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Budget kids' lunches

Stuck for inspiration on what to feed the kids for lunch? Try one of these budget kids' lunch ideas, all ready in 20 mins, perfect for the summer holidays.

  1. 'Tiny tree' pasta

    Cocktail sausages are for more than picnics! This ‘tiny tree’ pasta recipe is full of quick hacks – fry frozen cocktail sausages until sticky and golden, then use herby soft cheese for an instant pasta sauce. ‘Tiny trees’ of broccoli are a fun way to encourage the kids to get more veg.

    'Tiny tree' pasta
  2. Fish nachos

    This colourful fish nachos recipe feels like a real treat, but is still a quick and healthy lunchtime option. Tortilla wraps are baked until golden and crisp for a healthier twist than using tortilla chips, before being topped with flaky fish, melting cheese and salsa. Pile on the toppings and let the kids dig in!

    Fish nachos
  3. Turkey noodles

    For a comforting kids' lunch on rainy days, try this speedy turkey noodles recipe. So much better than instant noodles, these use healthy turkey breast for quick meatballs, an easy veg stock broth and plenty of added veg from sweetcorn and peppers.

    Turkey noodles
  4. Egg-topped veggie burgers

    Treat the kids to burgers for lunch by making the most of your storecupboard. Mix plenty of tinned beans with herbs, breadcrumbs and cheese for easy veggie patties – then pile up with salsa and lettuce for extra veg. Top with a golden fried egg for a filling finishing touch!

    Egg-topped veggie burgers
  5. Pizza omelettes

    Channel the flavours of a classic cheesy pizza into a healthy, quick lunch with these pizza omelettes. Omelettes are topped with melting mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for lunch in 20 minutes - serve with carrot or cucumber sticks for some easy extra veg.

    Pizza omelettes
  6. Ham and sweet potato slice

    Bake a big tray of this ham and sweet potato slice, then freeze in individual portions for an easy make ahead lunch to last the week. With crispy sweet potato, ham and melting cheese, this hearty bake is easy to adapt to what you have in the cupboard - add diced tomatoes, different herbs and cheeses or extra carrot veg such as carrot or courgette.

    Ham and sweet potato slice
  7. Fishcake burgers

    Treat the kids to Friday burgers with these cheat's fishcake burgers. Sandwich fishcakes into wholemeal buns with lettuce and lemon yoghurt, then serve with cucumber batons for a healthy lunch that still feels like a treat.

    Fishcake burgers