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12 School Lunches That’ll Make Any Adult Jealous

This year, make back-to-school lunches something you're proud of! Give your sandwiches some heart, love, and the secret ingredient: MIRACLE WHIP Dressing!

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by MIRACLE WHIP Dressing

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1. The "key" to making an awesome school lunch is the combination of taste and presentation!

gamene/CC BY http://2.0 / Via Flickr: gamene

To make your sandwiches spectac-key-lar, mix and match two kinds of breads for something visually (and flavorfully) interesting. (This sandwich in particular uses pumpernickel and rye.) And to make fun shapes, use a cookie cutter to cut out the middle of the bread and switch the tops around! Don't forget to fill the sandwich with something yummy like egg salad.

2. You'll be so proud to make these star-shaped falafel balls.

Rybyran/CC BY-SA http://2.0 / Via Flickr: rubyran2626

Because you're a star. The lunch table will be so jelly of that pita pocket. Again, use cookie cutters to shape your falafel mix and bake until they're crispy and delicious.

3. Let's face it, you still love a classic bologna and cheese sandwich.

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And so do kids. Especially kids. Give it a little more character with olive eyes and a tongue. Here's a recipe without the tongue, but you can add a cucumber or pickle to give it that signature sass.

4. Peanut butter and jelly rollups are a cute way to make a traditional sandwich into "sushi."

5. While we're at it, let's just roll everything into cute pinwheels!

Meal Makeover Moms/ CC BY-ND http://2.0/ Flickr: mealmakeovermoms
Meal Makeover Moms/CC BY-ND http://2.0/ Flickr: mealmakeovermoms

Ham and cheese gets showcased in a brand-new light! And it's delicious.

6. And if you're in a rush, don't fret. A turkey, ham, and cheese sandwich is easy to make AND tasty. Add some apple slices for some extra texture!

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This sandwich satisfies your hunger AND has a satisfying crunch. Kid approved.

7. The secret to making an uncrusted sandwich pocket?

Lion Love Bento/CC BY http://2.0 / Via Flickr: buzzymelibee

If you don't have a fancy sandwich press, use fork tines to press the edges down!

8. Who needs a prepackaged snack pack when you can customize your own?

Melissa/CC BY http://2.0 / Via Flickr: buzzymelibee

To make it fun for the kids, cut the cheese slices into amusing shapes with a cookie cutter. Oh, the possibilities!

9. A hardboiled egg can easily be turned into... an igloo!

Melissa/CC BY http://2.0 / Via Flickr: buzzymelibee

Or anything you like! Just cut the egg in half and draw a masterpiece with a natural food coloring pen.

10. Get this... you can make SANDWICH BALLS. That's right. Sandwich. Balls.

11. Never underestimate the power of color for a picky eater.

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A rainbow fruit kebab will be very tempting for a school child. Just try not to steal too much for your lunch.

12. Wanna show off something unique to the class? A "banana dog" is the way to go.

Kitchen Life of a Navy Wife/CC BY http://2.0 / Via Flickr: 51047615@N06

Step 1: Spread peanut butter on a hot dog bun.

Step 2: Put a peeled banana inside.

Step 3: Spread jelly on top of the banana.

Step 4: YUMMMMMMM!

And we know you've heard of a BLT, but have you tried a PBLT?

kraftrecipes.com

Peanut butter stands in for bacon in this surprisingly hearty version of the classic lunch sandwich. And what's the secret ingredient? Yup. MIRACLE WHIP. #proudofit