Back-to-School Lunches the Italian Way: Fresh Panini, Italian Deli Meats and Quality Cheese

Back-to-school season is here, which means busy mornings, packed backpacks and, for parents, the daily question: “What am I going to pack for lunch?”

At Mercato, we believe school lunches should be more than something kids eat because they have to. They should be fresh, delicious and made with ingredients you feel good about putting in your family’s lunchbox.

That’s why we’re big fans of the Italian approach to school lunches.

In Italy, food is a big part of family life. Quality ingredients matter, meals are meant to be enjoyed and even something as simple as a sandwich can be made special with the right bread, fresh deli meats and a great cheese.

As you get ready for another school year, we’re here to help you bring a little of that Italian tradition into your kids’ lunches.

Start With a Fresh Panino

There’s something special about a fresh panino.

Start with good-quality, fresh bread, add some sliced Italian deli meat and your favourite cheese, and you’ve got a simple lunch that’s packed with flavour.

And the best part? There are endless combinations to keep things interesting throughout the school year.

Try a classic prosciutto and mozzarella, a mortadella and provolone, or a simple salami and cheese panino. You can also add tomatoes, lettuce, roasted peppers or pesto depending on what your kids enjoy.

A fresh panino is easy to prepare in the morning, easy to pack and easy for kids to eat at school.

Quality Italian Deli Meats

For us, quality starts with the ingredients.

Our deli is filled with a variety of Italian and traditional deli meats that make it easy to create better sandwiches and panini at home.

Prosciutto, mortadella, salami, capicola and other deli favourites can give your kids plenty of variety throughout the week.

One day it can be prosciutto and mozzarella. The next, try mortadella and provolone. Switch things up with salami, add some fresh vegetables and you’ve got an entirely different lunch.

It’s a simple way to keep school lunches from becoming boring.

Don’t Forget the Cheese

A great panino needs great cheese.

From creamy mozzarella to flavourful provolone and other Italian favourites, cheese is an easy way to add variety to your kids’ lunches.

Cheese doesn’t have to stay between two slices of bread, either. Pack a few slices or cubes with crackers and fruit for an easy lunchbox snack.

You can even let your kids choose their favourite combination when you’re shopping. Giving them a little say in what goes into their lunch can make them more excited about eating it, too.

Make Lunches They Actually Look Forward To

We know that getting kids to eat what’s in their lunchbox can sometimes be a challenge.

That’s why we think keeping things simple and using ingredients they already love is a great place to start.

Fresh bread. Quality deli meat. Delicious cheese. Add some fruit or vegetables and you’ve got a lunch that’s easy to prepare and full of flavour.

And because there are so many different combinations, you can change things up throughout the week without having to reinvent the lunchbox every morning.

A Few Easy Panini Ideas

Looking for some inspiration? Try these combinations:

Prosciutto + Mozzarella
A classic Italian combination that’s simple and delicious.

Mortadella + Provolone
Creamy, savoury and perfect on fresh Italian bread.

Salami + Mozzarella
A kid-friendly combination with plenty of flavour.

Turkey + Provolone + Lettuce
A fresh take on the traditional school sandwich.

You can also add pesto, tomato, roasted peppers or other fresh ingredients to change things up.

Everything You Need for Back-to-School Lunches

The best part about preparing Italian-inspired lunches is that you don’t need complicated recipes or a long list of ingredients.

You just need good ones.

At Mercato, we make it easy to find everything you need to get your family’s school lunches ready for the week. From fresh bread and Italian deli meats to quality cheeses, fresh produce and all the other grocery essentials, you can stock up in one place.

Whether you’re looking for ingredients for your kids’ school lunches, picking up something for dinner or simply doing the weekly grocery shop, we’re here to make it easier to bring quality food home to your family.

Bring a Little Italy to the Lunchbox

Back-to-school season can be hectic, but preparing a great lunch doesn’t have to be.

Take a little inspiration from the Italian way of doing things. Choose fresh ingredients, look for quality and don’t be afraid to keep things simple.

A fresh panino made with quality Italian deli meats and cheese might not take much time to prepare, but it can make a big difference in your child’s lunchbox.

This school year, make lunchtime something your kids can look forward to.

Visit Mercato and stock up on everything you need for fresh, delicious and Italian-inspired school lunches. From our deli and bakery to our fresh produce and grocery selection, we’ve got your back-to-school shopping covered.

Buon appetito, and here’s to a great school year!