Tasty Tortilla Roll Ups for Little Ones

When my kids were little, I used to struggle with packed lunches. Sandwiches would come home squished or untouched, and I’d feel defeated. That’s when my neighbor shared her trick for tortilla roll ups – and honestly, it changed our lunch game completely.

These roll ups aren’t just regular sandwiches in disguise. They’re fun to make, stay fresh in lunch boxes, and (most importantly) my kids actually eat them. Plus, they’re so simple that even my 6-year-old helps put them together. Now our mornings are easier, and the lunch boxes come home empty.

What Kind of Tortilla Should I Use?

For kid-friendly roll ups, flour tortillas are your best bet since they’re soft and pliable, making them easy to roll without cracking. The standard white flour tortillas work great, but whole wheat tortillas can be a nutritious alternative if your kids are used to whole grain products. When shopping, look for fresh tortillas that feel soft and flexible – if they feel stiff or brittle, they might break when you roll them. For toddlers especially, I recommend choosing the 6-inch size since it’s easier for small hands to handle, though 8-inch tortillas work well for bigger kids or if you want to pack in more fillings.

Options for Substitutions

These kid-friendly roll ups are super adaptable! Here’s how you can switch things up:

• Tortilla: Regular flour tortillas work great, but you can also use whole wheat tortillas, spinach wraps, or even rice paper wraps (though these might be trickier for little hands). If using gluten-free tortillas, warm them slightly to make them more pliable.
• Thai peanut sauce: Got a peanut allergy? Use sunflower butter or cream cheese instead. You can also try hummus or mild guacamole. If using regular peanut butter, thin it out with a bit of honey and soy sauce to make it more spreadable.
• Carrots and cucumber: Any crunchy veggie works here! Try bell peppers, shredded lettuce, or corn. Just make sure to cut them into small, manageable pieces for little ones.
• Chicken: Skip the chicken or swap it with turkey, ham, or even scrambled eggs. For vegetarian options, try small cubes of tofu or cheese.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making tortilla roll ups is overfilling them, which can lead to messy eating and frustrated kids – stick to a thin, even layer of ingredients spread to within half an inch of the edges.

A common mistake is using cold tortillas straight from the fridge, which can crack and tear during rolling – warming them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds makes them more pliable and easier to work with.

To prevent soggy roll ups that fall apart at lunchtime, make sure to pat dry any vegetables thoroughly before adding them, and consider placing a layer of peanut sauce first to create a moisture barrier between the tortilla and veggies.

For the perfect kid-friendly size, cut the rolls into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife (not a serrated one, which can tear the tortilla), and if packing for lunch, secure each piece with a toothpick to keep them from unraveling.

What to Serve With Tortilla Roll Ups?

These kid-friendly roll ups are perfect for lunch boxes and pair really well with simple sides that little ones love! A small container of ranch dip or extra peanut sauce works great alongside some crunchy veggie sticks like celery, bell peppers, or extra carrots. For a complete meal, add some fresh fruit like apple slices, grapes (cut in half for younger kids), or orange segments. If you’re serving these at home, a handful of whole grain crackers or pretzels adds a nice crunch that kids tend to enjoy.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These kid-friendly roll ups stay good in the fridge for up to 24 hours when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. If you’re packing them for lunch, pop them in with an ice pack to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Prep Ahead: You can prep the ingredients separately and store them in different containers in the fridge – keep the cut veggies, cooked chicken, and peanut sauce for up to 3 days. This makes it super easy to assemble fresh roll ups whenever you need them, and helps prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.

Pack Smart: If you’re making these for school lunch, assemble them in the morning rather than the night before. Cut them into fun pinwheels and pack them vertically in the lunchbox to prevent them from getting squished – kids love eating with their eyes first!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	40-45 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 6-8 g
• Fat: 10-15 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Ingredients

• 1 (6-8 inch) soft tortilla
• 2 tablespoons creamy thai peanut sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons small pieces of carrot and cucumber
• 1-2 tablespoons small pieces of chicken (optional)

Step 1: Assemble the Tortilla Roll

Begin by spreading your chosen sauce over the entire surface of a tortilla, ensuring you cover from edge to edge.

Next, evenly distribute the chicken and vegetables over the sauce to create a uniform layer.

Once all the ingredients are in place, tightly roll the tortilla into a log, ensuring a firm and compact roll.

Step 2: Refrigerate for Firmness

Place the tortilla log in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes.

This step is crucial as it makes the roll firmer and easier to slice into pinwheels, ensuring neat and clean cuts.

Step 3: Slice into Pinwheels

After the tortilla log has been adequately chilled, remove it from the refrigerator.

Begin by trimming off the ends to create an even log.

Then, slice the log into 1/2 inch pinwheels.

Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and enjoy as a delicious appetizer or snack!