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 was a hit on our last road trip and made packing lunches so much more exciting for the kids.
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.
Save This meal brought smiles to our family picnic and made packing lunches something to look forward to.
Notes
For extra fun include small containers of dip (like hummus or ranch) for the veggies.
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.
Save With a little prep this creative lunch is fast to assemble and sure to delight all ages.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I shape the sandwiches like cars?
Use a large car-shaped cookie cutter or carefully cut with a sharp knife after assembling the sandwich to create the car shape.
- → What can I use to attach the cucumber slices as wheels?
A dab of cream cheese works well as an edible glue to attach cucumber slices or grape tomatoes onto the sandwich edges.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for the deli turkey?
Yes, plant-based deli slices or extra cheese can be used to keep the lunch vegetarian-friendly.
- → Can I prepare this lunch in advance?
Yes, assemble and pack the lunch in an insulated container with an ice pack to keep fresh until mealtime.
- → What sides complement the car-shaped sandwiches?
Fresh baby carrots, grapes, and pretzel sticks add variety and balance to this fun meal.
- → Is this suitable for children?
Absolutely. The playful shape and colorful components make it appealing and enjoyable for kids and adults alike.