Here we go guys, the start of the making-lunches season. I don’t know about you, but I’ve enjoyed my time off this summer. Making school lunches is something that I truly dread.
T beat the blah’s and break the mundane, I’m gathering all the tricks of the trade, to hopefully keep things fresh all year long. The task doesn’t need to be complicated, the truth is, little changes to the tried-and-true back to school recipes are keys to success.
This recipe {or more of a lunch hack} for Checkerboard Turkey Sandwich is a genius idea from Kraft Canada. All you have to do is make a sandwich {turkey and tomato in their example}, cut and flip a few sections to make a checkerboard pattern.
The pattern shows up better when using a darker piece of grain bread, for this recipe I used whole wheat. My daughters don’t prefer sandwiches made with whole wheat, yet using just one slice for the sandwich and they’re none the wiser. I feel so sneaky and champion-like!
As well, this Checkerboard Sandwich can be switched up in so many ways. I added lettuce to mine, and made another with no tomato for my daughter that refuses to eat them. I suggest if you do use tomato, to place it between lettuce or meat though, since it does make the bread quite soggy.
Normally we use a bit of butter or mayo on our sandwiches, yet this recipe calls for some Philadelphia Cream Cheese spread onto just one of the bread slices. I tell you, this really makes the sandwich creamy and adds that kick to the tastebuds. So, if you haven’t tried it, please do!
I have a complete list of school lunch ideas that are worth checking out. Bookmark, print and save these ideas; it’ll be your sidekick throughout the entire school year!
Checkerboard Turkey Sandwich
Cut and flip a few sandwich sections to make a checkerboard pattern, back to school lunch success. School lunch ideas and hacks to beat the mundane.
Ingredients
- 1 slice whole wheat bread
- 1 Tbsp . Philadelphia Cream Cheese Product
- 30 g thinly sliced deli turkey breast, 3 slices
- 3 slices tomato
- 1 slice white bread
Instructions
- Spread wheat bread with cream cheese product; top with turkey, tomatoes and remaining bread slice.
- Cut sandwich into 3 lengthwise strips, then into 3 crosswise strips to make 9 squares.
- Arrange squares on plate, turning over and arranging as needed to resemble checkerboard.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1 ServingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 237 Total Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 3g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 3g Cholesterol: 30mg Sodium: 672mg Carbohydrates: 31g Net Carbohydrates: 0g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 6g Sugar Alcohols: 0g Protein: 12g
Do you know of another simple way to change up a sandwich?
I am a What’s Cooking Ambassador for Kraft Canada and I receive special perks as part of my
affiliation with the company. The opinions on this blog are my own. . .
Allie D. says
This is a cute idea. I think my daughter would like this. I never thought to cut up the sandwich into checkerboard size pieces.
Stephanie LaPlante says
Love this idea! Bite sized squares.
Shana Langley says
I am going to try this recipe out on my daughter ?
Jeanette says
You totally know they mind of a kid! I know my kiddo would eat this just because it looks cool. I can;t get him to eat sandwiches (at least not on bread), this would be perfect for him.
Ali P says
Using avocado in place of mayo or butter!
Aubrey says
Lunch can get so boring when it’s always sandwiches. I like the idea of mixing it up
Cheryl says
I cut out daughters into dinosaurs with a plastic cutter I have š
Sam says
I bet the cream cheese helps the sandwich stay stuck together into the checkerboard squares too. Sounds good to me!
Jennifer says
I think that is such a cute idea. Kids love finger foods and a sandwich is the perfect shape for doing this.
Lynda Cook says
A fun way to make and eat a sandwich, you are right it would look super cool with a darker piece of bread!!
mrdisco says
as a grown-up, i approve of this lunch. for myself.
Danielle says
This is perfect for my son. He likes to have his food in bite sizes and many times will not eat something if it’s not.
Pam says
There is a restaurant here in town that makes a checkboard sandwich. It is super tasty.
Ashley says
This is a great idea for easy to eat sandwich pieces. My daughter just got braces and she needs small sections like this.
Shauna says
What a cute idea to make sandwiches bite sized. Super-fun. Thanks for sharing. I am totally going to do this for my kids lunch
M Thompson says
Great for school lunches.
Aimee Smith says
What a cute idea! My kids love bbq sauce on their sandwiches.
Ann Bacciaglia says
This looks like a delicious sandwich. I love the idea of using Philadelphia Cream Cheese. I will have to give this a try.
Melissa says
So cute and easy! I love bite size food and my son would too.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
That’s great that a large sandwich becomes a bunch of tiny mini-sandwiches! Young kids can really have fun with it!
Debbie W says
This would make lunches interesting and fun
Kim Tanti says
Cute idea. I have a hard time with lunches my daughter will Not eat sandwiches
Shelley Zurek says
So fun to have these little nibbles. It’s amazing how a knife can transfom a whole sandwich.
caryn s says
Love this school lunch idea Tammi!
nicolthepickle says
This looks yummy for right now. I bet it would be amazing with Philly Dill cream cheese.
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
This is an awesome idea! My kids love when I cut their sandwichs up into different shapes.
Julie Z says
Anything already cut into bite size pieces is great! I love using Laughing Cow on my sandwiches – I find it gives them a creaminess like cream cheese š
Leanne T says
I will soon be entering the kids-bento-box craze…. a wee bit nervous.
heidi c. says
This looks like a tasty sandwich that would appeal to my kids.
Mykidsguide says
You always have to be creative with kids! I haven’t tried doing a checker board, yet.
Elaine Buonsante says
I love your idea of putting the tomato slices between the lettuce and the meat to prevent soggy bread!
Krista says
That sandwich looks really great. I want to make one right now.
Kim K says
Cute idea, love the bite size pieces (this would even work for sandwich trays at the office)
Caroline says
These are fun bite-size sandwiches which are sure to be a hit with kids!
Alayne Langford says
I do love the checkerboard idea!! Great for adults to eat at their desk too!! š
gayle bellemare says
sounds delicious, I will make an extra for myself!
Lena says
This is pretty handy and so easy on the go
Nicole B says
great idea! Anything that jazzes up a sandwich is great!
Laurie P says
Great sandwich…..I’ve got the perfect kitchen tool to cut up our sandwiches.
kristen visser says
how cute! i love this and would be totally easier for my three year old to pick up, and put in her mouth (being smaller pieces)
Judy Cowan says
Great idea. Never thought about using cream cheese instead of butter/mayo but I am sure it would be great, will have to try it out!
kathy downey says
Thats a neat idea