The last few weeks have been so busy and really have just flown by. I’m struggling to accept that summer is almost over and that the kids are going to be heading back-to-school in just a couple of weeks. I love sending something fun and different to school with the kids for lunch. It can be such a bright spot in their day! I also like to send a healthy lunch that I know they’ll enjoy. That is why I came up with a waffle sandwich recipe for a fun lunch that kids will love.

Fun Lunch Recipe: Grilled Apple & Cheddar Waffle Sandwich
I am calling this a waffle sandwich because it comes out waffle shaped. However, the waffle maker is used as more of a panini press in this case because we use regular bread, not waffle batter or waffles. The waffle maker is used to create a grilled cheese sandwich in a waffle shape and here I add apple slices as well because apple and cheddar taste amazing together. You and your kids will love this grilled apple and cheddar waffle sandwich.
Ingredients & Equipment:
- whole grain bread
- sliced cheddar cheese
- sliced apples
- a waffle iron
How To Make A Waffle Sandwich With Normal Sandwich Bread:
Oil the waffle iron if necessary and place one piece of bread in the center of the iron. Add sliced cheese and sliced apples to the bread.

Top the with the second piece of bread and close the waffle iron. Let the sandwich cook until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Cut the sandwich into pieces and place in a sandwich container.
Place other healthy snacks into additional containers. I packed pretzels, dried cherries, and celery sticks along with a bottle of fresh, cold, water.

Waffle iron grilled cheese is a fun twist on a traditional sandwich and the apple adds even more fruit servings to your child’s lunch time meal.
You can also add a special inspirational note in your child’s lunch or a surprise treat to let them know you’re thinking of them in the middle of their day when they are away at school. Having something unexpected in their lunch can feel like a hug when you can’t be with them.
More waffle sandwich fun lunch ideas:
- A warm waffle sandwich with peanut butter, banana slices, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Waffle Sandwich
- Ham, Swiss & Dijon
Conclusion
Using a waffle maker as a sandwich press is a creative and quick way to make a pressed sandwich with a crispy, golden texture. The waffle maker works similarly to a panini press but adds a fun, waffle-shaped texture to the bread. Just choose your fillings (cheese, deli meats, veggies, etc.) and assemble them between two slices of bread. If you’re making a vegan sandwich, you can use plant-based cheese and veggies. Put your sandwich in the center of a preheated waffle maker, pressing it gently. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the fillings are warm. The waffle maker will press and toast the sandwich at the same time, creating that crispy, waffle-like texture. It is such a fun lunch!
Waffle sandwiches are a fun and versatile way to enjoy sweet or savory flavors! Do you add anything special to your child’s lunch or do you make unique that your child just loves?
Related Posts:
Printable Lunch Planner for Back to School And Healthy Lunch Ideas
C. Lee Reed says
Great fun lunch idea for busy moms. I have packed my daughter’s meal every day for her entire “school” life and now for her at work. It’s a great way to show love and keep in touch. I love this fun new lunch box idea.
Robin Masshole Mommy says
I am going to have to make a waffle iron grilled cheese for my little one. He will LOVE it.
Wendy says
What a great idea of using the waffle iron for a grilled cheese! That definitely makes for a fun lunch :).
Sarah says
What a cool lunch idea. My kids would love it!
Jenna Wood says
Say what? A waffle grilled cheese?! This is genius! I will have to find the old waffle iron and dust it off this weekend!
Caroline F says
My kids would love a lunch like that. I like making their lunches fun and I add a few surprises now and then.
Amy Desrosiers says
I love how you combined cheddar and apples in this sandwich! I never thought to use a waffle iron for making lunch sandwiches. Great idea. My kids loved it.
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
What a clever idea to make a grilled cheese sandwich with waffles. I can’t imagine a kid who wouldn’t love finding that in their lunchbox.