Back to School Bento Lunch
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?

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.
You can also find all of our favorite Bento Box resources here and a few of our best picks below!
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.
- Bread
- Deli Meat
- Sliced Cheese
- Silk
- Edible Letters
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!

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:
More Bento Lunch Ideas:
- Chicken Nugget Bento Lunch
- 20 of the best Bento lunch ideas for Toddlers
- Breakfast Leftovers for Lunch

Back to School Bento Lunch
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
- Make your child's favorite lunchmeat sandwich with cheese
- Using a large circle, cut the crus off the sandwich
- Using a small circle, cut the center out of the sandwich!
- Hide the letters R E A D in the sandwich hole
- Stack everything in a thermos!
Notes
If you would rather not send the candy, include a small amount of Alphabet cereal.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 194Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 544mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 11g