Save A fun, customizable tray of kid-friendly meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruit, perfect for easy packed lunches or snacks.
When my kids started school, I wanted a lunch option they could build themselves and actually be excited to eat. These homemade lunch tray kits became a favorite, especially since everyone gets to choose their favorite meats, cheeses, and sides.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 100 g sliced turkey breast, 100 g sliced ham, 100 g mild cheddar cheese (sliced), 100 g mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- Carbohydrates: 24 whole wheat crackers, 2 mini pita breads (cut into wedges, optional)
- Fruits & Vegetables: 1 cup seedless grapes, 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup cucumber slices
- Treat (optional): 4 mini chocolate squares or 4 small cookies
Instructions
- Assemble Proteins:
- Arrange equal portions of turkey, ham, cheddar, and mozzarella in four compartmentalized containers or lunchboxes.
- Add Crackers and Pita:
- Place 6 crackers and a few pita wedges (if using) into each tray.
- Include Fruits and Veggies:
- Divide grapes, carrots, and cucumber slices evenly among the trays.
- Finish with a Treat:
- Add a mini chocolate square or cookie as a treat, if desired.
- Cover and Store:
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Consume within 3 days for best freshness.
Save 
Save Last week, my daughter helped prep her own tray and proudly packed it for a field trip. The whole lunch was gone in minutes and sparked lots of conversation with friends.
Required Tools
Cutting board, sharp knife, lunchboxes or compartmentalized containers make prepping these trays fast and easy.
Allergen Information
Always check cheese, cracker, and cookie labels if avoiding milk, wheat, soy, or nuts for safety.
Nutritional Information
Each tray (without treat): 310 calories, 12 g total fat, 29 g carbohydrates, 20 g protein.
Save 
Save Keep extra ingredients on hand to let kids make their tray each morning. This simple hack makes lunchtime exciting and nutritious!
Kitchen Guide
- → What proteins work well in these trays?
Sliced turkey, ham, roast chicken, and various cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone provide good protein options.
- → Can I substitute the crackers with alternatives?
Whole wheat crackers are ideal, but pita wedges or other crunchy bread alternatives can be used to vary texture and flavor.
- → How should the fruits and vegetables be prepared?
Seedless grapes, baby carrots, and cucumber slices are recommended, but you can add cherry tomatoes or apple slices for more variety.
- → How long can the tray be stored before serving?
Keep the tray refrigerated and consume within three days to ensure freshness and optimal taste.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the tray?
Yes, replace meats with hummus, hard-boiled eggs, or plant-based deli slices to create a vegetarian-friendly tray.