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 meal has always been a hit on our family road trips, making lunchtime exciting and delicious even on the busiest days.
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 lunch has brought smiles to our family many times especially during long drives and quick picnics.
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 Feel free to customize the ingredients and sides to keep this lunch exciting every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I make the sandwich car shapes?
Use a large car-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut assembled sandwiches into car shapes for a fun presentation.
- → What can I use for the wheels on the car sandwiches?
Round cucumber slices and grape tomatoes or olives work well as wheels, attached with a dab of cream cheese or hummus.
- → How can I adapt this lunch for a vegan diet?
Swap cream cheese and cheddar with plant-based cheese, and replace deli turkey with vegetarian deli slices or other plant-based proteins.
- → What sides complement the car-shaped sandwiches?
Baby carrots, grapes, and pretzel sticks add variety, nutrition, and convenient snacking alongside the main sandwiches.
- → How long does this lunch stay fresh when packed?
Stored in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack, the lunch maintains freshness for several hours, perfect for trips or school days.
- → Can I customize the fillings and decorations?
Yes, try different spreads, cheeses, deli meats, or veggies. Use nori or spinach tortillas for extra decorative touches like windows.