Apple Sandwiches
Skip the bread and pack these easy Apple Sandwiches in the kids’ lunchboxes. When I make an apple slice sandwich, I like a classic combination of turkey, ham, and cheese. But once you learn the basic technique, the possibilities are endless for this naturally gluten free sandwich idea.
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: American
- Primary Cooking Method: No-cook
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free option
- Skill Level: Easy
Sure, you can skip the bread and make a sandwich on rolls, wraps, and even English muffins. There are even gluten free options for those (which is what I linked to there). But if you want a wheat-free alternative and aren’t a fan of gluten free bread or just need to change things up even for the gluten eaters, then apple slices make perfect little sammies. In fact, I packed an Apple Sandwich in my kids’ lunches for years, until they started packing lunch for themselves.
Stack up apple slices with your favorite deli meat and cheese for an easy and tasty alternative to sandwiches without bread. It’s a great option when you can’t get your hands on a loaf, or are looking for a breadless gluten free lunch idea.
Apple Sandwiches The Kids Love
These are going to become a favorite in your house, just like they are in mine. Here’s why…
- Fun to make and eat. If your kids are still small, you might have to cut the apple slices, but once you’ve done that, it’s the perfect activity for them to stack the fillings in the apple slice sandwich. And the apples are firm enough to hold in the fillings, but not too hard that you can’t chomp right into it.
- So versatile. The crisp, sweet apple is actually a great flavor and texture contrast to your basic deli meats and cheese, like turkey, ham, and cheddar. But you can stuff pretty much anything between two apple slices. I share ideas below, or let your taste buds be your guide!
- Naturally gluten free. Yes, it’s a sandwich without bread, and a great idea if you are tired of the texture or expense of gluten free bread.
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll need to make this apple sandwich recipe, followed by variations and some quick tips. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and instructions.
- Apples – any variety you enjoy is fine, but I recommend one that is firm and crisp. I often will use gala apples.
- Mustard – I like the contrast of a nice spicy brown mustard, but you can use dijon, yellow, or even honey mustard.
- Deli meat – I used turkey and ham, but you can just use one or the other
- Cheese – slice some sharp cheddar or use deli slices of American or your favorite that you’ve cut into squares. You can also skip it or use plant-based cheese to make it dairy free.
Variations
- Prosciutto and mozzarella with creamy balsamic dressing
- Roast beef and Greek yogurt blue cheese dip
- Leftover rotisserie chicken and apple coleslaw
- Peanut butter and jelly with peanut butter granola
- Chicken salad with grapes and walnuts and lettuce
Tips for Success
- Slice the right thickness. I am for one-quarter to one-half inch thick. You want it thick enough to hold up when you add the fillings and pick it up to take a bite, but not so thick that it’s hard to sink your teeth into your apple slice sandwich.
- Cut out the core. You don’t want to bite into the seeds and hard bits in the core, so you can use an apple corer to cut out the entire core of the apple before cutting it into slices. You can also cut out the core of each individual slice using a cupcake corer or the back of a large frosting tip to make a nice, round hole, but a paring knife gets the job done.
- Don’t let them brown. While it doesn’t affect the taste if the apples turn a little brown before lunchtime, some people want to avoid this. Many recommend brushing apple slices with lemon juice or water that has had some lemon juice added to it. I actually prefer using pineapple juice because it has the acidity you need to prevent browning without the bitter taste.
- Enjoy the same day. That being said, I still recommend making apple sandwiches the same day you plan to eat them. They don’t keep well overnight. Do be sure to refrigerate them or pack an icepack if you aren’t eating them right away.
More Easy Kids Lunch Ideas
Skip the usual sandwiches and try these ideas that think outside the bread…
Turkey, Ham, and Cheese Apple Slice Sandwich
Ingredients
- one medium apple
- 2 teaspoons mustard (yellow, spicy brown, Dijon, or honey mustard)
- 2 slices deli ham
- 2 slices deli turkey
- 2 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese
Instructions
- Turn one medium apple on its side and cut it into slices about one-quarter to one-half inch thick. You should end up with about four slices, depending on the size of your apple and thickness of your slices. You can cut the rest of the apple into slices for snacking.
- Using a knife, apple corer, cupcake corer, or back of a large icing tip, cut out the core of each slice. If you have a corer, you can do this before you cut the slices.
- Spread 2 teaspoons mustard over two of the slices, then top each with one of the 2 slices deli ham and 2 slices deli turkey, and one of 2 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese. Fold or cut the meat and cheese as needed to fit on the sandwich.
- Top each sandwich with another apple slice and enjoy right away.
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How do you keep the apple from browning? Want to pack this in my kids’ lunch boxes or school.
Honestly, my kids don’t care if the apples brown a bit so I usually don’t do anything. You can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, which will minimize browning. Or brush it with some water with a sqeee of lemon juice added, or some pineapple juice with is less tart.
Loved this as a side to my soup cup! I used an ambrosia and Swiss with yellow mustard, super tasty!!!
So glad you like this easy idea!