Ham and Cheese Snack Box

In this post, you’ll learn how to pack this ham and cheese snack box ahead and keep it fresh for a quick and healthy grab-and-go snack.

Healthy After School Snack Box

Years ago, I began prepping snack boxes in the mornings, like this one with ham and cheese, and popping them in the fridge so my kids could just grab one after school for a tasty, nutritious bite.

Just like my rainbow snack box and Protein Snack Box, it takes only 5 minutes to make and has healthier ingredients than prepackaged versions. They’re also perfect for throwing together before sports practice or anytime when kids have to eat on the go!

What You Need

One of the great things about this snack is that you can follow the recipe card or choose your own ingredients. Here’s a look at what I am using:

• Cheese: choose your favorite cheese that can be sliced or cubed.
• Deli ham: you can use any lunch meat here; opt for low-sodium and nitrate-free, if possible.
• Veggies: grape tomatoes, cucumber slices, baby carrots, or whatever your child prefers.
• Fruit: think blueberries, strawberries, and apple slices.
• Pretzels: gluten-free, flavored, sticks, twists, whatever you have will work.

How to Make a Ham & Cheese Snack Box

Snack boxes are quick to assemble and easy to pack. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Prep the meat and cheese
   Roll up the ham and slice or cube the cheese.
2. Assemble the snack box
   Place the ham, cheese, veggies, fruit, and pretzels into separate compartments of a bento-style lunch box.
3. Pack for school or snack
   Close the container securely and refrigerate until you're ready to pack it in a lunch bag.

How to Keep a Snack Box Fresh if You Prep Ahead

If you are packing this snack box right before heading out, just pack it and go. But if you prepare it ahead of time, you'll want to do a few things to ensure everything stays fresh:

Meal prep
Save time by peeling and/or cutting all the veggies, fruits, and protein ahead. Assemble everything in the lunchbox and packing meals on busy mornings just got easier! By placing everything in compartments and storing it in the fridge, ingredients will stay fresh!

Separate "wet" from "dry"
To keep the pretzels crunchy, place them in their own compartment away from the moist ingredients.

Keep it Chilled
If you're making the snack in advance, store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to leave, and then add an ice pack to keep everything inside cool and fresh.

Keep apples from browning
If you're adding apples to this snack box, you may want to add them at the last minute to keep them from browning. In this post, I share several methods to keep apples fresh in the lunchbox.

More After-School Snack Ideas

If you're looking for more healthy afterschool snacks that your kids can enjoy at home or to grab-and-go, try these apple sandwiches, a veggie dip snack box, spinach bites, or my son’s favorite, a snack box with beef jerky!