The 10-Minute Christmas Sandwiches for Kids for a Jolly Lunch

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Dr Nick Fuller

Leading Obesity Expert at the University of Sydney and founder of Interval Weight Loss.

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Christmas food for kids doesn’t need to be fancy, stressful, or ‘Pinterest-perfect’ to be a total hit. The truth is, when kids get to help out with a bit of simple meal prep, they’re usually much more excited to actually eat what they’ve made, which is exactly why Christmas sandwiches for kids are such a winner during the silly season. They’re easy to build, fun to decorate, and familiar enough to keep even the fussiest eaters happy.

Yes, a humble sandwich really can be Christmassy! Think festive shapes, bright fillings, and all those kid-approved flavours, without having to force anything new or ‘weird’ onto their plate. If your little one already loves wraps or bagels, this is the easiest way to add a bit of holiday magic without the mealtime meltdown.

Read on for our favourite breads to use, kid-friendly fillings, and some simple decorating tips that your little helpers can get stuck into, too.

Make Festive Meals Fun and Healthy

Holiday food doesn’t have to mean a total sugar overload or a constant battle at the table. In Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids, Dr Nick Fuller shows you how to turn festive meals, like these Christmas sandwiches for kids, into healthy, relaxed experiences. His practical tips are all about helping children explore nutritious foods while keeping the holiday spirit alive.

If you want to enjoy your holiday cooking without the stress, grab your copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids today. It’s a game-changer for making Christmas meals fun, balanced, and memorable for the whole family.

Pick Your Base: The Best Bread Types to Use

The bread sets the foundation for any kid-friendly sandwich. Softer textures and mild flavours tend to work best, especially for younger or selective eaters.

White Bread

A classic favourite. White bread is soft, neutral and perfect for cutting into festive shapes using cookie cutters. It’s ideal if your child prefers very familiar flavours and textures that they will be more willing to try.

Milk Bread

Lightly sweet and extra fluffy, milk bread feels special without tasting different. It works beautifully for both savoury and sweet Christmas sandwiches. Milk-based breads also naturally provide small amounts of calcium and protein, which are important nutrients for growing kids.

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread is a good option if your child is already comfortable with whole grains. It has a slightly firmer texture but still works well for Christmas sandwiches when paired with simple fillings. Whole grains naturally contain dietary fibre, which supports digestion and can help kids feel fuller for longer, especially helpful during busy, snack-heavy Christmas days.

Multigrain Bread

Multigrain bread offers a mix of grains and seeds, adding more texture and variety. It’s usually best suited to less fussy eaters, but cutting it into festive shapes can help boost appeal. Regular exposure to different grains may help children become more accepting of new textures over time, even if they don’t love them straight away.

Brioche Bread

Soft, buttery and slightly sweet, brioche bread feels extra special, perfect for Christmas lunches or party platters. Because it’s made with eggs and milk, brioche contains small amounts of protein and fat, which can help add energy and satiety, making it a filling option for growing kids.

Mini Sandwich Rolls

Mini sandwich rolls are ideal for small hands and make sandwiches feel more fun and manageable. Offering food in smaller portions can reduce pressure at mealtimes, which may encourage kids to eat more willingly, especially during busy or exciting occasions like Christmas.

Burger Buns

Burger buns are soft, familiar and easy to slice into festive mini sliders. Their mild flavour makes them a safe choice for kids who prefer predictable foods. Familiar bread choices can help kids feel more comfortable trying different fillings, even during high-energy events like parties.

Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls are often already part of Christmas meals, making them a familiar and comforting option for kids. Familiar foods play an important role in food acceptance, particularly for fussy eaters, helping them feel relaxed and confident at the table.

Still not sure which bread to choose at the supermarket? Check out this simple guide.

Filling Ideas for Christmas Sandwiches

Keeping fillings familiar is key. Kids are more likely to accept foods they recognise, even when presented in a new or festive way, which makes sandwiches ideal for Christmas.

Savoury fillings

  • Cheese slices – mild and reliable
  • Cream cheese – smooth and easy for texture-sensitive kids
  • Paneer slices – gentle flavour and soft bite
  • Grilled chicken – shredded or finely chopped
  • Turkey slices – a classic Christmas option
  • Boiled egg mash – creamy and filling

These fillings work well if your child already enjoys simple meals like Finger Food Dinners for Kids or plain wraps.

Fresh add-ins

  • Cucumber slices – thin and seedless for best acceptance
  • Tomato slices – deseeded for a softer texture
  • Lettuce – finely shredded
  • Sweet corn – naturally sweet and colourful

Sweet sandwich options

  • Jam – perfect for Christmas morning or parties
  • Nut butter – only if nut-safe and age-appropriate

Sweet sandwiches pair nicely with festive treats like our Easter Treats for Kids, especially for holiday-style lunches.

Healthy Salad Sandwich Recipe for Kids

This salad sandwich is a simple, kid-friendly Christmas sandwich that keeps flavours familiar. Creamy avocado works as a mild spread, holding everything together without overpowering the filling, and it’s easy to customise with gentle add-ins for fussy eaters.

Type: Lactose Free, Vegetarian/Vegan Option, Kid Friendly 

Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

  • 4 slices wholegrain bread
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 2 cups mixed lettuce leaves
  • 100g grilled chicken breast OR 100g grilled tofu OR 2 boiled eggs, sliced
  • 1 carrot, grated

Recipe

1. Mash the avocado and spread onto each of the four slices of bread.

2. Top two of the slices of bread with the tomato, then the mixed lettuce leaves, the protein of your choice, and then the grated carrot. Push down firmly to secure all the ingredient layers in place. 

3. Top each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread. 

4. Press down firmly and use a serrated knife to cut each sandwich in half, or into quarters for kids. 

5. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Easy Ways to Decorate Christmas Sandwiches

Decorating is where Christmas sandwiches really come alive, and you don’t need to overdo it.

  • Use cookie cutters to create stars, trees or bells
  • Add cherry tomato pieces for festive red colour
  • Use cucumber or lettuce for Christmas green
  • Create faces with olives or corn for playful designs
  • Keep decorations simple and fully edible
  • Use toothpicks with care, and only for older kids

Visual appeal can increase willingness to try foods, but overly busy designs can overwhelm fussy eaters. Simple, fun and familiar works best.

Final Thoughts

Christmas sandwiches for kids are an easy win during the busy holiday season. With soft breads, familiar fillings, and simple decorations, you can create festive meals that feel special without causing mealtime stress. They’re perfect for Christmas parties, school celebrations or relaxed holiday lunches at home, especially when paired with other kid favourites like wraps, bagels or finger foods.

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Meet Dr Nick Fuller

My Story

As a father, I know first-hand that raising healthy and happy children is tricky. Children are fussy, particularly at the end of the day when they are shattered. We also live in a society where companies seek to profit from what we feed our kids; incorrect and damaging advice is pushed on us and marketed towards our children, and we have no time.

But with these recipes and resources, you and your children can enjoy simple and well-founded food and lifestyle choices for lifelong health.

Resources

About Dr Nick Fuller

Dr Nick Fuller is the founder of Interval Weight Loss and is a leading obesity expert at the University of Sydney with a Ph.D. in Obesity Treatment. Dr Fuller is also the author of three best-selling books and his work been published in top ranked journals in the medical field, including JAMA, Lancet and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.