Save 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 is always a hit with my kids on busy days when I want something playful yet nutritious packed for their lunch.
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
- Prepare Sandwiches:
- Lay out the bread slices. Spread cream cheese or hummus on each slice.
- Layer Ingredients:
- Layer cheddar cheese and turkey (or vegetarian alternative) onto two slices. Top with remaining bread to make sandwiches.
- Shape Sandwiches:
- Using a large car-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut each sandwich into a car shape.
- Add Decorations:
- For wheels, attach cucumber slices and grape tomatoes (or olives) to the sides of each sandwich using a dab of cream cheese as glue.
- Add Details:
- 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.
- Pack Lunchboxes:
- Arrange the car-shaped sandwiches in lunchboxes. Add baby carrots, grapes, and pretzel sticks as side snacks.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or pack in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack for freshness.
Save This recipe brings a lot of joy at family picnics when the kids enjoy assembling and eating their edible cars together.
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)
Save This lunch idea is perfect for making mealtime fun and encouraging kids to eat more veggies.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the car shape?
Whole wheat sandwich bread forms the base, layered with cream cheese or hummus, cheddar, and deli slices. A car-shaped cutter or knife shapes the sandwich.
- → How are the wheels made?
Wheels are decorated with round cucumber slices and grape tomatoes or black olives, attached using a small amount of cream cheese as adhesive.
- → Can this be adapted for different diets?
Yes, use plant-based cheese and deli alternatives for a vegan-friendly variation while maintaining the same assembly method.
- → What sides accompany the car sandwiches?
Baby carrots, grapes, and pretzel sticks complement the meal, offering texture variety and extra nutrients.
- → How to keep it fresh when packed for later?
Packing in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack helps maintain freshness until mealtime.
- → Any tips for decoration details?
Use nori or spinach tortillas cut into small shapes to simulate windows and trim for added visual interest.