I’m sharing 10 easy and nutritious sandwich ideas for kids’ lunches! From a classic PB&J to creative pizza sandwiches, find recipes perfect for picky eaters and school lunch boxes.
I have a post with 15 delicious sandwiches, but those are mostly for adult palettes… although your kids might love some like my scrambled egg sandwich recipe.
Mazen and Birch both like familiar sandwiches in their lunchboxes, but we’re still working on branching out the fillings from the basics. But just because they’re not feeling adventurous quite yet doesn’t mean I don’t have lots of ideas in my head!
Whether you’re packing lunch for school or whipping up a quick meal at home, sandwiches can be both nutritious and delicious.
Today, I’m sharing a round-up of sandwich ideas that you can add to your kids’ meal rotations, making lunch both fun and healthy.
10 Kids Sandwich Ideas
1. Classic Peanut Butter and Jelly
- Why I Love It: This is one of the most iconic sandwich ideas, very easy to assemble for busy mornings.
- What Makes It Great: It’s quick and easy to prepare, requiring just a few slices of bread and pantry staples: peanut or almond butter, sunbutter, jelly, or a drizzle of honey. (Birch is into PB + honey these days!) This $5 sandwich cutter is a must for making homemade “uncrustables.”
- Customization: For a healthier twist, use whole-grain bread and low-sugar or locally made jam/jelly. You can also add a slice of banana for extra sweetness and fiber.
2. Turkey and Cheese
- Why I Love It: This sandwich is a classic kid lunch option that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
- What Makes It Great: It’s simple to assemble with slices of bread, turkey, and a slice of cheese. It’s also easy to customize with different types of cheese or by adding lettuce, cucumbers, or pickles.
- Customization: Try using a whole-wheat tortilla instead of bread for a wrap. Add a slice of avocado for some healthy fats.
3. Ham and Apple
- Why I Love It: This sandwich recipe offers a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors that kids will enjoy.
- What Makes It Great: The combination of ham and thin apple slices adds crunch and freshness to the sandwich. I also love a little fig jam!
- Customization: Use a flour tortilla to make a wrap, or add some cream cheese for extra creaminess. Perfect for a unique school lunch.
4. Veggie and Hummus
- Why I Love It: An excellent way to get kids to eat their veggies.
- What Makes It Great: This easy sandwich is packed with fresh vegetables and hummus, providing a nutritious and colorful meal. Great for the kids who don’t love meat.
- Customization: You can use any favorite veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, and baby spinach. For picky eaters, sub cheese for hummus. You can also use any other kinds of dips your kids love.
5. Grilled Cheese
- Why I Love It: A warm, melty cheese sandwich that’s comforting and always a hit. Obviously, this one is best served at home since it will get gummy in a lunchbox.
- What Makes It Great: It’s an easy recipe that requires just a few ingredients. Grilling the bread gives it a delightful crunch.
- Customization: Add tomato slices or use different types of cheese like cheddar and mozzarella to vary the flavors. Add ham or a fried egg to increase the protein.
6. Chicken Salad
- Why I Love It: This sandwich is creamy and full of flavor. Add grapes or diced apples if you have a fruit lover, or stick to a more simple recipe without any crunchy things for picky eaters.
- What Makes It Great: It’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken. Mix with mayo or Greek yogurt, and add some chopped celery for crunch. I love everything bagel seasoning, too!
- Customization: Add grapes or nuts for extra texture and flavor. Serve on whole-grain bread or a flour tortilla for a wrap. Also great with whole grain crackers or chips.
7. Tuna Salad
- Why I Love It: Another classic sandwich recipe that’s quick to make and delicious. My oldest is a huge fish lover and will eat sardines and smoked oysters straight from the tin!
- What Makes It Great: Tuna salad is rich in protein and can be easily enhanced with veggies like celery and pickles.
- Customization: Serve on slices of bread or in a lettuce wrap. Add a slice of cheese or make an open-faced melt at home.
8. Egg Salad
- Why I Love It: This creamy and tasty egg salad sandwich is perfect for a protein-packed kid lunch. Split your recipe in half and add more oomph/spice to the adult version!
- What Makes It Great: It’s simple to make with boiled eggs, mayo, and a touch of mustard.
- Customization: Add avocado for extra creaminess or sprinkle in some herbs like dill for additional flavor. Serve on whole-grain bread or a flour tortilla.
9. Pizza Sandwich
- Why I Love It: Pizza and kids palettes can do no wrong! It’s my kids’ favorite food, and when we don’t have pizza on the menu we’ve made pizza bagels or pizza quesadillas!
- What Makes It Great: Use half a plain bagel or a tortilla, marinara sauce, shredded cheese, and pepperoni. Grill it or bake in a toaster oven for a melty, gooey treat.
- Customization: Add favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers.
10. Nutella and Banana
- Why I Love It: A sweet treat that’s sure to please any kid’s sweet tooth.
- What Makes It Great: Nutella provides a little protein and iron, and bananas add potassium and fiber.
- Customization: Use whole-grain bread to make it a bit healthier, or add a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra nutrients. Perfect for an occasional school lunch treat.
These sandwich ideas are not only tasty but also adaptable to suit your kids’ varying tastes and nutritional needs.
I also recommend checking out my friend Brittany’s post with Kids Lunch Box Ideas: What To Pack, Tips & Recipes.
Lunchbox Accessories
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