June 27, 2012
updated
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Instead of grabbing those plastic yellow boxes, why not assemble this sub sandwich lunchbox for your Lunchable living kids?
Thanks to ham, cheese, and a compartmentalized container, this lunch is a fun idea that’s easy to put together; let me show you how!
Homemade Lunchables Sandwich
Who knew replacing sandwich bread with a hoagie roll could instantly turn everyday ham and cheese into something your kids are excited to eat?
Mainly because it reminds them of the Lunchables sub, but this homemade version is assembled with better quality ingredients and more nutritional substance from snacks like berries and veggies.
As far as the hoagie goes, you can slice one in half for smaller appetites or use the whole roll for teens or larger appetites.
Related: More Homemade Lunchables
What is in a Ham and Cheese Hoagie
Here’s what you’ll need to make these lunchbox hoagies:
- Hoagie roll: could also use a long French or whole grain loaf sliced into sections or pistolettes.
- Mayonnaise: replace it with hummus or mustard.
- Deli meat: sliced ham or turkey work great!
- Sliced cheese: Cheddar, Provolone, Mozzarella- what’s your favorite?
- Snacks: fresh fruit and veggies with dip.
- Treat: it’s your choice- chocolate, snack bite, granola bar, etc.
I’ve kept the sandwich fillings very simple, but if your kids love tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles, feel free to add those too. Just make sure to keep a layer of lettuce, cheese, or deli meat between the bread and tomatoes/pickles so your sub doesn’t get soggy.
Want to fill the lunchbox with more fresh and kid-favorite ideas? I’ve got all you need right here:
101 Packed Lunches eBook
All my best kid-friendly lunches from over a decade of creating meal plans. Add some variety to your child’s lunchbox with these epic lunches, plus receive my Pack Meals Like a Pro ebook, free with purchase!
How to Pack a Ham and Cheese Sub for Lunch
There are two ways to pack this ham and cheese sub for lunch; you can either assemble it entirely or Lunchables style, which I’ll show you how to do both below:
- Assemble
Open the hoagie roll, and spread the mayo into the bread. Top one side with ham and cheese. Close the sandwich and pack it into the compartmentalized lunch container. - Add snacks
Fill the remaining compartments with fruit and veggies. Use a mini sauce container to hold dips and sauces.
Note: to keep sandwich bread and dry ingredients fresh in a lunch container, it’s important to keep them separate from wet ingredients like fruit and veggies. - Pack and ship
Close the lunch container and pack it into a lunch bag with an ice pack.
If you’d like to set this up Lunchables style, you could arrange the bread and a mayo pack in one compartment, place the meat and cheese in another, and of course, include a treat!
Check out this video for extra tips on how to pack a sandwich so it stays fresh and never gets soggy!
Don’t forget to pack a plastic spoon or knife so your kid can spread the mayo onto the bread.
Ham & Cheese Sub Sandwich Lunchbox
Ingredients
- 1 small hoagie roll
- ½ tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 ounces deli ham or turkey, sliced
- 1 slice cheese, halved
- 1 cup strawberries, quartered
- ½ cup carrot chips
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing or dip
Instructions
- Open the hoagie roll and spread the mayo onto both sides. Top one side with the deli ham and cheese. Close the sub and pack it into the lunch container.
- Fill the empty compartments with the strawberries and carrots chips. Fill a mini sauce container with the ranch dressing or dip.
- Pack the lunch containers into a lunch bag with an ice pack and your choice of drink.
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