6 Lunchbox Recipes, the Italian Way

Eggplant parmigiana tucked into bread and savory ricotta muffins give lunch beyond the kitchen plenty of appeal. Choose a sandwich for the main event or smaller bites to fill your lunchbox.

Chicken Piadina Wraps pair grilled chicken with crunchy homemade coleslaw and tangy mustard dressing. Wrapped in piadina, an Italian flatbread, they come together in 30 minutes. Lettuce and tomatoes add freshness alongside the creamy slaw.

Pro tip: you can swap the mustard dressing for tartar sauce if you prefer.

Parmigiana sandwich brings eggplant, tomato, and savory Parmigiano Reggiano together inside a bread roll. You build this variation on eggplant parmigiana directly in the roll, giving the dish a handheld format. Basil adds a fresh note to the rich filling.

Pro tip: if you salt the eggplant before frying, rinse the slices thoroughly and pat them completely dry.

Ricotta and spinach bites have a tender texture, with mild ricotta balancing the spinach. Their bite-size format makes them a practical vegetarian choice for a packed lunch. Grana Padano gives each morsel a savory edge.

Pro tip: you’ll want to drain the spinach thoroughly so the mixture doesn’t become too watery.

Chicken meatballs combine chicken with mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano for a rich, cheesy bite. They put leftover chicken to use in portions that fit neatly into a lunchbox. Oregano brings an herbal note to the savory mixture.

Pro tip: try using crumbled cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for an extra-crisp coating.

Savory muffins with ricotta and zucchini pair mild cheese and zucchini with the sharper flavor of Grana Padano. These individually portioned muffins are easy to pack and eat by hand. Cherry tomatoes add a bright contrast to the ricotta.

Pro tip: you can cook the zucchini with diced bacon for a richer variation.

Puff Pastry Mini Pizzas put tomato and oregano on a flaky pastry base. Ready-made puff pastry is the shortcut behind these quick, lunchbox-size bites. The tomato topping contrasts with the rich pastry, while oregano adds an herbal finish.

Pro tip: you can brush the pastry circles with beaten egg before topping and baking for a more golden finish.