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.
I love preparing this car-shaped lunch because it makes mealtime exciting and encourages my kids to eat a variety of nutritious foods.
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 recipe often sparks joyful family moments as we craft and enjoy our colorful car-shaped lunches 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 playful lunch is a simple way to make mealtime more enjoyable and nutritious for everyone.
Kitchen Guide
- → What ingredients create the sandwich base?
Whole wheat bread is spread with cream cheese or hummus, layered with cheddar and deli turkey or vegetarian alternatives.
- → How are the car shapes formed?
Use a car-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the assembled sandwiches into car shapes.
- → What items serve as the wheels and decorations?
Cucumber slices and grape tomatoes or black olives are attached as wheels, while baby carrots and nori or spinach tortilla provide additional car details.
- → Can this lunch be adapted for vegan diets?
Yes, replace dairy cheese and deli meat with plant-based alternatives to suit vegan preferences.
- → What sides complement the car-shaped sandwiches?
Baby carrots, grapes, and pretzel sticks make colorful, crunchy sides that pair well with the sandwiches.
- → How should this meal be packed for freshness?
Pack in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack to keep components cool and fresh until serving.