Quick 5-Minute Toddler Meal Ideas

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Avoid the lunchtime fatigue; try these 12 easy and quick toddler meal ideas that can be made in about 5 minutes or less.

I’m a busy mom of two toddler and love when I can think of ways to have lunch on the table as quick as possible. And just because a meal is quick to make doesn’t mean it can’t be healthy!

I’m sharing 12 super easy and quick toddler meals that I make my boys for lunch throughout the week. Use these meals for mealtime inspiration to beat the lunch time fatigue that can come with preparing toddler lunches.

Tips for Making Lunch Quickly

When feeding my toddlers I like to make sure they have a well-balanced meal full of fruits, veggies, and healthy fats. If I were to homecook them a full meal every day for lunch it would take quite a long time (and much longer than i’d like to spend).

Here are some of my favorite tips for making toddler lunches quickly:

Use frozen foods (be sure to read labels when choosing foods)
Serve fruit
Serve raw veggies or use frozen veggies
Use leftovers
Keep it simple: Main course + 1-2 sides
Use a grape cutter (The OXO Grape Cutter is my favorite)
Use Stainless Steel Food Cutters to quickly make food fun

Toddler Lunch Supplies

If your toddler isn’t eating well at lunch, sometimes having the right lunch supplies can make all the difference. You certainly don’t need any special feeding products for your toddler, but these are some of my personal favorites:

Pillowfort Plates: these are our favorite plates for toddlers and the ones that you will see pictured below. They are affordable and durable; they have lasted 2+ years and two kids so far.

Annova Toddler Silverware: we have been using this set since my oldest turned two and they are great! I feel like they are the perfect size for older toddlers and they are a great training set for real silverware. For younger toddlers this is our favorite plastic set (we have two sets of these!): Munckin 6 Piece Fork & Spoon

EZPZ Mini Straw Cup: we love straw cups because they are recommended to help with proper oral development (as opposed to sippy cups). This cup is awesome because its non-toxic silicone and is great as a straw cup and open trainer cup too!

Quick Toddler Meal Ideas

5-Minute Toddler Meal Idea #1

Corn Dog – we love these frozen veggie corn dogs from MorningStar Farms brand (normal corn dogs work too!). These heat up in the microwave in about 90 seconds and is something fun to serve for lunch. Sides of cucumbers with cream cheese and kiwi.

Quick Toddler Meal #2

Avocado Chicken Salad – chicken salad is so quick to make if you used canned chicken, rotisserie, or left over shredded chicken. I use canned chicken and mix with avocado and diced cucumber for a little crunch. Side of whole milk string cheese and grapes.

5-Minute Toddler Meal #3

Grilled Cheese – grilled cheese is an easy and quick toddler lunch idea. Try making it fun by using a Sandwich Cutter or using different varieties of cheese like cheddar, mozzarella or Swiss. Side of diced strawberries.

Quick Toddler Meal Idea #4

Rotisserie Chicken – pick up a rotisserie chicken the next time you’re at the grocery store and stick it in the fridge for easy toddler lunches. My toddlers don’t mind it cold and its still juicy and tender. Side of cucumber and ranch for dipping, cheese, and raspberries.

Easy Toddler Meal #5

Egg Frittata Muffins – homemake egg muffins for breakfast and save the leftovers to use as an easy toddler lunch throughout the week. Or buy store-bought like these freezer egg frittata’s by Veggies Made Great. Side of whole milk string cheese and bananas topped with peanut butter.

Quick Toddler Meal Idea #6

Avocado Toast – toast whole wheat bread and then spread smushed avocado on top. A wholesome toddler meal for breakfast, lunch, or snack! Side of whole milk string cheese and grapes.

5-Minute Toddler Meal #7

Broccoli Littles – my toddler have loved Dr. Praeger’s Broccoli littles since they were just babies and still do as toddlers. They heat up in the microwave in just a minute or two so are the perfect quick toddler meal. Side of cheese dippers and strawberries.

Quick Toddler Meal #8

Quesadilla – heat up a tortilla on the stove top and fill with shredded cheese (you can also add broccoli or avocado!). Side of black beans and grapes.

5-Minute Toddler Meal Idea #9

Cheesy Roll Up – instead of a quesadilla, try serving a cheese roll up! Heat up a tortilla on the stove top and fill with cheese and veggies, then tightly roll up instead of folding in half. Side of golden kiwi and strawberries.

Quick Toddler Meal Idea #10

Mini Bagel – mini bagels are great because they are toddler-sized! Toast a bagel or serve right out of the bag. Instead of cream cheese I served open faced and topped with peanut butter and jelly on both sides. Side of avocado and grapes.

Easy Toddler Meal #11

Peanut Butter Pinwheels – lay out a tortilla and spread with peanut butter or other nut butter spread. Tightly roll up and cut into strips, then lay down like pinwheels. Side of strawberries with coconut cream, peas, and carrots.

Toddler Meal Idea #12

Baked Beans – baked beans are a simple and hearty lunch for your toddler that can be made in just minutes in the microwave. Side of broccoli, tomatoes, and peaches.

What quick meals are your toddlers loving these days? I’d love some more ideas to try! Let me know in the comments.

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