Halloween Themed Bento Lunch Box Ideas

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Bento lunches are commonplace among Asian households. These adorable boxed lunches can be seen as an extension of love in the form of edible art. It has been said that a mother’s love can be measured by how elaborate she makes her child’s bento box.

I’ve prepared numerous bentos for my three children over the years. For the most part, my bento skills are pretty basic. However, every once in a while I get inspired to do something extraordinary. If I am really in the zone, I may even make my husband a “”man-bento.”” My kids and my husband aren’t the only ones who benefit from these homemade bento boxes of love . . . I benefit too! Making bentos allows for a creative outlet where I can make healthy lunches for my family.

halloween bento boxI find that making bento lunches for my family gives me a sense of joy that is therapeutic to my soul.

Preparation Is Key

The secret to making a great bento is preparation. When properly planned, it only takes about 15-20 minutes to put together a well-executed bento lunchbox. For specifically themed lunches, I like to map out a quick diagram ahead of time. Once I sketch out my vision, I take a quick gander into my pantry and into my fridge to see what I have in stock. Since I detest going to the grocery store, I limit my bento ingredients to what I already have on hand. With these ingredients in mind, I label my diagram with the food items that I intend to use. I refer to my diagram when I am constructing the bento. This helps to keep me on track with completing the bento in a timely manner.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Bento

Halloween is a fun time to put a unique twist on an ordinary bento lunchbox creation. You get to step out of the box and get really creative. The possibilities are endless! Some lunches embrace all of the glorious gore of Halloween while others keep it traditional. I tend to lean towards all things kawaii. This includes making lunches that feature my family’s favorite cartoon personalities such as Jack, Sally, and Zero from one of our favorite Halloween flicks, The Nightmare Before Christmas. My kids really got a kick out of these lunches! Plus, they were fun to make!

Ingredients:

Jack Skellington

  • Rice
  • Black sesame seeds
  • Nori (dried seaweed)

Sally

  • Rice
  • Eggwhite
  • Cheese
  • Tomato Seeds
  • Mustard Seeds
  • Bologna
  • Nori
  • Beni Shoga (red pickeled ginger)

Background

  • Rice tinted with matcha
  • Carrot
  • Mustard Seeds
  • Tomatoes
  • Okinawan Purple Yams
  • Little Smokies Sausauge
  • Broccoli
  • Bacon & Cheese Tamagoyaki

Ingredients:

Zero

  • Cheese
  • Nori
  • Pomegranate Seed

Jack

  • Rice
  • Black sesame seeds
  • Nori

Hello Kitty

  • Hello Kitty Kamaboko
  • Nori

Background

  • Rice tinted with matcha
  • Tomatoes
  • Okinawan Purple Yams
  • Little Smokies Sausauge
  • Broccoli
  • Bacon & Cheese Tamagoyaki

Whether it’s delectable candy or lovingly made bento lunches, Halloween will always be full of fun TREATS!

Originally published October 2020.



The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.

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Gina Lee Bryant
Regina Bryant is an Albuquerque transplant who hails from the beautiful city of Savannah, GA. Regina moved to New Mexico in 2019 with her husband and their three children (Leila, Ramone, and Ava). The Bryant household would not be complete without their adorably rambunctious French Bulldog, Napoleon. Regina works in the wonderful world of Nuclear Medicine. Over the years, Regina has developed the mindset that love and laughter are the foundation of life. Regina and her husband encourage their children to pursue their every endeavor which includes scouting, art, MMA, and wrestling. Regina shares the love of her Korean culture with the founding of her business, Gina Lee Kimchi.