In elementary school, my mom always packed a ham and cheese sandwich for my lunch. But it never made it to my stomach. Instead, my friend Jennifer and I swapped sandwiches – she’d eat mine, while I happily munched on the fluffernutter she brought from home.
Kids’ school lunches have gotten a major upgrade since I carried around my Winnie the Pooh lunchbox. While peanut butter and jelly is still a delicious option, parents and keiki are elevating their game with mini pizzas and paninis!
During National Sandwich Month in August, try some of these concoctions that are sure to please at lunch or even dinner.
KIMCHI GRILLED CHEESE
There’s something so comforting about biting into an ooey, gooey grilled cheese. The kimchi adds crunch and a mild heat that blends well with the melty cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter, room temperature
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 2 Tbsp. Gochujang
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Havarti, shredded
- 1 cup kimchi, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- Fresh chives for serving
- Honey for serving
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix the butter, garlic, and sesame seeds. Spread butter mixture on the outside of each slice of bread. Spread Gochujang on the inside of two slices, then layer on cheeses, kimchi, and basil. Add the top slice of bread, buttered side facing up.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sandwiches, one at a time, and cook until golden, about 3-5 minutes per side. Top with chives and honey and serve.
GARLIC BREAD PIZZA SANDWICH
You can make this recipe as simple or complex as you want. I was planning to make garlic bread, but then I found a premade loaf at the grocery store. All I had to do was pop it in the toaster oven. Frozen garlic bread is also a good option!
Ingredients
- 11-oz. loaf garlic bread
- ¼ cup pasta sauce
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 16 slices turkey pepperoni
Instructions
Heat garlic bread according to package instructions.
Slice loaf in half to create two large sandwiches. Spoon sauce inside and top with cheese and pepperoni. Bake at 350 degrees F until crisp and cheese is melted, 3-5 minutes.
TUNA AVOCADO SANDWICH
This is not your typical tuna sandwich! From chili crisp to pesto to avocado, it’s packed with a variety of mouthwatering flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 2 5-oz. canned tuna, drained
- ¼ cup light mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1 medium avocado, roughly mashed, divided
- 1 medium avocado, thinly sliced, divided
- 3 Tbsp. basil pesto
- 1 Tbsp. chili crisp
- 8 slices whole-grain bread, toasted
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cups baby butter lettuce leaves
Instructions
In a medium bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and half of the mashed avocado.
In a small bowl, mix pesto, chili crisp, and the rest of the mashed avocado.
Spread one tablespoon of pesto on each slice of toast. Spread tuna mixture on each slice over the pesto layer. Evenly layer avocado slices, tomato, and lettuce on top of tuna. Top with remaining toast, pesto-side down.
CAPRESE SANDWICH
Love caprese salads and baguettes? This sandwich combines the best of both worlds! It’s light and refreshing, with a creamy basil sauce adding an extra kick to every bite.
Ingredients
- 16-oz. baguette
- 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ cups baby arugula
- 1 8-oz. mozzarella ball, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Creamy basil sauce
- 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
- ½ cup light mayonnaise
- ¼ tsp. sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
.jpg)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and then down the middle to form two large sandwiches. Place the sliced baguettes on a baking sheet with the cut sides up. Bake for 5 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
Combine sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well, then set aside.
To assemble sandwiches, drizzle balsamic and olive oil over half of the cut sides of bread. Add arugula, mozzarella, and tomato. Spread basil sauce over the cut side of the rest of the bread. Place them face down on tomatoes.
Lunch bell ringing
Need more ideas for a quick and delicious lunch? Check out these recipes that will pack well for school or work.
