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Easy Copycat Lunchable: Salami and Cheese Stars Snack Box

copycat lunchable salami cheese stars - featured image

A quick and easy homemade version of the classic Lunchable snack box, featuring salami, cheddar cheese stars, and crackers. Perfect for school lunches, road trips, or a fun snack that’s healthier and more customizable than the store-bought version.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 slices Genoa salami (or any hard salami)
  • 4 oz block sharp cheddar cheese
  • 810 mini crackers (Ritz or Club crackers recommended)
  • Optional: fresh fruit (grapes, apple slices, berries)
  • Optional: vegetable sticks (carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips)
  • Optional: sweet treat (chocolate chips, mini cookie, dark chocolate square)
  • Optional: dipping sauce (honey mustard, ranch, hummus, Dijon mustard, fig jam)

Instructions

  1. Chill the cheese: Place the block of cheddar in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up for cleaner cutting.
  2. Slice the cheese: Remove cheese from freezer and cut into ยผ-inch thick slices.
  3. Cut the cheese stars: Press a star-shaped cookie cutter firmly into each cheese slice, twisting slightly to release. Place stars on a plate. Save scraps for later use.
  4. Prepare the salami: If using a whole salami stick, slice into thin rounds (about โ…›-inch thick). Pre-sliced salami can be used as is or folded/rolled.
  5. Count your crackers: Open cracker sleeve and count out 8-10 crackers per box. Arrange in a single layer in one compartment of a bento box.
  6. Assemble the box: Place salami slices in one compartment, cheese stars in another, and crackers in the third. Keep crackers away from moist items to maintain crunch.
  7. Add extras: If including fruit, veggies, sweet treat, or dipping sauce, add them to empty spaces or separate containers.
  8. Pack it up: Close the lid and refrigerate until ready to serve. For lunch, include an ice pack to keep everything cold. The snack box stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Notes

Chill the cheese block for about 10 minutes before cutting for cleaner shapes. Keep crackers separate until serving to prevent sogginess. This recipe is highly customizableโ€”try different cheeses, meats, or add-ins. For school lunches, use an insulated bag with an ice pack to keep ingredients cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: copycat lunchable, salami and cheese stars, snack box, bento box lunch, easy snack, kid-friendly lunch, homemade lunchable, school lunch idea