- 1/4 cup bell pepper strips
- 1/2 cup grapes
Instructions:
- Lay tortilla flat and spread with cream cheese.
- Sprinkle evenly with carrots, spinach, and peppers.
- Roll up tightly into a log.
- Slice into pinwheels.
- Arrange pinwheels in one compartment and grapes in another.
11. Mini Sandwich & Snack Bento
Description:
Mini sandwiches plus crunchy sides to keep little tummies satisfied.
Ingredients:
- 2 slider rolls
- 2 slices deli turkey
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cucumber slices
- 1/2 cup animal crackers
Instructions:
- Split slider rolls.
- Layer turkey and cheese inside each roll.
- Pack sandwiches in a section.
- Arrange cucumber slices and animal crackers in separate compartments.
12. Caprese Skewer Bento
Description:
Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and tender chicken on skewers—like a mini picnic in a box.
Ingredients:
- 4 cooked chicken tenders, cut into chunks
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 8 mini mozzarella balls
- Small skewers
- Whole grain crackers
Instructions:
- Thread chicken, tomato, and mozzarella onto skewers.
- Repeat to make multiple kabobs.
- Arrange in a bento compartment.
- Add crackers in another section.
- Keep chilled until lunchtime.
13. No-Cook Pasta Salad Bento
Description:
This pasta salad uses pre-cooked noodles to make morning prep a breeze.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rotini pasta (chilled)
- 1/4 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing
- 1 string cheese, cut into pieces
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine pasta, cucumber, and tomatoes.
- Toss with Italian dressing.
- Spoon pasta salad into a compartment.
- Add string cheese pieces in a separate section.
14. Breakfast Muffin & Fruit Bento
Description:
A wholesome muffin pairs perfectly with fruit and yogurt for a balanced lunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole grain muffin (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup granola
Instructions:
- Place muffin in one compartment.
- Spoon yogurt into a sealed container.
- Pack granola separately.
- Arrange strawberries in another section.
15. PB&J Sushi Roll Bento (Nut-Free Option)
Description:
These cute “sushi” rolls are made with nut butter and jelly—so much fun to eat!
Ingredients:
- 1 large tortilla
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seed butter or peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons jelly
- 1/2 cup baby carrots
- 1/2 cup pretzels
Instructions:
- Lay tortilla flat.
- Spread evenly with nut or sunflower butter.
- Top with jelly.
- Roll up tightly into a log.
- Slice into rounds.
- Pack rolls in a compartment with carrots and pretzels on the side.