6 Latin Lunch Box Ideas for Back To School

This Latin Lunch Box Ideas post is sponsored by PackIt Freezable Lunch Bags. All opinions, however, are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands who make this blog possible.

All of my crew head back to school tomorrow and that means the daily ritual of filling up their lunch bags with something nutritious and filling, and most importantly—something they’ll actually eat—has returned.

This year I’m pretty pumped because my options have greatly multiplied since I switched out their old lunch boxes for PackIt Freezable Lunch Bags. These reusable bags have an built-in freezable gel lining that acts as a mini refrigerator and keeps food and drinks cold for hours! The entire bag goes in your freezer overnight (12 hours) to activate its built-in freezable gel and by morning, the walls of the bag will be completely frozen and ready to chill, just like a fridge. Plus they come in a huge variety of sizes and colors to fit any age or need. I got the Classic Lunch Box for Hiro, my 6-year-old, mainly because it was small enough for him to carry and it came in his favorite color—Blue Camo. For Louisa, my 10-year-old, I chose the Bento Box Set which comes with its own reusable container and fits neatly inside her backpack. And for Armando, my Professor husband, I decided on the Traveler Lunch Bag which is larger and has a slot for his reusable water bottle or coffee mug.

Now, the Fun Part: Some New Latin Lunch Box Ideas for Filling Those Sacks!

Before I get in the rut of turkey sandwich, turkey sandwich, peanut butter, I put on my thinking cap and came up with some other ideas that I can pack in my family’s lunches. I started thinking if I double-up on dinner, I can make a bit extra to stretch into school lunch the next day. I came up with 6 Latin Lunch Box Ideas that I can rely on throughout the year. Scroll down and see what you think— and I’d love to hear in the comments all of your go-to school lunch ideas!

6 Latin Lunch Box Ideas to get you inspired and ready for back to school. With everything from empanadas to burritos there's an idea here for everybody! #backtoschool #packitcool #latinlunch #healthyLatinrecipes #lunchbox

And guess what?!: Starting tomorrow, PackIt is giving away a Freezable Lunch Sack to one lucky ¡Hola! Jalapeño reader. Look for my Latin Lunch Box post on my Instagram page tomorrow. All you have to do to be eligible is follow @packitcool on Instagram and tag a friend. Deadline is Wednesday, August 29 at 5:00pm PT and (sorry!) US residents only. Thanks PackIt!

Pupusas

These masa cakes can be stuffed with black beans or cheese. You can make full-sized ones but I find miniature pupusas fit in little hands perfectly. Pack a salsa or some guacamole for dipping.

Cuban Sandwich

Make the Dijon and warm spice pork roast the night before then tuck the leftovers into chewy rolls with ham, pickles, and cheese for lunch.

Quesadillas

This is the family favorite that I always seem to forget about. Easy to make and can be filled with anything from just cheese to leftover chicken, beans, veggies, whatever you’d like.

Empanadas

Using store-bought puff pastry makes pulling off these savory hand pies much easier. Again fill them with anything from chicken to picadillo.

Burritos

A dinner favorite that can easily be made into tomorrow’s lunch. One large burrito is plenty to feed two kids. Pack the pico de gallo on the side so the tortillas don’t get soggy.

Melon Salsa Bruschetta with Cheese

A lot of families are looking for vegetarian options and this fun DIY bruschetta is great for older kids and adults. Baked baguette slices can be made a day or two in advance and then pack cream cheese or goat cheese and fresh melon salsa for topping.

A few more Latin Lunch Box Ideas:

YOUR TURN

What are your favorite lunch box ideas? Leave me a comment below!

HERE’S HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

Want to be the first to know get exclusive ¡Hola! Jalapeño content? Click here to subscribe to my newsletter.

#HOLAJALAPENO

Loving the blog? If you try a recipe I encourage you to use the hashtag #HOLAJALAPENO to show us what you’re making. Plus, you’ll get to sift through the hashtag to see not only all of my latest recipes, cooking tips, and tricks but everyone else that’s making our Latin-inspired recipes too! You might even meet a new cooking buddy.