5-Minute DIY Homemade Lunchables

These 5-minute homemade lunchables easy to make and perfect for kids of all ages. More nutritious than the store bought version and customized to fit your child's needs, these yummy lunches will have them looking forward to lunchtime.

These lunch boxes are a great way to get creative and involve your child in the preparation process while also offering a healthier alternative to school lunch or pre-made lunchables.

 

While I love making gluten-free sandwiches as much as the next GF person, they can get old and kids get tired of them. With these lunchables, you're able to add variety to their lunch almost everyday.

Although the grocery store lunchables are convenient, their ingredients list is a mile long with words I can't even pronounce so I opt for a homemade version when I can. This way, I know what my kids are eating and everything in their lunch is something they like!

One of my favorite things to do is add in a chocolate chip cookie or another treat as a surprise.

Why you'll love DIY lunchables

• You can customize them to your child dietary likes and/or restrictions
• They're great for kids of all ages
• You can involve your child in the preparation process
• Keep them in the fridge overnight then grab-and-go in the morning or for weekend adventures.

What you need

Although these lunchables can be customized however you'd like, these are normally my go-tos.

• Cheese - One of our favorite cheeses from Tillamook but you can use whatever cheese you'd like. String cheese or cheddar cheese are both good ideas. 
• Turkey - Turkey - Organic turkey slices, ham slices, chicken slices or any type of deli meat make great sources of protein for the kids. 
• Crackers- Simple mills crackers are my favorite but use whatever you like. Ritz crackers, saltines, etc. are all popular options.
• Fresh fruit - Oranges, grapes, apple slices, strawberries, etc.
• Oreos - Oreos or another little treat is a great pick-me-up for the kids during their school day.
• Water bottle - A water bottle on the side is always a good idea.

How to make your own lunchables

Step 1: Cut the cheese

Cut the cheese and turkey into small squares. Using a knife is the easiest way but you can also use a cookie cutter for fun shapes. 

Step 2: Arrange

Arrange the cheese, turkey, crackers, fruit, and anything else you have in your lunchbox.

Is it cheaper to make your own lunchables?

Yes it's definitely cheaper to make your own healthy lunchables than buying store-bought lunchables. In fact, you probably have most of the ingredients for a classic lunchable already in your fridge so it's super easy to throw in a lunch box and go. 

What else can you add to this homemade lunchable?

As you can see below, I have also cut cucumbers and carrots into little flowers with a mini cookie cutter. It makes eating veggies more fun for sure! Some other things you can add...

• Applesauce packet
• Different varieties of cheeses
• Salami
• Pepperoni
• Little packets of mayo and mustard
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
• Pita bread
• Cherry tomatoes
• Hard-boiled eggs

What to pack your lunchable in

​I love the Planet Box lunch boxes, but you can use any divided container or even meal prep containers. The great thing about making your own homemade lunchables is that you can use whatever you'd like!

How long will a lunchable stay good?

You can prep these easy lunchboxes and keep in the fridge for 1-2 days before taking on the go. I recommend packing your lunchable with an ice pack or not letting it sit at room temperature for longer than 4-5 hours.

Other bento boxes...

This pizza grilled cheese monster is so cute and a fun one to do for Halloween. If you're a pizza fan, you pack mini pizzas for lunch with a small piece of pita bread, some tomato sauce, and parmesan cheese. 

Our spider sandwich with pretzel stick legs was another fun and spooky sandwich to serve. And if you need more Halloween sandwiches, we've got so many cute ideas including a ghost, hotdog worm sandwich and even witches fingers!

*This post was originally published on September 6, 2017. It has been updated with new photos, helpful instructions and step by step photos. Here is the original photo...