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 lunch has become a favorite on our road trips with the kids making mealtime exciting and fresh even when away from home
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
- Lay out the bread slices:
- Spread cream cheese or hummus on each slice.
- Layer sandwich fillings:
- Layer cheddar cheese and turkey (or vegetarian alternative) onto two slices. Top with remaining bread to make sandwiches.
- Cut into car shapes:
- Using a large car-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife cut each sandwich into a car shape.
- Add wheels:
- Attach cucumber slices and grape tomatoes (or olives) to the sides of each sandwich using a dab of cream cheese as glue.
- Add bumpers and 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.
- Arrange in lunchboxes:
- Add baby carrots grapes and pretzel sticks as side snacks.
- Serve or pack:
- Serve immediately or pack in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack for freshness.
Save This simple creative lunch brings smiles around the table at every meal especially during family road trips
Notes
Include small containers of dip like hummus or ranch for the veggies to add more flavor and fun
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 Enjoy this playful lunch that turns mealtime into a fun family adventure
Recipe Help & Answers
- → How do I shape the sandwiches like a car?
Use a large car-shaped cookie cutter for easy shaping. If unavailable, a sharp knife can carve the bread into the desired shape carefully.
- → What ingredients create the wheels on the car?
Cucumber slices and grape tomatoes or olives serve as wheels, attached to sandwiches with a dab of cream cheese acting as glue.
- → Can this meal be made vegan?
Yes, by substituting cream cheese and deli turkey with plant-based alternatives, the meal becomes suitable for vegan diets.
- → What sides complement the car-shaped sandwiches?
Baby carrots, grapes, and pretzel sticks provide fresh, crunchy sides that balance the meal with variety and texture.
- → How should I pack this lunch for freshness?
Arrange sandwiches and sides in a lunchbox and include an ice pack to keep everything fresh until mealtime.
- → Are there alternatives for decorations on the 'car'?
Small shapes cut from nori or spinach tortilla can be used to add windows and trim details for extra fun and creativity.