Ham, Cheese & Fruit Bento Lunch for Kids
10 min
|
easy
|
clean eating,
gluten-free,
low-FODMAP,
Mediterranean diet
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 min | 0 min | 10 min |
Introduction
This simple ham, cheese, and fruit bento lunch is a fun, colorful way to pack a balanced meal for kids.
Sweet strawberries and grapes pair perfectly with mild cheddar and tender ham for a kid-friendly mix of flavors.
It comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy school mornings or easy at-home lunches.
Ingredients (1 serving)
Ingredients (Per Lunchbox):
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How to Make Ham, Cheese & Fruit Bento Lunch for Kids
-
Wash and prep the fruit
Rinse the grapes and strawberries well, pat them dry, then remove strawberry stems and slice large berries into bite-size pieces.
For younger kids, slice grapes lengthwise to reduce choking risk.
-
Cube the ham and cheese
Dice the cooked ham into small cubes and cut the cheddar into similar-size pieces so everything is easy to grab.
-
Arrange everything in the lunchbox
Add ham, cheese, grapes, and strawberries into separate sections of the bento box or small reusable containers.
Use silicone muffin cups to keep foods from touching if your child prefers that.
-
Chill until lunchtime
Close the lunchbox, refrigerate until leaving for school, then pack it with an ice pack to keep everything safe and fresh.
Substitutions
- Use sliced turkey instead of ham
- Turkey keeps the same kid-friendly vibe but has a slightly lighter flavor, which some kids prefer over smokier ham.
- Swap mild cheddar for Colby Jack
- Colby Jack melts well if you ever warm pieces, and its very mild, creamy taste works nicely for cautious eaters.
- Use apple slices instead of grapes
- Crisp apple slices stay sweet and juicy, add a little crunch, and are easier to cut into safe bite-size pieces.
Tips
- Dry the fruit well
- Blot grapes and strawberries with a paper towel so extra moisture does not make the cheese or ham watery by lunch.
- Cut to the right size for your child
- Adjust the size of ham, cheese, and fruit pieces based on your child's chewing skills and school age guidelines.
- Use colorful silicone cups
- Silicone baking cups keep foods separated, add fun colors, and help fill gaps so everything stays snug during transport.
- Pack the lunch cold
- Always chill the lunchbox before packing it in the bag, then add an ice pack to keep the contents food safe.
- Add a small treat or dip
- Include a tiny container of ranch or yogurt dip, or a couple crackers, to make the meal feel extra special.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 177 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 15 | g |
| Total Fat | 5 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Can I make this bento the night before?
- Yes, you can assemble it the night before. Keep it covered in the fridge and pack the ice pack in the morning.
- How do I keep the fruit from getting mushy?
- Dry the fruit very well before packing. Avoid overripe berries, and place them away from any salty or very moist foods.
- What can I add to make this more filling?
- Add whole grain crackers, a small roll, or a mini muffin. If your school allows nuts, include a tiny container of almonds.
- Is this lunch safe for very young kids?
- For toddlers and preschoolers, cut grapes lengthwise, dice ham very small, and slice cheese thin. Always follow your pediatrician's guidance.
Serving Suggestions
This simple ham, cheese, and fruit bento also pairs nicely with a thermos of milk or a small smoothie.
Try rotating the fruits with the seasons and adding cute toothpicks or food picks to make lunchtime feel playful and fun.
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