The summer holidays have come to an end and the back-to-school season has arrived. While you might be looking forward to the quiet mornings that come with an empty house, the start of the school year comes with other challenges like preparing wholesome lunches for your kids to get them through a long day of learning.
Packing a delicious and wholesome lunch for your children every day doesn’t have to be a chore.
Get your kids excited for lunch times on busy school days by keeping their food fresh, colourful, and interesting. How? Rhodes Quality has come up with a few ideas…With these seven lunchbox recipe inspiration ideas you can lovingly prepare snacks and meals that even the fussiest kids will enjoy!
Tuna gherkin sandwich
Packed full of protein and flavour pack up these sandwiches for your little one’s lunch boxes.
Ingredients (serves 4) | Method |
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Tomato, salami, and cheese calzones
Pizza for lunch is always a good idea. Snack-size calzones keep all the toppings tucked away and easy to eat.
Ingredients (makes 8) | Method |
For the pizza dough
● 600 g plain flour ● 10 ml (2 t) of salt ● 5 ml (1 t) sugar ● 1 x 10 g packet instant dry yeast ● 30 ml (2 T) olive oil ● ± 400 ml (1 ¾ C) lukewarm water For the filling ● 1 x 410 g can Rhodes Quality Tomato Italian Style
● 350 g mozzarella cheese, grated ● salt and freshly cracked black pepper ● dried oregano |
1. Sift the flour, salt, and sugar into a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and add the olive oil.
2. Add 250 ml (1 cup) of warm water to the flour and work the mixture together. 3. Continue adding the remaining water, a little at a time, until the dough is soft yet firm and is kneadable without sticking. 4. Knead the dough by hand for about ten minutes or until the dough is elastic and smooth. 5. Form the dough into a ball and place in a floured bowl. 6. Cover with a damp cloth and place in a warm spot to rise until it has doubled in size. 7. Knock down and knead again and then divide into 2. 8. Roll out one half of the dough to an evenly thick rectangle.
10. Spread each circle with a generous layer of Rhodes Quality Tomato Italian Style. 11. Top with the salami and the mozzarella cheese. 12. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. 13. Fold each circle in half and press the edges together. 14. Place the calzones on a lined baking tray in an oven preheated to 190° C for 15 minutes or until golden and crispy. |
Peanut butter and jam sandwich cookies
A traditional twist on a PB and J, chewy and sweet lunch box treats.
Ingredients (makes ±24) | Method |
● 160 ml (⅔ cup) butter, melted
● 140 ml (½ cup + 1 Tbsp) brown sugar ● 125 ml (½ cup) white sugar ● 250 ml (1 cup) creamy peanut butter ● 1 egg ● 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla essence ● 330 ml (1⅓) cup cake flour ● 5 ml (1 tsp) baking powder ● 5 ml (1 tsp) salt
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1. Beat together the butter, brown and white sugars, and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. 4. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined but do not overmix. 5. Roll the cookie dough into 24 even sized balls and place evenly spaced out on a lined baking tray.
7. Bake the cookies in an oven preheated to 180º for 12 minutes or until golden brown. 8. Allow to cool.
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Mini burgers with tomato relish
Kiddie-friendly mini burgers for a filling fun lunchbox.
Ingredients (makes 8) | Method |
● 500g minced beef
● 1 egg yolk ● 5 ml (1 t) dried mixed herbs ● 5 ml (1 t) Worcestershire sauce ● salt and freshly ground black pepper ● 30 ml (2 T) sunflower oil
To serve: ● 8 mini hamburger buns ● Soft butter for spreading
● Rhodes Quality Tomato Braai Relish |
1. Place the beef mince into a bowl.
2. Add the egg yolk, mixed herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Season the mince with plenty of salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients together using a wooden spoon or by hand. 3. Once the mixture is well blended, divide into 8 equal portions and shape into small slightly flattened patties. 4. Brush the patties with the oil. 5. Heat a non-stick frying pan and grill the patties. 6. Turn the patties over so that they cook evenly on each side. 7. Grill until cooked to your liking. 8. To serve: 9. Slice and butter the mini hamburger buns. 10. Place a burger patty on the bottom half of each bun and top with slices of Rhodes Quality Sweet & Sour Whole Gherkins. 11. Top with a generous spoonful or two of the Rhodes Quality Tomato Braai Relish.
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Crunchy chicken and corn salad
Kids always love crispy chicken and paired with a crunchy salad you can be sure they’re getting a lunchbox full of goodness.
Ingredients (serves 4) | Method |
● 2 chicken breast fillets, sliced
● 125 ml (½ cup) Hinds Southern Coating Original ● Sunflower oil for frying
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1. Toss the chicken strips in the flour and shake off any excess.
2. Dip the chicken strips in the egg and then toss them in the Hinds Southern Coating until evenly coated. 3. Deep fry the chicken strips in hot oil until golden and crispy or if you prefer air fry the chicken strips at 180° for 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. 4. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
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Grilled cheese and jam jaffel
Oozy grilled cheese and jam sandwiches, a quick and easy lunchbox idea.
Ingredients (serves 2) | Method |
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Hawaiian pizza pancakes
Savoury pancakes perfect for packing. You can make these ahead of time, cool and portion to save for later.
Ingredients (makes 12) | Method |
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Cool, portion and freeze for later use.
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Inspire fellow moms and dads to give their kids goodness to go and you can stand a chance to win stationery vouchers valued at R500 each. Share snaps of your beautifully prepared healthy lunch boxes, with a special note and tag @rhodesquality #GoodnessToGo featuring any 200ml Rhodes Quality 100% fruit juice.
For more recipe inspiration visit: https://rhodesquality.com/backtoschool2022/