Make lunchtime exciting with these adorable dinosaur sandwiches! Easy to make and oh-so-tasty. Kids will love them!
How to Make a Dinosaur Bento Bunch Lunch
- Make the sandwich: Cover one bread slice with cheese and turkey and top with the remaining slice of bread.
- Cut out the dinosaur: Cut sandwiches into dinosaur shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Pack: For a nutritious and satisfying meal, pack the sandwiches in a lunchbox with ranch dressing or hummus, vegetables, and fresh berries.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To Make Ahead: Spread butter on both slices of bread. Top with ham and cheese, cut into shapes, and store in the lunch box. Add the vegetables and fruits just before sending the lunch box off for the day.
Recipe Variations for Dinosaur Bento Bunch Lunches
Vegetable treat: Swap turkey for cucumber slices and add avocado for creaminess. Use Swiss cheese instead of Cheddar.
Vegan twist: Replace turkey and Cheddar with tomato slices and vegan cheese. Opt for plant-based ranch or hummus.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread. Ensure the ranch or hummus is gluten-free.
Protein upgrade: Add a boiled egg sliced into rounds along with the turkey ham. Use a protein-rich dip like Greek yogurt instead of ranch.
Sweet and savory: Add a thin layer of apple or pear slices between the turkey and cheese for a hint of sweetness.
Mediterranean flavor: Replace turkey ham with slices of roasted bell peppers and feta cheese. Use tzatziki instead of ranch.
Spicy adult version: Add a slice of pepper jack cheese and a sprinkle of jalapeños for a spicy twist. Pair with salsa instead of ranch.
Tropical twist: Swap turkey for pineapple slices and add a slice of ham for a Hawaiian-inspired flavor. Use coconut yogurt instead of ranch.
Crunchy greens: Add a layer of crispy lettuce leaves along with the turkey. Use a crunchy nut butter instead of ranch.
Taco twist: Spice it up with taco-seasoned turkey slices and pepper jack cheese. Serve with salsa and guacamole instead of ranch.
Dinosaur Bento Bunch Lunch
Equipment
- Dinosaur Bento Box
- Dinosaur Cookie Cutter
Ingredients
For the sandwiches:
- 2 slices of your favorite bread
- 2 slices Cheddar cheese
- 2 slices deli turkey
The rest of the ingredients:
- 2 tbsp low fat Ranch Dressing or hummus
- 1 celery stick, cut into sticks
- 2 large strawberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh blueberries
- 1/3 cup cooked peas
Instructions
- Top one bread slice with with ham, cheese and remaining bread slice.
- Using a dinosaur cookie cutter, cut sandwiches into shapes.
- Pack the sandwiches in a lunchbox with Ranch dressing or hummus, veggies and fresh berries for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Bread selection: Choose a sturdy bread that holds its shape well when cutting with the dinosaur cutter.
- Dipping consistency: Adjust the ranch dressing or hummus thickness to your preference for easy dipping by adding a bit of water to thin the sauce.
- Berry freshness: Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and texture in your lunchbox.
- Pea preparation: If using frozen peas, thaw them before adding them to the lunchbox for the best taste and to stop ice water from getting to your sandwich.
- Lunchbox arrangement: Pack the sandwiches snugly to prevent shifting during transport, keeping them fresh and intact.
- Cold storage: If not eating immediately, store the lunchbox in the refrigerator to maintain freshness until lunchtime.
- Kid-friendly presentation: Arrange the lunchbox with colorful and appealing components to entice children to enjoy their meals.
