Pin It A fun, creative lunchbox meal designed to delight kids and adults alike, featuring sandwiches and snacks arranged in the shape of a car—perfect for on-the-go adventures.
This lunchbox idea has made packing meals enjoyable for my kids, who always look forward to the car-shaped sandwiches.
Ingredients
- Sandwich Base: 4 slices whole wheat sandwich bread, 2 tbsp cream cheese or hummus, 2 slices cheddar cheese, 2 slices deli turkey or vegetarian alternative
- Decoration & Wheels: 4 round cucumber slices, 4 grape tomatoes or black olives, 2 baby carrots, 1 sheet nori or spinach tortilla (for windshield/trim optional)
- Sides: 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup grapes, 1/2 cup pretzel sticks
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Lay out the bread slices. Spread cream cheese or hummus on each slice.
- Step 2:
- Layer cheddar cheese and turkey (or vegetarian alternative) onto two slices. Top with remaining bread to make sandwiches.
- Step 3:
- Using a large car-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut each sandwich into a car shape.
- Step 4:
- For wheels, attach cucumber slices and grape tomatoes (or olives) to the sides of each sandwich using a dab of cream cheese as glue.
- Step 5:
- Slice baby carrots in half and use them as bumpers. Cut small shapes from nori or spinach tortilla for windows and details attach as desired.
- Step 6:
- Arrange the car-shaped sandwiches in lunchboxes. Add baby carrots, grapes, and pretzel sticks as side snacks.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately or pack in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack for freshness.
Pin It This lunch always brings smiles at family outings and makes mealtime exciting for everyone involved.
Required Tools
Car-shaped cookie cutter or paring knife, Small sharp knife, Spreading knife, Lunchbox or bento box
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread), Dairy (cream cheese cheese), Soy (possible in deli alternatives) May contain Egg (in bread or deli slices) Sesame (in hummus) Always check ingredient labels for allergen safety
Nutritional Information
Calories 320, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 14 g (per serving)
Pin It Perfect for quick lunches these car-shaped sandwiches make any meal feel special and fun.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the car shape for the sandwiches?
Use a car-shaped cookie cutter or carefully cut with a sharp knife to form the sandwich into a car silhouette.
- → What alternatives can I use for cream cheese?
Hummus works well as a creamy spread alternative, suitable for vegan or dairy-free preferences.
- → How can I make the wheels stay attached?
Attach cucumber slices and grape tomatoes to the sandwich edges using a small dab of cream cheese or hummus as edible glue.
- → What are some easy side snacks to include?
Baby carrots, grapes, and pretzel sticks complement the main sandwich and add variety to the lunchbox.
- → Can the lunch be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and store in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack to keep everything fresh until mealtime.