Mini Lunchbox Pizzas are a quick and easy snack, perfect for school lunches or when you need a fast meal. Made with a simple two-ingredient dough, these pizzas are soft, fluffy, and packed with protein, thanks to the Greek yogurt in the dough. In just 25 minutes, you can have these delicious pizzas ready, and they are freezer-friendly too!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Dough
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2 cups (300 g) self-raising flour
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1 cup (250 g) full-fat plain Greek yogurt
Toppings
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⅓ cup (90 g) tomato paste (concentrated puree)
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1 cup (125 g) freshly shredded mozzarella
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½ cup (80 g) pepperoni
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) for fan-forced. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine the self-raising flour and yogurt. Mix with a spoon until it forms large flakes, then knead with your hands until a soft dough forms (about 1–2 minutes).
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Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1 cm (½ inch) thickness. Use a large mug or cookie cutter to cut out rounds.
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Place the dough rounds on the prepared baking tray. Spread a small amount of tomato paste over each round.
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Top each pizza with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni.
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Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese has melted.
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Let the pizzas cool slightly on the tray before serving.
Nutrients
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Category: Lunch, Snacks
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Method: Baking
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Cuisine: Kid-friendly
A Simple and Quick Dough
One of the standout features of these Mini Lunchbox Pizzas is the dough, which is made from just two ingredients: self-raising flour and full-fat plain Greek yogurt. This simple dough recipe is a game-changer, as it requires no yeast, no rising time, and no complicated steps. The self-raising flour gives the dough the right amount of lift, while the Greek yogurt adds richness and moisture, making the dough incredibly soft and easy to work with. The protein in the yogurt also boosts the nutritional value, making these mini pizzas not only tasty but also a healthier option for a snack or lunch.
To make the dough, simply combine the self-raising flour and yogurt in a bowl. Mix them together until large flakes form, and then knead the mixture with your hands until a soft dough forms. This process takes just 1 to 2 minutes, so you can have the dough ready in no time, allowing you to move on to the fun part—assembling the pizzas!
Personalized Pizza Toppings
Once the dough is prepared, it’s time to create your mini pizzas. The base of each pizza is topped with a small amount of tomato paste, which adds a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese and pepperoni. Tomato paste gives the pizzas an extra depth of flavor compared to regular pizza sauce, and because it’s concentrated, a little goes a long way. This simple spread is the perfect backdrop for the other toppings, allowing the flavors to shine.
The real star of these mini pizzas is the combination of freshly shredded mozzarella and pepperoni. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, delicious layer on top of the dough, while the pepperoni adds a savory, slightly spicy bite that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. The pepperoni also crisps up during baking, giving the pizzas a satisfying texture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can easily swap the pepperoni for your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms. The great thing about these mini pizzas is their versatility—feel free to get creative with the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Baking the Mini Pizzas to Perfection
Baking the Mini Lunchbox Pizzas is a breeze. After assembling the pizzas, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, pop them in the oven for just 12 to 14 minutes, or until the dough turns golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The high temperature of the oven ensures that the pizzas cook quickly and evenly, with the cheese developing a perfectly gooey consistency while the dough becomes slightly crisp on the edges.
Once the pizzas are done, let them cool slightly on the tray before serving. This cooling step allows the cheese to set just enough so it doesn’t slide off the dough when you bite into it. It also prevents you from burning your mouth on the hot toppings! These mini pizzas are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be stored in the fridge for a day or two and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Freezer-Friendly and Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about Mini Lunchbox Pizzas is how freezer-friendly they are. These little pizzas can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for later use. Simply bake the pizzas as instructed, let them cool completely, and then place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat them, you can either thaw them in the fridge overnight or reheat them directly from frozen in the oven. This makes them an excellent option for busy days when you don’t have time to cook, but still want a homemade, nutritious meal.
Freezing these mini pizzas also makes them an excellent choice for school lunches. You can prepare a batch of them ahead of time, and they’ll be ready to pack into lunchboxes, making for a fun and tasty lunchtime treat that kids will love. Since they’re small and easy to eat, they’re also a great finger food for kids to enjoy at home or while on the go.
Perfect for Customization
One of the many great aspects of Mini Lunchbox Pizzas is how customizable they are. While the classic combination of tomato paste, mozzarella, and pepperoni is always a winner, there are endless possibilities for variations. Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of your favorites, to give the pizzas a different flavor. You can also switch out the pepperoni for cooked chicken, turkey, or even sausage, or load them up with veggies like onions, spinach, or tomatoes for a healthier option.
These mini pizzas are also an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients. If you have a few slices of ham, a handful of spinach, or some extra veggies in the fridge, you can easily add them as toppings, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. You can also let everyone in the family create their own mini pizza with their favorite toppings, making them a fun and interactive meal for all ages.
A Kid-Friendly Meal
Mini Lunchbox Pizzas are ideal for kids, both in terms of their taste and ease of preparation. Kids love the cheesy, savory flavors, and the small, portable size makes them perfect for little hands. The pizzas can also be served as an after-school snack, making them a great option when your children are hungry but you don’t want to serve something too heavy before dinner. Since they’re so easy to make, you can even have your kids help you in the kitchen by letting them roll out the dough and choose their toppings. It’s a fun activity that lets kids feel involved while teaching them basic cooking skills.
Conclusion
Mini Lunchbox Pizzas are a delicious, quick, and versatile snack or meal that’s perfect for busy families. Made with a simple two-ingredient dough, these pizzas are both fluffy and packed with protein, making them a great choice for a balanced meal. The combination of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and soft dough is always a hit, and the best part is that they can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re making them for a school lunch, a quick snack, or a fun family meal, these mini pizzas are sure to become a favorite in your household. With their freezer-friendly nature and easy prep time, they’re a meal solution you’ll reach for again and again.