12 Warm Packed Lunches For Any Snowy Day Gallery
When you see snowfall out the office windows, you know you're going to feel the chill in your bones all day long. There are certain lunch dishes, though, that can fill you up and warm you up at the same time. We've compiled 12 great hot dishes that can be made at home and easily reheated at the office. We guarantee that you'll be dreaming about these dishes all day until the clock strikes noon, and it's time to dig in!
Yes, it takes a little extra time to plan and fix your lunch, but you can do the cooking the night before with these dishes. You'll be thankful you brought your lunch when the temperature drops below 20 degrees, and the rest of your colleagues have to head out into a blizzard to buy their food. Bringing your lunch is also a cheaper alternative to buying it every day, and it's more satisfying knowing that you made your dish from scratch. Nothing says warming comfort like these homemade dishes. From mac and cheese to satisfying soups and so much more, these recipes are sure to hit the spot. Experiment with all of these lunches, from hearty to healthy, to find your warm staple for this winter. Click on to discover 12 warm packed lunches.
Anytime Turkey Chili
While turkey chili is a healthier version of regular chili, it's still an incredibly filling dish. With pumpkin, beans, brown sugar, and ground turkey, this chili has sweet undertones that perfectly balance its mild spice.
African Sweet Potato Stew
This tasty stew is comforting and easy to make. Just throw everything into your slow-cooker and come back four hours later to a delicious and warming stew that can easily be reheated or transported in a thermos.
Bill Telepan’s Simple Chicken Soup
Catching a cold is almost inevitable once the crisp winter air starts rolling in. The best warm lunch to make you feel better is classic chicken noodle soup. This recipe skips the noodles and adds beans instead for an even more nourishing, protein-packed meal.
Click here for the Bill Telepan's Simple Chicken Soup recipe.
Sausage-and-Spinach Cheese Tortellini
Make this ravioli-like dish the night before, so you'll have a tasty leftover lunch for the next day. Using a slow-cooker and pre-made pasta means this dish practically makes itself!
Click here for the Sausage-and-Spinach Cheese Tortellini recipe.
The Perfect Butternut Squash Soup
For a creamier lunch, this butternut squash soup instantly takes that chill out of your bones and is filling enough to hold you over throughout the workday. Adding potatoes into the butternut squash mix gives it a thicker texture without excess heavy cream.
Click here for the Perfect Butternut Squash Soup recipe.
Pork and Chive Dumplings
There's something about warm Chinese food that comforts you to no end. Pork-filled dumplings served with soy sesame dipping sauce are exactly what you need to satisfy your hunger on a snowy day.
Click here for the Pork and Chive Dumplings recipe.
Simmered Kale with Bacon and White Beans
Creamy white beans and sautéed kale combine in this dish to make a healthy, light dish. The bacon adds an extra texture with a crisp bite, but you can opt out of it if you want a warming vegan lunch.
Click here for the Simmered Kale With Bacon and White Beans recipe.
Slow-Cooker Meatballs with Garden Vegetable Sauce
Making tasty meatballs at the beginning of the week is a great idea, because they can be added to multiple lunches or consumed on their own. Add them to pasta, zoodles, or even bread for a meatball sub. Be sure to cut the meatballs in half before you microwave them, so the warmth evenly spreads through the entire meatball.
Click here for the Slow-Cooker Meatballs With Garden Vegetable Sauce recipe.
Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese
Decadent mac and cheese heats up well, and is always welcome on a cold afternoon. Since grilled cheese doesn't travel well, this is the next best thing for a cheesy and indulgent lunch. Serve this up with some tomato soup, or have it plain for the perfect comfort food meal.
Click here for the Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese recipe.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage
This sweet potato gnocchi is warm, sweet, and melts in your mouth. This dish has fall and winter elements thanks to a combination of sweet potatoes and sage, making it a healthier version of classic potato gnocchi that's filled with good nutrients.
Click here for the Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Brown Butter and Sage recipe.
Vegetarian Chili
Chili is a warming favorite amongst carnivores, but vegetarians shouldn't have to miss out on the hearty soup. Try this vegetarian chili that's filled with beans for good protein and classic chili spices for a hot lunch on a snowy day. Even if you're not a vegetarian, this chili switches things up and can be a great dish to eat for Meatless Monday.
Click here for the Vegetarian Chili recipe.
Zucchini Pasta with Almond Pesto
When snow starts to fall, we find ourselves craving warm, simple dishes, like pasta, more and more. To avoid an overload of carbs, try making zoodles with your spiralizer for a pasta alternative. You can even use this zucchini pasta recipe with the meatballs you've made for the week. Of course, if the snow is persistent enough, there's nothing better than turning to your trusty slow cooker for healthy, delicious recipes that are ready in time for dinner!
Click here for the Zucchini Pasta With Almond Pesto recipe.
More From The Daily Meal:
33 Slow-Cooker Soups and Stews for Winter
20 Quick Dinner Dishes You Can Make Completely Out of the Freezer