Recipes | Lunch | Back to School Bento Lunch

Back to School Bento Lunch

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This back-to-school bento lunch recipe is really easy to make. You can fit most of the ingredients in a regular-sized layered thermos.

Taking just a couple of extra minutes to jazz up this regular meat & cheese sandwich makes lunch more fun for your child.

Isn’t this a fun and simple bento lunch idea?

Back to School Bento Lunch preparation with two round sandwich cutters on sliced bread with ham and cheese. A bento box is shown with a completed sandwich and alphabet letters spelling READ. At the bottom, a website URL is displayed.

The alphabet pieces are a cute touch, but the sandwich donut is what makes this bento box stand out.

I’m a big fan of bento boxes because they’re so cute. I use this one to upgrade the sandwich without taking a ton of time or effort from me.

Throw in a lunchbox note and you are done!

Bento Box Tools Needed:

In order to make all the exact pieces we used for this box, you will need the following Bento Box supplies. We have linked (affiliate links) to the tools on Amazon to help you understand exactly what they look like.

Stackable Thermos

Large & Small Circle Cutters

You can also find all of our favorite Bento Box resources here and a few of our best picks below!

Rarapop 3 Pack Stackable Bento Box Adult Japanese Lunch Box Kit with Spoon & Fork, 3-In-1 Compartment Wheat Straw Meal Prep Containers (Green/Pink/Beige)Bento Box for Adults and Kids - 1400ML Bento Box With Spoon & Fork - Durable, Leak-Proof for On-the-Go Meal, BPA-Free and Food-Safe MaterialsAmathley Bento box adult lunch box,lunch box kids,lunch containers for Adults/Kids/Toddler,5 Compartments bento Lunch box for kids with Sauce Vontainers,Microwave & Dishwasher & Freezer Safe, BPA Free(Purple)

 

Why You’ll Love This Back to School Bento Lunch Recipe

This Back to School Bento Lunch Recipe is a game-changer for busy families looking for quick, creative lunchbox ideas! Packed with ease and versatility, it’s perfect for making school meals exciting again. Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Simple and Family-Friendly: With minimal prep and basic ingredients, this lunch is a breeze to put together, even on hectic mornings.
  • Customizable for Picky Eaters: Add your child’s favorite snacks and sandwich fillings to make it truly personalized.
  • Creative Fun for Kids: Shapes, colors, and hidden surprises like candy letters (or healthier alternatives) keep lunchtime exciting and interactive.
  • Quick Cleanup: Designed with minimal mess in mind, it eliminates the stress of post-meal tidying.
  • Healthy and Balanced: Pack proteins, fruits, and veggies to ensure a nutritious, balanced meal your kids can’t wait to eat.

Turn an ordinary lunch into a fun, healthy meal your child will love—no stress, no hassle!

Boxed Lunch Ingredients:

You can find a printable recipe with instructions and ingredients below, but I like to show the ingredients list with (affiliate) links to help you see what we used for this box.

We may not have included all ingredients above, like pantry staples. So be sure to reference the entire recipe card below!

What do you put in a Bento for lunch?

Bento boxes allow for a wide variety of foods to be packed in one.

The bento box is a traditional Japanese lunch that may include foods such as sandwiches, wraps, pasta, and salads. Other snack items might be cheese or crackers which can also go in the special container to keep them separate from other foodstuffs found inside the bento box.

Soup or stew are both options for packing into your own custom-made Bento Box!

Bentos are not only fun but they offer an exciting way to enjoy different dishes with friends at lunchtime no matter what their cultural background may be!

Two navy blue bento boxes, one with round sandwich pieces and the other with colorful letter-shaped food spelling READ! showcase a delightful Back to School Bento Lunch idea. The boxes have a lid in the background. Text: Back to School bento box recipe & instructions, and 3BOYSANDADOG.COM.

Important Tips for this Bento Box Idea:

If your child likes mayonnaise or mustard on their meat & cheese sandwich, do not add it! Condiments can make a sandwich super soggy.

Instead, fill these little squeeze bottles and pack them in the lunch container.

If you would rather not send the little candies, use Alphabits cereal.

You could also cut the letters out of fruits and/or vegetables!

Did you make this recipe? We’d love it if you’d rate it below!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Make this Back to School Bento Lunch your own with these creative ideas and customizations!

Customization Ideas:

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread or wraps for the sandwiches and include rice cakes or gluten-free crackers as snacks.
  • Vegetarian: Opt for veggie sandwiches, cheese cubes, boiled eggs, or hummus and veggie sticks for plant-based protein.
  • Low-Carb: Swap bread for lettuce wraps or use rolled deli meats as a sandwich alternative.

Perfect Side Dishes for Bento Lunches:

  • Fruit Sides: Add apple slices, berries, or a fun fruit salad to balance the meal with natural sweetness.
  • Healthy Snacks: Toss in roasted chickpeas, trail mix, or veggie chips for a nutritious crunch.
  • Refreshing Drinks: Pair the bento with a homemade smoothie, 100% fruit juice, or a fun mocktail.

Get creative and adapt this recipe to suit your family’s dietary needs and preferences. No matter how you customize it, this bento lunch guarantees smiles all around!

FAQ for Back to School Bento Lunch:

Place a small ice pack in the lunchbox to keep perishable items cool and fresh for hours.

Absolutely! Use different cookie cutters to create fun shapes like animals, stars, or letters to surprise your child.

You can use Alphabet cereal, cut-out fruits, or vegetables as a healthier and customizable alternative.

More Bento Lunch Ideas:

Back to School Bento Lunch

Back to School Bento Lunch

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Make lunchtime exciting with this simple Back to School Bento Lunch recipe! Customizable and fun, it turns ordinary meals into creative masterpieces that kids will love to eat.

Ingredients

  • deli meat
  • sliced cheese
  • candy letters
  • silk

Instructions

  1. Make your child's favorite lunchmeat sandwich with cheese
  2. Using a large circle, cut the crus off the sandwich
  3. Using a small circle, cut the center out of the sandwich!
  4. Hide the letters R E A D in the sandwich hole
  5. Stack everything in a thermos!

Notes

If you would rather not send the candy, include a small amount of Alphabet cereal.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 194Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 544mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 11g

Did you make this recipe?

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