If you need to pack lunches for school or work this year, you’ll want these recipes, ideas and tips — all gathered in one place with these Lunchbox Sandwich Ideas!
Find sandwich ideas and fun sandwich recipes below. If a recipe is from another blogger, click the sandwich title to view it.
This is the first year I’ve needed to pack snacks and meals for my little one — he’s starting preschool and is excited about his new lunchbox. As I planned his lunches, I gathered a variety of simple and tasty sandwich ideas to make mornings easier.
My mom used to pack lots of non-sandwich lunches when I was a kid, so I might write a post about those options too. What do you prefer in your lunchbox — sandwiches, soups, or pasta? Let me know.
The Most Popular Sandwich for Lunch Is…
Did you know:
According to a YouGov survey cited in Food & Wine Magazine, the grilled cheese is one of the most popular sandwiches — if not the most popular — for lunch.
Simple Sandwiches to Pack for Lunch
Here are several easy and familiar sandwiches that are perfect for busy mornings when you need to pack a quick lunch.
Grilled Cheese
A comforting classic: two slices of bread, cheese, and a little butter or mayo. Quick to prepare and loved by kids and adults alike.
Ham & Cheese Sandwich
Simple and satisfying: bread, ham, cheese and optional mayo. This one can also be warmed for a delicious hot lunch.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
A favorite of mine. Pair homemade chicken salad with lettuce, tomato and mayo. It’s a great make-ahead option — keep the filling cool until lunchtime.
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Classic and portable: bread, peanut butter and your favorite jelly. Use sun butter for allergy-friendly lunches.
BLT
Bacon, lettuce and tomato — add mayo or mustard if you like. Crisp bacon and fresh tomato make this an all-time favorite.
Club Sandwich
Layered and hearty: turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo with an extra slice of bread in the middle for structure.
Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Pimento cheese spread on bread makes a creamy, flavorful sandwich that’s especially popular in the South.
Tomato and Mayo
One of my all-time favorites: fresh tomato slices with a generous spread of mayo (Duke’s is a favorite) and a dash of black pepper.
Recipes for Sandwiches for Lunch:
Lunchbox Sandwich Ideas
Lunchbox sandwich ideas gathered for easy reference.
Ranch BLT Chaffle Sandwich
A low-carb twist on a beloved classic: fresh tomato, crisp lettuce and bacon sandwiched between ranch-flavored chaffles.
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches
Sweet pineapple and tangy barbecue sauce pair perfectly with tender chicken for a family-friendly sandwich.
Fried Green Tomato Club Sandwich
The classic club sandwich with a crunchy fried green tomato twist.
Turkey Caprese Croissant
A flavorful croissant sandwich with turkey, fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil — great for lunch or a light dinner.
Rainbow Grilled Cheese
A colorful twist on grilled cheese that makes lunchtime fun for kids and adults alike.
Turkey Dijon Melt Sandwiches
Turkey and sharp cheese with a tangy dijon kick — great warmed as a cheesy melt.
Pizza Sandwich Sliders
Cheesy, simple sliders that capture favorite pizza flavors — perfect for kids’ lunches and parties.
Chicken Cobb Sandwich
A hearty sandwich inspired by the Cobb salad: chicken, blue cheese, bacon, tomato and avocado make a filling lunch option.
Bologna and Cheese
A nostalgic comfort sandwich — pair with chips for a classic kid-friendly lunch.
Fried Bologna Sandwich
A Southern favorite — fried bologna on bread makes for a flavorful, retro lunch option.
Frequently Asked Questions
For simple sandwiches like ham & cheese or PB&J, assemble and slide into a zipper bag to seal. For layered sandwiches such as clubs or BLTs, wrap in parchment first and then place in a bag to keep fillings secure. For cold fillings like chicken salad, egg salad, pimento cheese or tuna salad, pack the bread and filling separately and include an ice pack to keep the filling chilled. For hot sandwiches, keeping bread and filling separate helps prevent sogginess — use a thermos for hot fillings and pack the bread separately.
Mayonnaise and mustard can make bread soggy over time. Two easy solutions: (1) Pack condiments separately or bring small condiment packets. (2) Instead of spreading mayo directly on the bread, spread it between the meat and cheese to create a moisture barrier and keep the bread firmer.
More recipes to make for lunch boxes:
- Homemade Spaghetti-Os
- Jack-o-lantern Quesadillas for Halloween lunches
- Chocolate Dipped ABC 123 Chocolate Chip Cookies
Even more back to school lunch ideas:
- 15 Back to School Lunches, Lunch Box Snack Ideas plus Lunch Box Tips from Moms
- Healthy Back to School Lunch Ideas
If you try one of these recipes, leave a comment or snap a picture and share it on social media with the hashtag #bigbearswife — I love seeing what you make!
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