Ever wonder how to make packing back-to-school lunches a once-a-week occurrence? Simply freeze the sandwiches! While certain ingredients don’t freeze well (mayo, egg, fresh vegetables), most favorites can freeze very well. Make a batch on Sunday for the freezer, pop one out each morning, and add fruit and a snack – it’s that easy!
Want more lunch box recipes? Check out these 4 Easy Lunch Box Recipe Ideas.
Below is a list of kid-friendly sandwiches that can be made for the week’s lunches and some freezing tips included:
- Fluffernutter
Need a PB & J alternative? Grab your favorite bread and spread Sunbutter or “Sneaky Chef No-Nut Butter” on each piece. These are both safe for peanut-free schools and will keep the sandwich firm while it defrosts until lunch. Use jelly or marshmallow fluff and you’ve got a winner!
- Ham and Cheddar on a Pretzel Roll
Your kids love the ham and cheese, so why mess with a good thing? Just upgrade this delicious lunch by putting it in a pretzel roll. The bulkier bread will help the sandwich retain its shape and prevent sogginess as you prepare a week’s worth for the freezer.
- BBQ Pulled Pork
Last night’s BBQ pulled pork can become the centerpiece for your kid’s lunch sandwiches (or buy a pre-made version). Simply grab some bread (hamburger rolls work great) and add the meat. Ziploc and freeze it for a sweet, tangy and (somewhat spicy) meal!
- Cranberry, Turkey, Stuffing and Cream Cheese
Your kids will be “thankful” for this Thanksgiving-style sandwich. Grab leftover bread – stale bread is great for frozen sandwiches – and layer the ingredients within, keeping the cranberry sauce in the center as it is the wettest ingredient (and can make bread soggy). And avoid fat-free cream cheese as it becomes crumblier when defrosted.
- Veggie Sloppy Joe
While a favorite in Lunch Lady Land, your healthier version can be turkey meat with chopped veggies in the sauce. Fill some sub rolls with the meat and freeze in plastic wrap for easy lunchbox transfer.
- Grilled Cheese Pizza
Add slices of pepperoni and take grilled cheese to the next level. Melt cheese on both slices, add pepperoni and drizzle some marinara sauce inside. If you include the sauce, make sure to put it in the center of the sandwich and use sturdy or stale bread to prevent sogginess.
- Yummy Quesadilla
Melt shredded, whole fat cheddar cheese (which prevents texture issues after defrosting) on whole wheat tortillas. Add chopped chicken, red and green peppers. Place another tortilla on top and flip to brown both sides. Cut into triangles and place in clear plastic wrap.
- Meatball Sub
This sandwich thrives off of leftovers! Make a large batch of spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, then grab the extra meatballs and sauce and add them to a sub roll. You can also use frozen meatballs with fresh sauce. To make sure meat has fully defrosted, put these in the fridge 24-hours in advance.
- Turkey and Cheddar on a Croissant
Like turkey and cheese? Now put it on a croissant! Line each side of the bread with cheddar slices and keep the deli turkey in the center to keep from adding moisture to the bread. Stale or toasted croissants work best.
Need more back-to-school prep? Learn how to Get Organized for Back-to-School Season.
