Thermos Recipes & Hot Lunch Ideas
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Hearty, Home-Cooked Meals In Thermos Food Jars
By the time the leaves start to change color and the chill of autumn and winter creeps in, we start feeling the need for comfort food and hot meals at lunchtime. A wide mouth Thermos container is a great way to pack a healthy, homemade lunch on-the-go without the need for reheating. No microwave. No problem!
Thermos food containers are great for kids school lunches, the office, field trips, road trips, tailgating, biking, backpacking, hiking or anytime you want a hot, home-cooked meal away from home. The sturdy stainless steel, double wall insulation keeps food hot for hours and the leak proof lid is great for hearty soups and chili.
You can even save time and energy by cooking foods like oatmeal right inside your Thermos food jar. Prepare the night before and wake up to warm, nutritious, no-fuss breakfast!
Thermos food containers are great for kids school lunches, the office, field trips, road trips, tailgating, biking, backpacking, hiking or anytime you want a hot, home-cooked meal away from home. The sturdy stainless steel, double wall insulation keeps food hot for hours and the leak proof lid is great for hearty soups and chili.
You can even save time and energy by cooking foods like oatmeal right inside your Thermos food jar. Prepare the night before and wake up to warm, nutritious, no-fuss breakfast!
Thermos Lunch Ideas
- Sloppy Joe Filling w/ a Bun On The Side
- Taco Meat w/ a Tortilla & Cheese On The Side
- Hot Dips w/ Pita or Tortilla Chips On The Side
- Leftovers
- Soups, Stews & Chili
- Chicken Fingers w/ Dipping Sauce On The Side
- Spaghetti & Meatballs w/ Sauce
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
- Hot Cocoa w/ Marshmallows On The Side
- Hot Dog w/ a Bun & Condiments On The Side
Thermos Tips
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For best results, preheat your Thermos before adding the food;
1.) Fill the Thermos with boiling water, close the lid and let sit for about 5 minutes.
2.) When your food is hot and ready to add to the Thermos, pour out the water.
3.) Immediately fill with your food and replace the lid: - In extreme temperatures, wrap your thermos in a blanket or towel for extra insulation or pack in an insulated lunch bag.
- Use your Thermos as an eco-friendly take-out container. When you go out to eat, bring your clean Thermos along with you and ask the restaurant to fill it instead of using a disposable plastic or styrofoam container.
- Thermos Cooking Basics
Adult Sized Thermos Food Containers
16-20 ounce insulated, wide mouth, leak proof, food containers.
10 Ounce
Keepin' It Hot
For best results, preheat your Thermos before adding the food!
Fill the Thermos with boiling water, close the lid and let sit for about 5 minutes.
When your food is hot and ready to add to the Thermos, pour out the water. Immediately fill with your food and replace the lid.
A Thermos would make an awesome gift for that hard working fella in your life! Wrap it up cute in a wine bottle wrap or throw together a gift basket filled with edible goodies, a cookbook, lunch accessories, a spork, cloth napkins, etc.Who else would love a Thermos? Birdwatchers, tailgaters, outdoor adventurers, office geeks, students, teachers, the mailman (or lady), the coach, your neighbor...
Hot Dips
Yummy snack ideas to serve with crackers or crusty bread!
- Hot {and healthy!} White Bean Dip
- This works great to make ahead of time. Just store in the fridge and warm it up in the microwave before serving. This dip has quite a few more calories than a celery stick, it's also a lot more satisfying. When it comes to making healthy choices, a dip like this with a few pita chips might be much healthier than your alternatives (regular chips and ranch dip for example). Plus it's suuuper tasty!
- Pumpkin Spice Cashew Cheese Dip
- Pumpkin Spice Cashew Cheese Dip brings pumpkin to the head of the table, as the lets get this party started opening act of your family meal, posh party or weekend chill time. Fall apples and rustic grain bread dip perfectly with pumpkin.
- Hot Artichoke Dip
- Here's an easy, four-ingredient hot artichoke dip recipe that you serve up nice and warm with tortillas or snack crackers. It's perfect for football game half-time and special enough to serve at a Christmas party, on New Year's Eve, or anytime as a snack just because it tastes so good.
- Applebee's Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe
- This is one heck of a dip! It's Applebee's Spinach Artichoke Dip, a hot, hearty dip that it just fantastic with some fresh tortilla chips.
Delicious Dips
Amazon Price: $8.98 (as of 02/22/2012)
Hot Cereal & Oatmeal
Single serving breakfast recipes that cook inside a Thermos!
- How To Make Crockpot Oatmeal & Hot Cereal In A Thermos
- Wake up to a hot, healthy breakfast ready and waiting for you with a simple recipe for overnight crockpot oatmeal-or try an easy to prepare thermos full of hot cereal that is ready when you get up. You can add all sorts of delicious good-for-you things like dried cranberries, blueberries, raisins, apple slices and more. Once you find an oatmeal recipe that works for you, experiment with adding your favorite fruits, nuts and spices like cinnamon.
- Cooking Steel Cut Oats | Thermos Cooking
- What would be better than waking up and having a nice thermos full of hot oatmeal waiting for you. Just prepare it the night before and leave it on the counter. It'll be hot and delicious whenever you're ready for it.
- Cooking Whole Oat Groats | Thermos Cooking
- Whole oats groats are oats in their least processed form. All that is been done is the husk has been removed. Groats have a nice chewiness and great nutty. Because the oats are in whole form they need to cook overnight. But what could be more convenient than getting breakfast ready the night before!
- Thermos Oatmeal
- 1 serving - prep time: 5 minutes - cook time: overnight, but with no effort on your part!
10 Ounce Thermos
* 1 cup boiling water
* 1/4 cup steel cut oats (not quick cook)
Optional: raisins, nuts, etc.
- Fill the Thermos with boiling water, close the lid and let sit for about 5 minutes.
- Measure the oats and set aside. (measurements above)
- Pour out the hot water that you used to preheat the Thermos.
- Add your steel cut oats to the Thermos.
- Optional: Add raisins, nuts, etc.
- Pour boiling water over the oats. (measurements above)
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Close the lid until you're ready to eat! (1+ hours - overnight)
Tip: If you're using a tall Thermos, lay it down on it's side while cooking. - Serve with brown sugar, honey or maple syrup. Yum!
Rice, Grains & Pasta
Healthy, nutritious foods to pack in your Thermos.
- Cooking Pasta | Thermos Cooking
- Who doesn't like pasta? But who likes to stand over the pot to make sure the pasta doesn't stick together and the pot doesn't boil over? Those days are over with thermos cooking.
- Cooking Quinoa | Thermos Cooking
- The nice thing about quinoa is that it doesn't have much of it's own flavor so it will take on the flavor of what you cook it with.
The Good-to-Go Cookbook: Take-along Food, Quick Suppers, and Satisfying Snacks for On-The-Go Families
Amazon Price: $5.98 (as of 02/22/2012)
Casseroles & Comfort Foods
Favorite recipes just like mom used to bake!
- The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Online
- There is nothing more comforting than making and eating my mom's recipe for baked macaroni and cheese. It has less than 5 ingredients so it is super easy to go from cooking it up to munching it down in under an hour. Add steamed broccoli or carrots and you have a real full meal deal for sure!
- Tasty Winter Casseroles
- Coming home to the comforting smell of a gently simmering casserole is one of life's greatest pleasures. The combined warmth of the kitchen and the intermingling aromas of tenderly cooked beef (or chicken, lamb or pork) and fragrant vegetables is like being hugged... if you can get a hug as well, then you've won the lottery!
Quick & Easy Vegan Comfort Food: 65 Everyday Meal Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with Over 150 Great-Tasting, Down-Home Recipes
Amazon Price: $6.07 (as of 02/22/2012)
The Ski House Cookbook: Warm Winter Dishes for Cold Weather Fun
Amazon Price: $18.39 (as of 02/22/2012)
Soups, Stews & Chili
Hearty, home cooked goodness for cold weather lunches!
- Thermos Bottle Stew
- My grandmother used to make this for my grandfathers lunch when he worked outside for the railroad. She put it in his thermos, and always called it thermos bottle stew. This soup warms you from the inside out.
- Vegetarian Soups . . . Seasonal Sensations!
- From brothy to creamy to thick and hearty . . . vegetarian soups can be prepared to delight almost any palate. Oh, the flavors and textures . . . oh, the combinations of ingredients from grains to beans to veggies, spices, herbs and yes, even fruit!
- Easy & Delicious Beef Barley Soup
- This Beef Barley Soup Recipe is so easy to make and so delicious. Simply choose your lean meat and vegetables, chop everything, cook your meat and then add everything else to one big dutch oven. It only takes 2 hours to simmer and enjoy a delicious bowl of Beef Barley Soup.
- Vegetarian Chili
- Tired of all the vegetarian chili recipes saying things like 'light, low fat, and colorful?' That's not what chili is about; It's about comfort food and having something warm to eat with your freshly baked cornbread on a cold day. This chili is spicy, 'meaty' and delicious.
- Vegetarian "Chicken" Noodle Soup
- When you aren't feeling well, what's better than a homemade bowl of chicken noodle soup? Well, no-chicken noodle soup, of course! ;) You can even substitute vegetarian ingredients in your grandma's classic recipe, for a delicious, comforting meal. Or you can just try my simple recipe below.
- Chicken Chili Recipe
- This Slow Cooked Chicken Chili Recipe is a crowd pleaser at my house during Sunday Night Football Parties. Quick and easy chicken chili recipe! This chicken chili recipe is really pretty easy to make.
- Top Ten Best Ever Chili Recipes
- Raising my hand high to vote for Fall weather! Crisp, scent-filled, the cuddle up, comfort food time of year! Yep! You have found the Top Ten Best Ever Chili Recipes on the Internet! Goodie for you...and the really great thing of all, the guys in my house inspired me to get this going! Woo hoo for inspiration, sharing good food ideas and the guys in our lives that love us AND chili! ;)
Homemade soups, stews and chili can be made ahead of time and frozen in single serving portions until ready to use! Pint size Mason jars are heat-resistant and freezer safe, making them the ideal choice for storing and reheating your home cooked meals. Simply thaw, reheat and pour into your thermos!
Pint size jars hold just the right amount to fill a 16 oz. Thermos!
The Big Book of Soups and Stews: 262 Recipes for Serious Comfort Food
Amazon Price: $10.52 (as of 02/22/2012)
Vegan Soups and Hearty Stews for All Seasons
Amazon Price: $9.43 (as of 02/22/2012)
Meats
(+ Vegan / Vegetarian Substitutes)
- Thermos Hot Dogs Recipe
- Believe it or not this will cook the hot dogs by lunch time. When the kids open the thermos they can pull the hot dogs out with string so they don't take a chance of being burnt by the water if remains hot. Add buns, ketchup, mustard and relish to the lunch bag and they will have the perfect hot dog lunch.
- Vegetarian Meatloaf
- Well, OK, technically it's not 'meat'loaf, but anyway you make it it's hearty, satisfying, savory and in a loaf. There are even some recipes that are made with all of the same ingredients as traditional meatloaf with just a protein exchange. Some recipes sound weird but come out surprisingly tasty with a great consistency. And there is nothing like using leftover meatloaf to make a sandwich. So why should vegetarians be left out?
- Chickpea Nuggets
- The kids really liked them and, while I don't purport they tasted like chicken nuggets, they were a nice alternative, especially with dipping sauce.
The Vegetarian Meat and Potatoes Cookbook (Non)
Amazon Price: $13.52 (as of 02/22/2012)
Beverages
Warm drinks for ski trips, sledding, tailgating parties and football games!
- Hot Apple Cider Recipe
- Looking for the best hot apple cider recipe? You've found the right place! Find apple cider ingredients and cooking directions to make the perfect warming treat in the fall! Perfect for Thanksgiving or Halloween parties!
- How to Make Hot Apple Cider
- Whether you are enjoying a cozy evening by the fire or throwing a holiday get together, hot mulled cider warms your soul every time. This drink is really simple to make even from scratch, so it's a great way to warm the heart of a large group.
- Thick & Rich Filipino Hot Chocolate
- Hot chocolate is definitely on everyone's comfort food list but for me and most Filipinos I presume, nothing is as comforting as a cup of our native hot Tsokolate (chocolate, sometimes called Tsokolate Eh or Tsokolate Ah), made from ground Tablea or Cacao Chocolate Discs/Tablets. Traditionally served on Christmas and New Years' Eves.
- Hot Chocolate Cocktails
- There's nothing better in winter than to sit around a fire with a lovely mug of hot chocolate.....unless you count hot chocolate with extras! Yes, adults only hot chocolate is a different type of cocktail that you can serve to your family and friends this winter and here I have listed some of the best hot chocolate cocktails for you to enjoy.
- Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate
- This is an easy way to spice up regular hot chocolate mix. Add more or less of each ingredient, depending on taste. Serve with marshmallows or whipped cream and enjoy.
- Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
- Recipe for delicious candy cane hot chocolate, the perfect holiday drink. Enjoy for an after dinner treat, while chillin by the fire or for warming you up after a fun day of playing in the snow.
- Hot Cocoa | Hot Chocolate Recipes
- Those of you who do not live in a climate that gets cold in the winter, are missing one of life's perfect joys, a cup of steaming hot cocoa in the icy cold weather.
Bestselling Thermos Food Jars
The best, top-rated, most durable, leak-proof food containers.
Thermos Nissan 16-Ounce Stainless-Steel Food Jar
Amazon Price: $16.13 (as of 02/22/2012)
This container has an unbreakable 18/8 stainless-steel interior and exterior and wide mouth opening, so you can eat right from the jar! The insulation keeps foods hot or cold and it's leak-proof for soups and liquids.
3.8 x 3.8 x 8 inches
Also available in a 10 ounce size for smaller portions and kid's lunches.
LunchBots Thermal 16-ounce Stainless Steel Insulated Food Container, Dark Blue
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 02/22/2012)
This 16 oz. thermos has a much wider opening than most which gives it a natural bowl shape. The interior and lid are made of stainless steel to ensures that plastic never comes in contact with your food. Dishwasher-safe; free from bpa, lead, and phthalates.
4.5 x 4.5 x 3.5 inches
Kid Sized Thermos Food Containers
10 ounce insulated, wide mouth, leak proof food containers.
Did You Have A Thermos In Your Lunchbox?
What character was printed on your childhood Thermos?
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TapIn2U Nov 5, 2010 @ 1:57 pm | delete
- Thermos food containers are a classic! They're very useful. I remember we always brought one during family picnics. Nowadays, they come in cute designs that children will love. Hey, your Tweets were one of the ones I followed from Twitter when I found Squidoo. I have just finished my first Lens and now have great ideas to add thanks to you. Sundae ;-)
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jasmineann
Nov 5, 2010 @ 10:26 am | delete
- Well the forecast here is for a noticeable dip in temperature so I can certainly use these ideas! Thank you :)
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_Joan_
Nov 4, 2010 @ 7:19 pm | delete
- Putting a hot dip in a thermos sounds absolutely decadent! Fabulous idea.
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Barkely
Nov 4, 2010 @ 6:53 pm | delete
- I don't like to eat out so I'm always on the lookout for healthy, yummy recipes I can take along:-)
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jptanabe
Nov 4, 2010 @ 3:21 pm | delete
- Now it's getting chilly out, definitely time for these yummy looking hot meals for the lunchbox.
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by enslavedbyfaeries
enslavedbyfaeries
A wide mouth Thermos food jar is an easy, convenient way to make hot lunches to go without the need for a microwave to reheat your food at lunchtime.... more »
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LunchBots Uno Stainless Steel Food Container, Stainless Steel
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Just the right size container for a sandwich, wrap or bagel!
Built Extra Relish Lunch Tote, Black
Amazon Price: (as of 02/22/2012)
Insulates food for up to 4 hours!
