Customizable kid-friendly meats cheeses

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Dinners

This customizable tray combines slices of turkey, ham, mild cheddar, and mozzarella with whole wheat crackers, pita wedges, grapes, carrots, and cucumber slices. Perfectly portioned for kids, it offers a quick assembly with a balance of proteins, carbs, and fresh fruit. Optional treats and ingredient swaps allow for variety and dietary adjustments. Prep takes just 15 minutes with no cooking required, making it ideal for easy packed lunches or snacks.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:53:00 GMT
A colorful DIY Lunchables tray overflowing with turkey, cheese, crackers, and fresh grapes. Save
A colorful DIY Lunchables tray overflowing with turkey, cheese, crackers, and fresh grapes. | whisknjoy.com

A fun, customizable tray of kid-friendly meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruit, perfect for easy packed lunches or snacks.

I remember packing these DIY lunchable trays for my kids before heading out for a busy day. They loved being able to choose their favorite combos, and I enjoyed knowing exactly what was inside each box.

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

Prepare Proteins and Cheeses:
Arrange equal portions of turkey, ham, cheddar, and mozzarella in four compartmentalized containers or lunchboxes.
Add Carbohydrates:
Add 6 crackers and a few pita wedges (if using) to each tray.
Share Fruits & Veggies:
Divide grapes, carrots, and cucumber slices evenly among the trays.
Finish with Treat:
Add a mini chocolate square or cookie as a treat, if desired.
Store:
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Consume within 3 days for best freshness.
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| whisknjoy.com

Sharing these trays at family picnics always sparked smiles and lively conversations as everyone swapped their favorite snacks.

Required Tools

Cutting board, sharp knife, lunchboxes or compartmentalized containers for easy assembly.

Allergen Information

Contains milk from cheese, wheat from crackers and pita, and possibly soy. May contain traces of nuts depending on brands.

Nutritional Information (per tray, without treat)

Calories: 310 & Total Fat: 12 g & Carbohydrates: 29 g & Protein: 20 g

Homemade DIY Lunchables featuring sliced meats, cheeses, crackers, and a selection of fresh vegetables. Save
Homemade DIY Lunchables featuring sliced meats, cheeses, crackers, and a selection of fresh vegetables. | whisknjoy.com

Try different flavor combinations each week for variety. DIY Lunchables make packed lunches simple and fun!

Recipe FAQ

How should I store the tray for best freshness?

Cover and refrigerate the trays until ready to serve. Consume within 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Can I substitute different meats or cheeses?

Yes, you can swap turkey and ham with roast chicken or other deli meats, and cheeses like Swiss or provolone can be used instead.

Are there vegetarian options for this tray?

Vegetarian variations can include hummus, hard-boiled eggs, or plant-based deli slices to replace the meats.

What fruits and vegetables can I add or substitute?

Besides grapes, carrots, and cucumbers, try adding cherry tomatoes, apple slices, or other favorite fresh produce.

Are the crackers and pita breads necessary?

They provide carbohydrates and texture but can be omitted or replaced with preferred options based on dietary needs.

Customizable kid-friendly meats cheeses

A customizable tray of meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruit for easy-packed lunches or snacks.

Prep duration
15 min
0
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification Quick Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 4 Portion Count

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Proteins

01 3.5 oz sliced turkey breast
02 3.5 oz sliced ham
03 3.5 oz mild cheddar cheese, sliced
04 3.5 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed

Carbohydrates

01 24 whole wheat crackers
02 2 mini pita breads, cut into wedges (optional)

Fruits & Vegetables

01 1 cup seedless grapes
02 1 cup baby carrots
03 1 cup cucumber slices

Treat (optional)

01 4 mini chocolate squares or 4 small cookies

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

Distribute Proteins: Arrange equal portions of turkey, ham, cheddar, and mozzarella into four compartmentalized containers or lunchboxes.

Stage 02

Add Carbohydrates: Place 6 crackers and a few pita wedges, if using, into each tray.

Stage 03

Add Fruits and Vegetables: Divide grapes, baby carrots, and cucumber slices evenly among all trays.

Stage 04

Add Optional Treat: Include a mini chocolate square or cookie in each tray, if desired.

Stage 05

Store and Serve: Cover trays and refrigerate until serving. Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Necessary tools

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Lunchboxes or compartmentalized containers

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains milk (cheese), wheat (crackers, pita), and potentially soy depending on product labels. May contain traces of nuts; verify packaging.

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 310
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 20 g