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Home » Dinner Recipes » Homemade Lunchables

Homemade Lunchables

3 Comments By Jesseca on August 8, 2022

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Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

These Easy Homemade Lunchables are the meal prep recipe you never knew you needed! Simple to make and the perfect healthy snack for any occasion. Grab them as you are heading out the door for a protein packed lunch everyone will love.

Keep things interesting and switch things up in your lunchable! Add Cinnamon Fruit Dip, Avocado Salsa, or even Pasta Salad for a twist!

close up image of a glass container filled with ham, cheese, pretzels, and grapes

RECIPE FEATURES

  • Easy: These are so simple to put together and ideal for a healthy grab lunch or snack.
  • Customizable: See below where we talk about some of our favorite variations.
  • Make-Ahead: You can make these up to two days in advance, which can be especially helpful when you have a busy week planned.

I LOVE to snack. It’s my downfall. I’m constantly reaching for anything and everything to curb that craving. Luckily, these DIY lunchables are packed with healthy and pleasing options that never let me down.

We take these EVERYWHERE. My son calls them “snack packs” and regularly requests them for school lunch. I also prep them for pool days, park visits, hikes and more. They’re convenient and I can load them up with healthy options the entire family loves.

ham, cheese, pretzels, grapes, peas, and peppers on a wooden cutting board

LUNCHABLE INGREDIENTS

Here’s the funny thing, you don’t have to follow any set ingredient list. You can really pick whatever you want and it will work in the recipe. However, I made a few variations to help get you started. For the basic ham and cheese lunchable recipe, this is what you will need:

  • Lunch Meat: For this box I used ham. If you can, opt for a more quality ham, or one you know your family will like. We are big fans of almost any Boars Head (not sponsored) meat. I used their Tavern Ham, which was sliced for me at the deli inside of Smith’s.
  • Cheese: Explore your stores cheese department. In fact, ask a cheese monger (specialist who should be working by the cheese) what they recommend pairing your chosen meat with. For this photo we used a smoked gouda.
  • Crackers: This is another that will depend on personal preference. We almost always have pretzel thins on hand, so that’s what we use. I suggest picking items you already know your family loves. While the thins are a low fat option, they don’t provide many nutritional benefits. So if you want to add even more goodness to your box, reach for a healthier cracker option like Good Thins or Cauliflower Crackers.
  • Sides: The one thing I ALWAYS wished my store-bought lunchable had. MORE FOOD. We like to pack ours with fresh fruit and veggies like grapes and snap peas.
homemade lunchable packed in a glass container sitting on a wooden cutting board

HOW TO MAKE A HOMEMADE LUNCHABLE

The goal for packing a lunchable is 2 proteins, 1 carb, and 1-2 fruits and veggies.

  • PREP: Gather your ingredients. Cut any cheese or meats you’ll be using and wash produce.
  • PACK: In quality containers, pack single rows of each ingredient. I find it helpful to use silicone cupcake liners (affiliate) if you want to include a dip or more soggy fruit like watermelon.
  • ENJOY: Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days and enjoy!

LUNCHABLE VARIATIONS

  • Ham and Cheddar: A classic that never goes out of stile. Sides for this can include grapes, pasta salad, or sugar snap peas
  • Turkey and Provolone: Try serving with a small side of pesto, cucumber slices, and ranch.
  • Pepperoni and Mozzarella: This is a great one to serve with mini, or sliced, pita’s and pizza sauce. Toss in some olives and grapes for a winning combination.

HELPFUL TOOLS

  • Packable Containers: I have a set of glass containers (affiliate) that I absolutely love. They come with dividers, which can be ideal for separating the crackers from the more moist ingredients.
  • Sauce Containers: These little containers (affiliate) are the perfect size for condiments like ranch, ketchup, or hummus.
  • Cookie Cutters: Ok, totally optional, but a fun one if you are making these for kids… Or just like to have fun shapes in your lunchbox. These cutters (affiliate) will cut through meat, cheese, and fruit like butter.
close up image of ham swirled in a container with slices of cheese

RECIPE TIPS AND FAQS

Is it cheaper to make your own lunchables?

Yes. Making your own lunchable will cost around $2 each, tastes better than the pre packed variety, and gets you so much more food!

What meat is used in lunchables?

There is no limit to the meat type used in a homemade lunchable! You can try ham, turkey, pepperoni, salami, and even roast beef! Pair with your favorite cheeses, I suggest asking the cheesemonger at your local grocer for suggestions.

How long do homemade lunchables last?

These will last two days if sealed and stored in the refrigerator. I do suggest adding the crackers the day you plan to enjoy, so they stay crisp and not soggy.

Can I add a treat?

Of course! Add a cookie or brownie square to give your lunch a sweet finish.

two packed snack lunches in glass containers on a wooden cutting board

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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Ham and Cheese Lunchables

Created by: Jesseca

Course lunch
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
2 servings
These Easy Homemade Lunchables are the meal prep recipe you never knew you needed! Simple to make and the perfect healthy snack for any occasion. Grab them as you are heading out the door for a protein packed lunch everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz deli sliced ham
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese or 4 slices
  • 1/2 cup grapes
  • 1/2 cup sugar snap peas
  • 12 crackers

Instructions

  • Divide the turkey, cheddar, grapes, and peas into 2 sealed containers.
  • Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • Add the crackers the day you intend to enjoy to ensure they stay crisp.

Notes

LUNCHABLE VARIATIONS
  • Ham and Cheddar: A classic that never goes out of stile. Sides for this can include grapes, pasta salad, or sugar snap peas
  • Turkey and Provolone: Try serving with a small side of pesto, cucumber slices, and ranch.
  • Pepperoni and Mozzarella: This is a great one to serve with mini, or sliced, pita’s and pizza sauce. Toss in some olives and grapes for a winning combination.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 473kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 1101mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g

Equipment

Collapsible Colander
Chef Knife
Cutting Board Mats 

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. NATALIE says

    September 15, 2021

    Where can I find your lunchable container?

    Reply
    • Jesseca says

      September 15, 2021

      Hi Natalie, this container is no longer made but I found a very similar one here: https://amzn.to/3CgiDq8

      Reply
  2. kelley says

    August 7, 2014

    What? This is genius! So simple and perfect.

    Reply

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Jesseca - Author of One Sweet Appetite

Welcome, I'm Jesseca!

I could not be more excited to have you join me in my kitchen! Everyday easy recipes are my specialty, which means you will find so many fast, quick, and delicious recipes throughout my site. My goal is to create go-to recipes using simple ingredients and pantry staples.

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