In a lunchtime rut? Mix it up with some muffin cups! Instead of packing your baking pan with the usual sweet confections, you can whip up lunch-friendly fare that is easy to handle, filling and most importantly––fun! Keep reading to snag some of the best savory muffin tin recipes out there.
Muffin Tin Spaghetti Meatball Bites
Control the mess but still give your kiddos a hearty lunch with these Muffin Tin Spaghetti Meatball Bites from Swanky Recipes. Made with jarred sauce, noodles and meatballs, the handheld meal bakes into shape in a muffin pan and is ready to enjoy in just 20 minutes.
Mini Lasagna Cups
Lasagna never looked so fun! The Stay At Home Chef's mini version packs all the flavor as a regular cut of the Italian fave but fits perfectly in a thermos. Make extra for mom and dad!
4 Ingredient Chicken Pot Pies
Ready in half an hour and only requiring four ingredients, these muffin tin mini chicken pot pies from Charisse Yu are a must! Comfort food at its best, these tiny pies use store-bought dough and are perfectly sized for school lunches, and even a meal on the go.
Bacon Broccoli Egg Bites
Make a bunch at breakfast and enjoy at lunch, these Bacon Broccoli Egg Bites from Rasa Malaysia are a surefire winner. The simple recipe can be made ahead of time and even frozen! Kids don't like broccoli? Swap out for whatever they do enjoy and get your veggie servings in easy peasy!
Turkey Cheeseburger Biscuit Cups
Do your kids love burgers? Brownie Bites has a healthy lunchtime solution with these tasty Turkey Cheeseburger Biscuit Cups! Simple ground turkey is cooked up and baked inside refrigerated biscuit dough and topped with cheese. The result? Your kids new fave lunch.
Kid-Friendly Shepherd's Pie Cups
Hearty and perfect for a chilly fall or winter day, Shepherd's Pie Cups are perfect for lunch! Rachael from Eazy Peazy Mealz has crafted this tasty, easy-to-eat recipe using flavorful meat and veggies and super cute mashed potato shapes. One batch means lunches are done for the week!
Sloppy Joe Cups
If there ever was a tidy way to eat sloppy joes, this recipe from This is Not Diet Food is it! Savory meat is cooked to perfection, then added to hamburger bun-lined baking cups. Top with cheese, bake and enjoy!
Cheesy BBQ Shredded Pork Cups
Add a little spice to your little's lunches when you add a few Cheesy BBQ Shredded Pork Cups from Food Fanatic. It only takes five ingredients and approximately 15 minutes baking away in a muffin tin to get some flaky, savory goodness.
Chicken Enchilada Cups
The kids will love customizing their own enchilada cups in this recipe from Wondermom Wannabe. Wonton wrappers are packed with all sorts of goodies before baking, and finish off with your fave toppings! What kid wouldn't love to dig into one of these come lunch time?
Buffalo Chicken Cups
Don't put away those wonton wrappers yet! This bold Buffalo Chicken Cups recipe from Gimme Some Oven packs a punch, using cayenne, hot sauce and blue cheese––perfect for your adventurous eater. Great for mom and dad too, this meaty meal is bound to brighten up your mid-day meal.
Deep Dish Mini Pizzas
Pizza lovers, rejoice! With this idea from One Little Project, you can have itty bitty deep dish pizzas that are the perfect size for lunchboxes. Customize with your fave toppings for a truly magical lunch.
Mini Meatloaf Muffins
These little Mini Meatloaf Muffins from Our Family Eats, pack in the protein and vegetables. They cook up fast and are easy to freeze for later, making your busy weeknights twice as easy. Meatloaf recipes are pretty versatile, so feel free to play around with the vegetable and spice ingredients to make this your own.
Baked Corn Dog Muffins
While the quintessential American fair food has to be the corn dog, there’s nothing healthy about this food on a stick. In this healthier version of Baked Corn Dog Muffins, deep frying is replaced by baking the shape is perfect for little hands.
Paleo Egg Muffins
While you may imagine Paleo Egg Muffins an ideal breakfast meal, they make a great lunchtime option, too. The naturally high protein, low-carb recipe means you're not only packing a tasty treat, but a healthy one as well. Customize with your fave fillings and enjoy this savory recipe from My Natural Family.
Spinach Quinoa Muffins
These Spinach Quinoa Muffins from Better Together are the closest recipe on our list to sweeter fare. They are naturally iron packed from the spinach, and mixed with the heart-healthy grain, quinoa and topped with crunchy nuts.
––Karly Wood
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