Recipe Details
Snack Stackers (Lunch Box Surprise)
Photo by ncmysteryshopper
Prep & Total Time: 5 minutes | Serves: 1
Ingredients
1 slice of your preferred lunch meat
1 slice of cheese
4 Ritz crackers
Instructions
Cut four 1½-inch circles from your lunch meat. If you don’t have a small cookie cutter in this size, use the rim of a small drinking glass to trace and cut around the edge. Next, cut four 1¼-inch star shapes from your slice of cheese.
Top each cracker with one lunch meat circle and one cheese star, then pack everything in an airtight container for a fun lunch box surprise.
Community Reviews & Pro Tips
Got a question? Ask the community to share your experience!
"This is such a clever trick to get picky eaters excited about their school lunch—it worked perfectly for my kid years ago! If you want to cut fancy shapes without wasting meat and cheese, try this zero-waste hack: Cut both your ham and cheese into large squares first, then cut a matching heart shape out of both. Swap the heart cutouts between the two (like a jigsaw puzzle) for no excess scraps. Alternatively, save all your leftover cuttings in a freezer bag, and once you’ve collected enough, chop them up to top a homemade pizza."
"I make this all the time! It takes a tiny bit more effort than grabbing a pre-packaged Lunchable from the store, but it’s still super simple, and way healthier because I control every ingredient that goes in. I have a whole collection of different shaped cookie cutters which makes it extra fun for kids. I usually pack a small treat too, like a cookie or a tiny piece of chocolate, plus a drink. I use reusable cupcake liners to separate the crackers so they don’t get soggy. I haven’t done the exact math, but I’m positive this homemade version is cheaper too, even when I use mostly organic ingredients!"
"I gave this recipe 5 stars! I make this for my nephew’s school lunches whenever he asks for Lunchables. The only change I make is cutting square shapes instead of circles, which saves time. Thanks for sharing this awesome little recipe! — Christine (internetnut)"
"Such a great idea—why didn’t I think of this?! My first grader loved it. He’s always begging for those pre-made store-bought versions that I refuse to buy, so this is the perfect alternative. Thank you!"
"This is my favorite lunch box snack ever! So yummy!"
(1 additional review hidden)
About the Recipe Creator
I live on beautiful Butler Mountain in the mountains of Western North Carolina. I work as a mystery shopper for restaurants and retail establishments, and I graduated from UNC-Asheville with a BFA in art, focusing on photography. I was recently married in Costa Rica to my husband KC, and I’m a stepmom to his 6-year-old son Ty. Our wedding was absolutely perfect, and I’ll cherish those memories forever—several of my friends from this community (Leslie from Mama's Kitchen, sassafrasnanc, Mommy Diva, and Chef V) attended with their husbands! Leslie’s daughter Sarah was our flower girl, and her husband Wayne was our talented wedding musician. It was the best time of my life!
Our full family includes 6 Bengal cats, a Jack Russell Terrier (we call him our "Jack Russell Terror") named Harley, a ferret named Mason, giant goldfish, a water dragon named Crusoe, an Appaloosa/Arabian mix named Sassy, a Palomino Quarter Horse named Sweet Pea, a black Standardbred named Domino, and a rescued Leopard Appaloosa named Pebbles, who is just lovely.
I absolutely love being part of the Zaar community! I’ve made so many wonderful friends here, and I really enjoy my role as a forum host. The games in the Contest & Events Forum are so fun and addictive, and they’re a great way to get to know other community members. I had a blast co-hosting the first Zaar World Tour in 2005 with ~Leslie~. For Zaar World Tour II, the event doubled in size, and we added co-hosts Mama's Kitchen and kzbhansen. Zaar World Tour 3 grew again, doubling in size once more, and we welcomed new co-hosts SusieD, PanNan and JustCallMeToni. We also started the Whine and Cheese Gang, a support team to help all participating teams throughout the event. I can’t wait for Zaar World Tour IV—it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!
I also love hosting the Beverage Forum! As a former bartender and bar owner, I feel right at home mixing up new drinks. I love cooking with spirits, experimenting with new beverage recipes, and making homemade liqueurs. Stop by the Beverage Forum any time to see what we’re working on. My roles here include:
Recipe Request Forum Host
Beverages (Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic) Forum Host
When I cook, I try to stick to organic ingredients and fresh organic produce whenever possible. I love experimenting with new cuisines and especially love fusion food. Spices and sauces are my specialty! I’m well known for cooking with all kinds of wine and liquor, and I’m always chasing that perfect flavor balance—that first bite that makes you pause and just savor every moment. Some of my favorite foods include sushi, spicy dishes, mussels, shrimp, lobster, stone crabs, artichokes, traditional Thai food, Middle Eastern cuisine, Moroccan, French, Mexican, Indian, Asian, Turkish, and so many more!
In Loving Memory
I honor the fellow Zaar Chefs who have passed away, and who live forever in my heart:
Stacky5
Redneck Epicurean
Latchy
Cool Monday
Chef I Am
Mille® ™
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