We love all easy kids lunch ideas and this one ranks up there as one of the options we turn to most often. Homemade Lunchables are one of the easiest ways to combine a few food groups into a satisfying toddler lunch idea and are so much less expensive to make than they are to buy. There is a lot of variety in how you put together these packed lunches, so see below for all of the options. And know you can use these ideas as a starting point and work with your kids to come up with your own combinations. Pack these in kids bento lunch boxes like this Snack Box from Easy Lunchboxes with ice packs in an insulated kids lunch bag to keep them safe to use as school lunch ideas, camp lunch ideas, or summer lunch ideas.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make Homemade Lunchables so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Crackers or flatbread: We usually use whole grain crackers for kids or mini flatbread or pita bread in our Homemade Lunchables.
Cheese: “Cracker Cuts” are small square cuts of cheese that are the perfect size for a kids lunch box. You can also cut up regular slices of cheese, too. Try cheddar, mozzarella, or other cheeses in these DIY Lunchables. Deli meat: Turkey, ham, salami, or pepperoni are the typical options to include in a homemade Lunchable. If you prefer low-sodium options, look for those at your store. You can also use leftover shredded or cubed chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or beans to vary the protein options. Produce: I like to include some raw vegetables for lunch such as cucumbers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or snap peas. For fruit, I like to add apple slices, grapes, or oranges. You can customize your own kids lunches; see the options below. Dips or sauces: For pizza Lunchables, include pizza sauce. For other options, you can include another dip or sauce that your kids like such as mustard, mayonnaise, salsa, hummus, or ranch. (Try a small dip container to make packing that easy.)
Desserts: Include cookies or other dessert as you like.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make these Homemade Lunchables so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing. TIP: You can pack these the night before or in the morning of the day you need them and usually they will hold up just fine. The ingredients are fairly sturdy.
Best Lunchbox for Homemade Lunchables
The box I used in this post is the Snack Box from Easy Lunchboxes, which is a perfect size for this lunch idea. It comes in a set of four and is super durable and easy to clean. Usually, it’s about $12 for the set.
How to Store
You can make Homemade Lunchables up to 48 hours ahead of time, cover tightly with the lid, and store in the refrigerator. To pack for school, preschool, or daycare, send with ice packs in an insulated lunch bag to keep the food safe.
Best Tips for Success
Use a mix of food groups to ensure there is enough satisfying food to keep the kids full until the next meal or snack. Use “cracker cuts” for square pieces of cheese that fit into bento boxes, or cut larger pieces of cheese into smaller squares. Include fruits, veggies, dips, sauces, and desserts as you like. Include a drink or kids water bottle as needed. Find more kid-friendly recipes and fruits for lunch, too.
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