The New School of Sandwiches

Here's how to give the lunch box staple a super-fun makeover.

Photo by: Photograph by Philip Friedman

Photograph by Philip Friedman

Busy parents know that sometimes coming up with a new or creative idea for your kid’s school lunch can be a challenge. While sandwiches like peanut butter and jelly, ham and cheese and bologna are classics for a reason, finding them inside a lunch box five days in a row can become a bit...stale. We're here to help! As part of our special Family edition, we worked with Food Network Kitchen to reimagine, reshape and recreate five beloved sandwich recipes. The end results are super cute, tasty and are sure to be a hit with kiddos of all ages. Keep reading to see how you can make them for the start of the school year.

Lucky Stars (pictured above): Cut out 4 small star shapes from a slice of bread using a cookie cutter. Use as the top bread slice for a cream cheese and jam sandwich, then cut into quarters.

Photo by: Photograph by Philip Friedman

Photograph by Philip Friedman

Pick-Up Sticks: Cut cheese sandwiches into flower shapes using a cookie cutter. Thread onto skewers along with cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber and mini mozzarella balls.

Photo by: Photograph by Philip Friedman

Photograph by Philip Friedman

Slam Dunk: Trim the crusts off a sandwich (roast beef, ham and cheese — any kind!) and cut into strips. Serve with ranch dressing or another dip.

Photo by: Photograph by Philip Friedman

Photograph by Philip Friedman

Rockin' Roll: Trim the crusts off a slice of potato bread, then use a rolling pin to flatten. Cover with herbed cheese spread (such as Boursin), then top with ham or turkey. Roll up, then cut into bite-size pieces.

Photo by: Photograph by Philip Friedman

Photograph by Philip Friedman

Crunch Time: Cut a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in half. Press the cut sides in crushed crispy rice cereal.

Credits:

Introduction paragraph written by Michelle Baricevic for FoodNetwork.com.

All photographs by Philip Friedman.

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