Do you want to ease your kids into trying new food? One way to do this is by presenting unusual dishes in a way that’s familiar to them. So, if you love Japanese cuisine and want them to embrace it as you do, start small with these sushi rolls.

This recipe isn’t a traditional sushi roll recipe – you won’t find seasoned rice or raw fish listed among the ingredients. Instead, this dish consists of sandwich bread, kid-friendly veggies, leftover canned tuna, and mayonnaise, aka things your child has likely tried (and loved!) already. Once they get used to eating these rolls, you’ll have an easier time introducing them to more authentic sushi creations.

How to Make Sushi Rolls With Bread and Other Leftovers

These rolls are similar to pinwheel sandwiches and are just as fun to eat! You can adjust the components depending on what you have in your fridge or pantry. If your child isn’t a fan of tuna, replace it with other ulam, like shredded pork adobo, bangus flakes, or skinless longganisa. You can even skip the meat altogether and focus on packing it with colorful veggies! Take advantage of this recipe’s flexibility – use it as an opportunity to finish up leftovers.

Ingredients

• 8 slices white or whole wheat bread, crusts removed
• 1 (310-g) can creamed corn
• 4 large thin slices double-smoked ham
• 1 small carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 small cucumber, peeled and cut into long strips
• 1 (200-g) can tuna in oil, drained and flaked
• 2 tbsp Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise
• 2-3 iceberg lettuce leaves, washed, dried, and shredded finely

Method

1. Place bread slices on a flat surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten them slightly.
2. Spread creamed corn on 4 slices, leaving a 2-cm strip free of filling along one edge. Top with ham, carrots, and cucumber. Roll up to enclose filling. Cut each sandwich evenly into 3 rounds.
3. Combine tuna and Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise in a bowl.
4. Arrange lettuce on top of the 4 remaining bread slices, leaving a 2-cm strip free of filling along one edge. Top with tuna filling. Roll up to enclose filling. Cut each sandwich evenly into 3 rounds.
5. Wrap rolls in plastic wrap. Store in the fridge until ready to pack into lunch boxes.

More Kid-Friendly Sushi Roll Ingredients

Keep this dish exciting for the whole family by experimenting with different flavor combinations. Try these! They’re a mix of savory and sweet options – all tried-and-true hits with kids.

Crabsticks, mango, and cucumber

California maki is the go-to order of most sushi newbies. The rolls usually consist of these three ingredients – plus tobiko (flying fish roe), seaweed, and rice on the outside.

Bacon, egg, and cheese

For a breakfast-inspired roll, you can’t go wrong with this diner-style trio. Lightly toast the flattened sandwich bread with quick-melting cheese on top for an ooey-gooey texture.

Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and salami

Who doesn’t love pizza rolls? Ditch the frozen stuff and make your own for a more wholesome take. Spread tomato sauce on bread, then top with mozzarella and salami. Easy-peasy!

Peanut butter, banana, and crushed granola

These no-bake energy rolls are the perfect after-school merienda. You can use any nut butter-and-fruit combo, but peanut butter and banana can make any kid smile. Granola adds fiber and crunch.

Strawberries and cream cheese

Try these for a healthy dessert! They taste just like strawberry cheesecake, minus the crazy amounts of sugar. Tip: a few hours in the freezer can transform these into mini ice cream rolls.

Now, you shouldn’t have trouble convincing your kids to try your favorite sushi rolls! Get them used to the idea first and encourage their appetite for the real thing.