Homemade Lunchables

It’s almost back-to-school time! If your kids prefer home lunches, you will need to pack them. So today, I will show you how to make homemade lunchables for school lunch ideas.

My kids have always loved lunchables. However, they tend to be pricy unless they are on sale. I would get them for them but on rare occasions. Nowadays, they have containers you can buy to make them at home.

The Containers for Homemade Lunchables

I found an awesome set of Bento containers on Amazon. They include four of the classic 4 square compartment containers and four of the larger 3 compartment containers. The 3 compartment containers work great to recreate the pizza lunchable. The set even includes reusable silverware too.

I love that the containers I found are BPA-free. They are also microwave —and dishwasher-safe. Cleanup is always easier if I can just put them in the dishwasher.

Lunchable Ideas

I love the idea of having more control over the items in the DIY lunchables. I can make better choices. If you have kids with food allergies, you can tailor the items for them. Plus, they cost less! My husband and I pack lunches for work, so we can even make these for us too!

There is that classic cracker and cheese lunchable. So many cracker choices are out there, making it possible to constantly change what’s inside. The same goes for the cheese—there are so many choices. You do need to take the time to cut up the cheese. You can cut it from a block or cut cheese slices into smaller pieces.

Cheese:

• Cheese slices: Cheddar cheese, Swiss, Gouda, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for some spice.
• Mini cheese wheels: Babybel or other individually wrapped cheeses.
• Cheese spread or cream cheese: For a spreadable version on crackers.

Crackers:

• Assorted crackers: Ritz, whole wheat, multigrain, or gluten-free options.
• Pretzel thins: For a different texture and flavor.

Then you have the protein. Pick your favorite deli meats and cut them into small pieces to fit the crackers. You can do this easily with kitchen shears or a pizza cutter. If your kids don’t want meat, look at other protein options.

Protein:

• Deli meat slices: Turkey, ham, roast beef, or salami rolled up or cut into small pieces.
• Pepperoni or summer sausage slices: For a savory, meaty addition.
• Hard-boiled egg: Peeled and sliced or left whole.

Okay, that’s for three of the four compartments. Now, the fourth compartment is where you can get creative. The store-bought version usually includes some kind of mini individual-wrapped candy, which you can do if that’s what you want. I love Dove dark chocolate. However, there are other options.

Extras:

• Fruit: Add a sweet, juicy element. Try apple slices, grapes, berries, etc.
• Veggies: Try crunchy and healthy vegetables, such as carrot sticks or baby carrots, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes.
• Nuts: Almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, or mixed nuts for a crunchy snack.
• Dried fruits: Raisins, cranberries, or apricots for a sweet touch.
• Dip: Ranch dressing, peanut butter, or hummus for the veggies or fruit.

The other lunchable I like to make at home is the pizza version. Even now, my daughter still loves this one as she goes to post-high school. This one is great because all of the ingredients I use can be purchased, packaged up, and then frozen. Just pull the ingredients out as needed. If you get more creative with the toppings, this may not be the case.

Pizza Homemade Lunchables Ideas

I found some Nature’s Own garlic Artisan flatbread for the base at my local Kroger store. However, use what your kids like and what you can find at your local store.

Base:

• Mini pizza crusts: Pre-made mini pizza crusts, naan bread, or pita bread.
• Flatbread or tortillas: Store-bought or homemade cut into smaller circles or squares.
• English muffins or Bagels: Split in half for individual pizza bases.

I just buy a jar of pizza sauce from the store for the sauce. However, since these are customizable, there are a few other options. I put the sauce in a snack-sized zipper bag. Then, she just opens a corner of the bag to add the sauce to the crust.

Sauce:

• Pizza sauce: Store-bought or homemade tomato-based pizza sauce in a small container.
• Pesto: For a different flavor option.
• Alfredo sauce: For a creamy, white sauce pizza.

Now you have to have cheese. My daughter likes regular old mozzarella, like the store-bought version. I buy the pre-shredded to make life easy. However, feel free to shred your own. Shredded cheese will also freeze nicely.

Cheese:

• Shredded mozzarella: The classic choice for pizza.
• Cheddar or a cheese blend: For added flavor.
• Mini cheese wheels or slices: If you want to offer different cheese options.

Last, you need toppings. My daughter likes pepperoni, but that isn’t the only option. Let the kids pick what they like. My daughter gave the homemade version 2 thumbs up!

Toppings:

• Pepperoni slices: A classic pizza topping.
• Diced ham or turkey: For a meat option.
• Sliced olives: Black or green for a salty, tangy bite.
• Diced bell peppers: For a fresh, crunchy topping.
• Sliced mushrooms: Pre-cooked or fresh.
• Pineapple chunks: For those who love Hawaiian-style pizza.
• Sliced cherry tomatoes: For a fresh and juicy topping.

Sunday is the perfect day to get the kids involved in putting these homemade lunchables together for the week. Many hands will help you have these assembled in no time! Look for other ways to recreate the store-bought versions at home for your own healthy lunchables. These even work great as adult lunchables too!

FOR MORE LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Self Serve After School Snacking
• Back to School Lunch Tips
• 30 Back to School Slow Cooker Recipes
• Five Back to School Breakfast Recipes