Lunchbox pizza bread is a fun and easy recipe perfect for kids and adults alike. With its cheesy goodness and customizable toppings, it makes a great lunch option. You can make it quickly and pack it in lunchboxes or enjoy it as a snack. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only easy to make but also allows you to get creative with toppings. You can use your favorite ingredients like different cheeses, veggies, or meats. Plus, it is a great way to sneak in some nutrition with the use of vegetables. It’s perfect for meal prep and saves time during busy school or work weeks.
How to Make Lunchbox Pizza Bread
Making lunchbox pizza bread is quick and simple. Let’s jump into the ingredients and directions to create this tasty dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (bi-carb soda), sifted (Note 1)
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1 large egg (60g / 2 oz)
- 1 cup milk (full or low fat)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheese (colby, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Devondale “3 cheese blend”) (Note 2)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (same as above) (Note 2)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 red onion (finely sliced)
- 1/2 green capsicum / bell pepper (finely sliced)
- 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
- 50g / 2 oz pepperoni slices (about 1/2 cup)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan). Lightly spray a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13″) metal pan with oil, then line it with baking or parchment paper (Note 3).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: egg, milk, sour cream (or yogurt), and olive oil until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula until the flour is mostly mixed in but still a bit lumpy. Add in 1 cup of shredded cheese and stir until no dry flour remains. It’s fine to have some small lumps.
- Scrape the mixture into the prepared baking pan and evenly spread it out. Don’t worry; it will rise! Spread the pizza sauce over the surface, then sprinkle with cheese followed by onion, capsicum, olives, and pepperoni.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, then cover with a baking tray or foil for the last 15 minutes.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Use the paper overhang to lift or slide it out onto a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for another 10 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve Lunchbox Pizza Bread
Lunchbox pizza bread is great at room temperature, making it perfect for lunchboxes. If desired, heat it in the oven for a few minutes, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with oregano for extra flavor. Serve it alongside a salad or vegetables for a more balanced meal.
How to Store Lunchbox Pizza Bread
You can store any leftover pizza bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it by slicing before wrapping, allowing easy access for individual servings later.
Tips to Make Lunchbox Pizza Bread
- For a lighter pizza bread, use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour.
- Feel free to mix and match toppings based on what you have at home.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread fluffy.
Variations
Switch out the toppings to create your perfect pizza bread! You can add cooked sausage, mushrooms, spinach, or even different types of cheese. Each variation can give it a fresh twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you like! Mozzarella, provolone, or a vegan cheese can work well too.
2. Can I make this pizza bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it a day in advance. Just store it properly and reheat when ready to serve.
3. What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with yogurt or even omit it; just add a little extra milk for consistency.
Enjoy making and eating this delicious lunchbox pizza bread! It’s quick, customizable, and sure to bring smiles at lunch.
Lunchbox Pizza Bread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda (bi-carb soda), sifted Note 1
- 0.5 tsp cooking/kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg (60g / 2 oz)
- 1 cup milk (full or low fat)
- 0.25 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheese (colby, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Devondale ‘3 cheese blend’) Note 2
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (same as above) Note 2
- 0.5 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.25 cup red onion (finely sliced)
- 0.5 cup green capsicum / bell pepper (finely sliced)
- 0.25 cup sliced Kalamata olives
- 50 g pepperoni slices (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan). Lightly spray a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13″) metal pan with oil, then line it with baking or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: egg, milk, sour cream (or yogurt), and olive oil until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula until the flour is mostly mixed in but still a bit lumpy. Add in 1 cup of shredded cheese and stir until no dry flour remains.
- Scrape the mixture into the prepared baking pan and evenly spread it out. Spread the pizza sauce over the surface, then sprinkle with cheese followed by onion, capsicum, olives, and pepperoni.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, then cover with a baking tray or foil for the last 15 minutes.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Use the paper overhang to lift or slide it out onto a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for another 10 minutes before slicing.
