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If you’ve packed a school lunch more than a few times this year, you know how fast the inspiration runs dry. By week three, I’m standing in the kitchen staring at the bread like it personally wronged me. My kids are tired of sandwiches. I’m tired of wasting time on food that comes back half-eaten. Something had to change.

That’s when I started reaching for simpler, fresher ideas like these ham, cheese, and apple wraps featuring JAZZ™ apples. They’ve officially earned their spot in our weekly lunchbox rotation. They’re quick, portable, and the best part? My kids actually eat them. No reheating, no mess, no soggy bread to scrape off a plastic container.

These wraps take just a few minutes to prep, and they’re totally customizable depending on what your kids like (or don’t). They check all the boxes for busy mornings: easy to make, balanced nutrition, and fun enough that the kids don’t groan when they open their lunchbox. A win is a win.

A Fresh Spin on the Classic Combo

We all know apples and cheese are a winning combo. Add some savory ham and you’ve got a sweet and salty snack that feels a little fancy but is still totally kid-friendly. Wrapping it all together keeps things tidy and portable, whether it’s packed in a lunchbox or handed off in the backseat on the way to practice.

This recipe is also great for getting kids involved. My youngest actually likes making these wraps herself. She picks out her apple, layers the ingredients, and rolls them up with the kind of care usually reserved for birthday presents. It’s a small moment of independence that makes mornings just a little smoother.

Why We Use JAZZ™ Apples

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to lunchbox duty. JAZZ™ apples are our go-to for these wraps because they’re super crisp and don’t turn brown in five minutes. Their flavor is sweet with just the right hint of tartness, which balances beautifully with the salty ham and creamy cheese.

According to Julie Lopez, Registered Dietitian for Healthy Family Project:
“Sweet, crisp apples meet savory ham and cheese in a wrap that’s easy to roll and even easier to love. JAZZ™ apples pack fiber and vitamin C to help keep kids full and focused and their bold crunch? Chef’s kiss.”

And she’s right. That crunch really sets them apart. Plus, JAZZ™ apples come in convenient grab-and-go bags, which make them easy to keep on hand during the school year when shopping trips are more about survival than browsing.

What You’ll Need

Healthy after-school snack tip for back to school

Apple & Ham Wraps

Whether you’re packing these ham, apple and cheese wraps in a lunchbox, serving as an after-school snack or setting out at a party for an easy appetizer, this sweet and savory combination will be a hit! The sweet, crunchy apple slices pair perfectly with the savory ham and cheese for a crisp snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Egg Free, Snack
Servings 8
Calories 75 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 JAZZ™ apple thinly sliced
  • 4 slices of low-sodium ham
  • 4 slices of cheddar or your favorite cheese
  • Optional: a drizzle of honey or mustard for added flavor

Instructions
 

  • That’s it. No fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few staples that you probably already have in the fridge.
  • How to Make the Wraps
  • Wash and thinly slice your JAZZ™ apple. I leave the peel on for extra fiber and texture, but feel free to peel if your kids prefer it that way.
  • Lay a slice of cheese on top of a slice of ham. Add a few slices of apple right down the middle.
  • Roll it all up like a pinwheel. You can use a toothpick to secure it if needed, but most of the time, they stay rolled on their own.
  • Pack it up with your kids’ favorite sides and you’re done.

Nutrition

Calories: 75kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Lunchbox Pairing Ideas

These wraps are filling on their own, but if you want to round out the lunchbox, here are some of our favorite pairings:

  • Fresh strawberries or blueberries
  • A yogurt tube or a hard-boiled egg
  • Pretzel crisps or whole grain crackers
  • Extra apple slices with peanut butter or yogurt for dipping

We also love tossing in a note or a sticker just to keep things fun. The little touches matter, especially when kids are adjusting to new teachers, friends, and routines.

Beyond the Lunchbox

These wraps are super versatile and not just for school lunches. I’ve packed them as a quick snack between baseball practice, as part of a no-cook dinner on chaotic evenings, and even as an after-school snack when I know dinner is still a while away.

They’re also great for car rides. No crumbs, no sticky fingers, just a satisfying snack that keeps everyone (including me) from getting hangry.

An Easy Lunchbox Idea That Works

What I love about these wraps is how simple they are. Just a few ingredients. Just a few minutes. But somehow, they still feel like something new and different. The kids are excited to eat them, and I feel good knowing they’re getting protein, fiber, and real, whole foods in the middle of their day.

If you’re stuck in a sandwich rut, give these a try. They might just become the new favorite in your house too.

Want More School Lunch Ideas?

We know how hard it can be to keep things interesting (and realistic) during the school year. That’s why we’ve created a full Lunchbox Inspiration hub filled with time-saving ideas, easy recipes, and helpful tips to keep mornings moving and lunchboxes full of better-for-you foods kids actually enjoy.

Try the wraps. Keep the apples handy. And maybe packing lunch won’t feel quite so overwhelming this year.

Apples, Beats & After School Treats

Refuel and refresh after a long school day with our Apples, Beats & After School Treats playlist on Spotify. It’s packed with fun, feel-good jams perfect for snack time, kitchen dancing, and shaking off those classroom cobwebs. Lighthearted tunes for little (and big) snackers—brought to you by JAZZ™ apples!

Stronger Together for Healthier Families

Since 2014, Healthy Family Project has been committed to supporting families during the back-to-school season, and this year we’re excited to continue that mission alongside JAZZ™ apples. As part of our Back-To-School campaign, JAZZ™ apples are helping inspire healthier lunchboxes, smarter snacking habits, and more produce-packed routines for busy families. Their commitment to flavor, quality, and nutrition makes them a perfect fit for this initiative. Alongside other like-minded produce partners, JAZZ™ apples are also helping us make a real impact in schools and communities through a donation to the Foundation for Fresh Produce’s K-12 programs that support nutrition education and access to fruits and vegetables where kids learn and grow. Because when we show up for families together, everybody wins.