Is it just me or are packed lunches harder to plan in the Autumn?
In the Summer, it’s so easy to pull together a quick salad, a nice sandwich or some sort of cold pasta or rice dish. But in the cooler months, I want something to warm me up at lunch time – comfort food is much needed half way through my work day but I want it to be reasonably healthy, easy to make and not cost the earth.
Autumn is the perfect time to switch things up with hearty, seasonal ingredients that keep everyone fuelled through busy school days and work hours.
Here’s some autumn-packed lunch ideas to brighten up lunchboxes without blowing the budget.
1. Egg Bites with a Seasonal Twist
Egg bites are a brilliant alternative to sandwiches and they’re something I could eat on repeat. They’re packed with protein, easy to batch cook, and can be customised with whatever’s in the fridge that needs using up.
I batch cook them on a weekend and pop them in a freezer bag ready for lunches. Last weekend, I made 20 small ones using some leftover broccoli and cauliflower and cheese.
For this time of year, I’ll often use spinach, peppers, leftover gammon, and sometimes some cherry tomatoes but I do love my cauliflower and broccoli ones so they’re definitely my go-to.
I bake a tray at the weekend, freeze them and pop them into lunchboxes to defrost by midday or if you’re at home then do what I do and get them out just before you need them and pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds and you’re good to go.
2. Butternut Squash Soup in a Flask
Soup season is officially here! Butternut squash is cheap, in season, and makes a sweet, filling base for soups.
I roast mine with a little olive oil and about 1o minutes before it’s done, I throw in some red onion, again with some olive oil on top to roast along side it. I then add them to a pan with a handful of chopped carrots and some vegetable stock. In goes a healthy sprinkle of chilli flakes and a bit of garlic and then I leave it to simmer for 20 minutes before blending it all together.
3. Pasta Salad with Roasted Veg
Autumn veg like courgettes, aubergines, and carrots roast beautifully and make a colourful, tasty pasta salad. Toss with olive oil, garlic, and a little feta or grated cheddar for a quick, balanced lunch that works warm or cold.
I make a couple of days worth of this at once and pop it in the fridge until I need it. If I’m working from the office then I’ll heat my portion up in the microwave in the morning before I go and pop it in my little Chilly’s flask that I’ve had for years.
My trusty flask works for cold food too but it’s especially good for hot food as it keeps things hot until lunchtime. It does need to be eaten by about 2pm though before it starts to cool but I’m the kind of person who eats a picnic in the car before we get out of our village so there’s no chance of me making it until 2pm for lunch.
I can’t remember how much I paid for mine as it was a few years ago but the one I have is here if you want to have a look.
4. Apple & Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Packed lunches aren’t just savoury! Overnight oats make a great mid-morning snack or sweet lunchbox treat. Use grated apple, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey for an autumnal twist.
I also make this with blackberries that we pick in the woods near us or any other reduced fruit that I can get from the shop. 😁
5. Leftover Roast Wraps
Make Sunday dinner work twice as hard. Shred leftover roast chicken, beef, or veggies, and wrap them with a little gravy in a tortilla or you can even buy Yorkshire pudding wraps now to use instead of a normal wrap.
Autumn is all about comfort food, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive or time-consuming. With a little prep, your family can enjoy warming, nutritious lunches that make the most of the season.
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