Lunch Box Series 19: Banana and Nutella Muffins & Turkey Ciabatta

Some days call for something rich and chocolatey. Others? A salty, satisfying sandwich situation. And honestly - why choose?

Today we’re sharing two of our current go-tos: the softest, fluffiest Nutella Muffins (trust us, they disappear fast) and a café-style ciabatta sandwich stacked with sundried tomatoes, turkey, avo and all the good stuff.

Both are easy to prep, perfect for lunch boxes, and even better eaten on the go - whether it’s a busy workday or a weekend picnic in the sun. Without further adieu Lunch Lovers, let’s get into it!

Nutella Muffins

Is there anything better than Nutella? Actually, yes - Nutella baked into a warm, fluffy muffin!

These beauties are soft, chocolatey, and just the right amount of indulgent. Perfect for lunch boxes, after-school snacks, or that 3pm workday slump when only chocolate will suffice. 

They’re quick to whip up, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to win over both kids and adults (if you’re willing to share). Warning: they won’t last long.

Ingredients: 

• 3 ripe/brown bananas, mashed

• 6 tbsp melted butter

• 2 eggs

• 3/4 cup greek yoghurt

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2/3 cup nutella

Method: 

1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees. Grease either a 6 or 12 muffin tray with butter. Using baking paper, cut a small square and place it in the bottom of each muffin cup in the tray. This is a good hack to prevent any sticking from happening!

2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter, stirring to combine. Mix in the eggs, greek yogurt, and vanilla then set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet.

3. Pour the batter evenly across the muffin cups. Soften Nutella in microwave for 20 seconds.

4. Drizzle Nutella over muffins, then gently swirl the batter with a knife to form swirls of Nutella.

5. If using a large muffin tray, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If using a smaller muffin tray, bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving!

Sun-Dried Tomato, Turkey Ciabatta

Meet your new favourite lunch sandwich! Toasty, crunchy ciabatta layered with creamy Caesar dressing, slices of turkey, sharp cheese, peppery rocket, and a pop of sweetness from sundried tomatoes. It’s giving café lunch vibes, minus the $18 price tag. 

Perfect for busy workdays or lunch breaks between uni lectures, this sandwich brings a little luxury to your midday meal. Easy to prep ahead, delicious cold or toasted, and guaranteed to make your desk lunch (or library snack) feel a whole lot more exciting!

Ingredients: 

• 1-2 tbsp Caesar dressing

• Loaf of ciabatta

• 1 tbsp basil pesto

• Handful sun-dried tomatoes

• Havarti sliced cheese

• Deli sliced turkey

• 1 avocado sliced

• Handful of rocket

Method: 

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C. Slice your ciabatta loaf in half and lay both sides cut-side up.

2. Spread Caesar dressing over the bottom half, followed by a layer of basil pesto. Pile on the cheese and turkey, followed by the sundried tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, then pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melty.

3. Take it out and layer on your sliced avocado and rocket. Drizzle with a little extra Caesar if you like, then place the top half of the ciabatta on and press down gently to bring it all together.

4. Slice into 4 sandwiches for the week ahead and enjoy - or wrap for the perfect work or uni lunch!

Pack Lunch With Us

Here’s how we packed it all up for the perfect work or uni lunch on the go.

Our Nutella muffin went into a medium Nesting Container (because who wants squished muffin?), while the sandwich fit perfectly inside our 800ml Bento Snack Box - we left the divider out to make room for all that ciabatta goodness.

We packed everything into our Black Botanica Lunch Cooler Bag to keep it cool and fresh, then added our Olive Green 1L Water Bottle, a White 350ml Coffee Tumbler for the caffeine fix, and a Biscuit Insulated Pouch for extra snacks or that 3pm chocolate moment.

Whether you're packing for work, uni, or just a full day out and about, these recipes and lunchware picks make it easy to eat well on the go. Quick to prep, simple to pack, and seriously delicious - it’s lunch done right.

Feeling inspired? Shop our full lunchware range here and don’t forget to follow @packedby_elaandearth on Instagram for more everyday lunch inspo, packing tips, and behind-the-scenes ideas from our team.