Deluxe Box Lunch Recipe

Assemble sandwich

Slice the roll in half horizontally (or use two slices of bread). Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise evenly on the bottom half and 1 teaspoon mustard on the top half. Layer 6 oz sliced turkey evenly across the bottom, add 3 oz sliced ham, then place two slices cheddar cheese on top. Add the leaf of lettuce and two tomato slices. Season tomato with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Close the sandwich and press gently.

Wrap

Wrap the assembled sandwich tightly in foil or parchment to keep it together and make it easy to place in the box. If packing for delivery or longer hold times, include a cold pack under the sandwich.

Cook pasta

Bring 2 cups of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1/2 cup elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 6–7 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

Make cheese sauce

In the same pot over low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Whisk in 1/2 teaspoon flour and cook for 30 seconds to remove raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup milk until smooth and warmed (do not boil). Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/16 teaspoon black pepper.

Combine

Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Transfer 1/2 cup of mac & cheese into a small disposable container for the box. Let cool to near room temperature before sealing the container to avoid condensation.

Pasta salad (prepared)

Portion 1/2 cup of prepared pasta salad into a small container and include a small dressing cup if extra dressing is desired.

Potato salad (prepared)

Spoon 1/2 cup potato salad into a small container and seal.

Apple slices

Slice a medium apple into wedges to make 1/2 cup. Toss immediately with a light squeeze of lemon juice (about 1/2 teaspoon) to prevent browning. Place in container and seal.

Caesar salad (prepared)

Portion 1/2 cup Caesar salad into a small container and pack dressing separately in a small dressing cup to keep greens crisp.

Garden salad (prepared)

Portion 1/2 cup garden salad (mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomato halves) into a container and pack dressing separately in a dressing cup.

Place one sealed individual bag of chips in the box next to the sandwich and side container.

Place one big cookie or dessert bar in a small paper sleeve or wrapped in parchment and add to the box.

Arrange items in a disposable or reusable box with compartments: wrapped sandwich, side container (chosen side), bag of chips, and dessert. Include any cold pack underneath the side container if the side is perishable. Seal the box and label with contents and any allergen notes.

If delivering or holding for more than 1 hour, refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below until pickup/delivery.