I’m sharing 10 easy and nutritious sandwich ideas for kids lunch! From classic PB&J to creative pizza sandwiches, find the perfect recipe for noisy dishes and school lunch boxes.
I have posts with 15 delicious sandwiches, but they are primarily for adult palettes…though your kids may love some like my scrambled egg sandwich recipes.
Both Mazen and Birch seem to be familiar sandwiches, but we’re still working on the forks of stuffing from the basics. But just because they don’t feel adventurous yet doesn’t mean they don’t have a lot of ideas in their heads yet!
Whether you pack lunch for school or have a quick meal at home, sandwiches can be nutritious and tasty.
Today I share a summary of sandwich ideas you can add to your child’s meal rotation, making lunch 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 and is very easy to assemble for busy mornings. What makes it great is that it is quick and easy to prepare, and requires only a few bread and pantry staples. (Birch has been in PB + honey recently!) This $5 sandwich cutter is a must for making homemade “cheating.” Customize: For a healthier twist, use whole grain bread and low sugar or locally made jams/jelly. You can also add banana slices to add extra sweetness and fiber.
2. Turkey and cheese
Why I Love It: This sandwich is a satisfying, nutritious classic kids’ lunch option. What makes it great is that it’s easy to assemble with slices of bread, turkey and cheese. You can also customize it with different types of cheese, or add lettuce, cucumber, or pickles. Customize: Try using whole wheat tortillas instead of bread for wrap. Add avocado slices for healthy fats.
3. Ham and apple
Why I Love It: This sandwich recipe offers a fun mix of delicious flavors and sweet flavors that kids enjoy. What makes it great is the combination of ham and thin apple slices that add crunch and freshness to the sandwich. I also love small fig jam! Customize: Make a wrap using flour tortillas or add cream cheese to add creaminess. Perfect for a unique school lunch.
4. Vegetables and hummus
Why I Love It: A great way to feed my kids vegetables. Make it great: This simple sandwich is packed with fresh vegetables and hummus, offering a nutritious and colorful meal. Perfect for kids who don’t like meat. Customize: Use your favorite vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers, baby spinach and more. Hummus sub cheese for the noisy. You can also use other types of dips that your child loves.
5. Grilled cheese
Why I Love It: A warm, melted cheese sandwich that was a comfortable and always hit. Obviously, this is perfect for home as you get gummies in your lunch box. What makes it great is a simple recipe that requires just a few ingredients. Bake bread gives you a fun crunch. Customize: Add tomato slices or use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella cheese to change the flavor. Add ham or fried egg to increase protein.
6. Chicken salad
Why I Love It: This sandwich is creamy and full of flavour. If you have a fruit lover, add grapes and diced apples or stick to simpler recipes, none of the crunchy stuff for the noisy ones. What makes it great is the great way to use the rest of the chicken. Mix with mayo or Greek yogurt and add chopped celery for crunch. I also love the bagel seasonings! Customize: Add grapes and nuts to add extra texture and flavor. Prepare the wrap with whole grain bread or flour tortillas. It’s also great for whole grain crackers and chips.
7. Tuna salad
Why I Love It: Another classic sandwich recipe that is delicious and made immediately. My oldest is a giant fish lover, eating sardines and smoked oysters directly from the tin! Make it great: Tuna salad is rich in protein and can be easily fortified with vegetables such as celery and pickles. Customized: Serves in slices of bread or lettuce wrap. Add a slice of cheese or make an open face at home.
8. Egg salad
Why I Love It: This creamy and delicious egg salad sandwich is perfect for a kid’s lunch packed with protein. Split the recipe in half to add even more vibrancy/spices to your adult version! What makes it great is that it’s easy to make with a touch of boiled eggs, mayonnaise and mustard. Customize: Add avocado to add creaminess, or sprinkle with some herbs like dill for an extra flavour. Serve with whole grain bread or flour tortillas.
9. Pizza sandwich
Why I Love It: Pizza and Kids Palettes are never wrong! It was my kids’ favorite food and when there was no pizza on the menu I made pizza bagels and pizza quesadillas! What makes it great is to use half a plain bagel or tortilla, marinara sauce, shredded cheese, and pepperoni. Grill it or bake in the toaster oven and eat a fused, twisted snack. Customize: Add your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms and peppers.
10. Nutella and Banana
Why I Love It: A Sweet Snack that Delights a Child’s Sweet Teeth. Make it great: Nutella offers a small amount of protein and iron, while bananas add potassium and fiber. Customize: Use whole grain bread to make it a little healthier or sprinkle with chia seeds for nutrients. It is sometimes perfect for school lunches.
These sandwich ideas are not only tasty, but can also be adapted to suit your child’s different preferences and nutritional needs.
I also recommend checking out a friend’s Brittany’s post with the idea of a kid’s lunch box.