Packing lunches every day can feel like an endless loop of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. While there’s nothing wrong with a good PB&J, sometimes kids (and let’s be honest, parents) need a little variety. The secret to making packed lunches exciting? Sandwiches that are just as fun to eat as they are delicious. With a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, lunchtime can become the best part of the school day.

DIY Uncrustables – But Better

Store-bought Uncrustables are fun, but homemade versions let you control the ingredients and customize the fillings. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make ahead and freeze for busy mornings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices whole wheat bread
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or almond/sunflower seed butter for nut-free schools)
  • 1 tablespoon jam or honey

How to Make It:

  1. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread and jam on the other.
  2. Press the slices together, making sure the filling doesn’t ooze out the edges.
  3. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut a circle out of the sandwich.
  4. Press the edges together with a fork to seal them.

Kids will love the fun, crust-free shape, and parents will love that they can make a batch in advance and freeze them for quick grab-and-go lunches.

Pizza Bagel Sandwich

When you combine two kid-favorite foods—pizza and sandwiches—magic happens. This easy lunch is great for kids who prefer their sandwiches warm but can also be eaten at room temperature.

Ingredients:

  • 1 mini bagel (or a whole one, split in half)
  • 2 tablespoons marinara sauce
  • 2 slices pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni for a lighter option)
  • ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

How to Make It:

  1. Spread marinara sauce on both halves of the bagel.
  2. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  3. Add the pepperoni slices and a dash of Italian seasoning.
  4. Toast in the oven for a few minutes or pop it in an air fryer until the cheese melts.

This sandwich is fun, cheesy, and has all the flavors of pizza in an easy-to-pack form. If sending it to school, pack it in a thermos to keep it warm.

Rainbow Veggie Hummus Sandwich

For kids who love color (or need a little encouragement to eat their veggies), this sandwich is a lunchtime win. It’s bright, crunchy, and packed with good-for-you ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices whole grain bread
  • 2 tablespoons hummus (any flavor)
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 2 slices red bell pepper
  • 3 slices cucumber

How to Make It:

  1. Spread hummus on both slices of bread.
  2. Layer the veggies in rainbow order for a fun, colorful effect.
  3. Press the sandwich together and slice into triangles or fun shapes with a cookie cutter.

Even kids who usually turn up their noses at veggies will be intrigued by this bright and crunchy sandwich.

Peanut Butter & Banana Sushi Rolls

Everything is more fun in sushi form. This playful twist on a classic peanut butter and banana sandwich makes lunchtime feel extra special.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole wheat tortilla
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or substitute)
  • 1 small banana
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

How to Make It:

  1. Spread peanut butter evenly over the tortilla.
  2. Place the banana at one end and drizzle with a little honey.
  3. Roll the tortilla up tightly around the banana.
  4. Slice into bite-sized rounds, like sushi.

These little roll-ups are fun to eat and easy to pack in lunchboxes without falling apart.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Sandwich

For kids with a sweet tooth, this sandwich feels like a treat but still packs in protein and fiber.

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices cinnamon raisin bread (or whole wheat)
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 3 fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon honey

How to Make It:

  1. Spread cream cheese over both slices of bread.
  2. Layer the sliced strawberries on one side.
  3. Drizzle with honey and press the sandwich together.

It’s creamy, fruity, and a fun alternative to traditional PB&J.

Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich

For older kids who like something a little more “grown-up,” this croissant sandwich is packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small croissant
  • ½ cup shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (or mayo)
  • 1 teaspoon honey mustard
  • 2 slices grapes (optional)
  • Lettuce leaf

How to Make It:

  1. Mix the chicken, yogurt, and honey mustard together.
  2. Add grapes for a little sweetness.
  3. Spread the mixture onto the croissant and top with lettuce.

Croissants make any sandwich feel fancy, and this one is no exception.

Packing lunches doesn’t have to be a chore when there are so many fun ways to upgrade a simple sandwich. Whether it’s sushi-style roll-ups, rainbow veggies, or pizza-inspired bagels, these recipes bring excitement back to lunchtime—without requiring gourmet chef skills.