Why Pizza Pies Are the Best Lunchbox Idea Ever!
Lunchbox struggles are real. We’ve all been there – staring at that boring sandwich and wondering how it’ll survive till lunchtime without becoming a soggy mess. Enter pizza pies! 🌟 They’re fun, easy to eat, and you can make them ahead of time and freeze them for later. Just pop them in the oven or microwave, and voila – instant deliciousness that stays fresh and crispy, even after being stuffed into a lunchbox. 🙌
The Secret Ingredient – Tiny Toms Tomatoes 🍅
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the magic of Tiny Toms tomatoes. Bursting with flavour, they’re the perfect addition to these pies, giving each bite a pop of juicy goodness. Plus, they’re an Aldi favourite – you can grab them from your local @aldiaustralia and enter their February competition for a chance to win a $500 gift card or a $200 fuel card! 🎉 So, while you’re making these pizza pies, you could be on your way to scoring some sweet prizes.
Tiny Toms are ideal for pizza pies because they hold their shape when baked, meaning you get all that tomatoey goodness without the pies becoming soggy. 🍅👌 And when paired with melted mozzarella and a dash of pesto, you’ve got a bite-sized pizza heaven right in your hand!
Customise Your Pizza Pies 🧀
While the classic ham and mozzarella combo is hard to beat, pizza pies are a dream to customise! 🌿 For my plant-based friends, swap out the ham for some grilled veggies or plant-based deli slices. You can even play around with different cheeses – feta or ricotta would be divine. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Veggie Supreme: Swap ham for roasted capsicum, mushrooms, and olives.
- Meat Lover’s: Add pepperoni, bacon, or leftover roast chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some jalapeños or chilli flakes for a bit of heat. 🌶️
- Cheese Explosion: Go heavy on the cheese with a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and a sprinkle of parmesan for a super cheesy delight. 🧀
The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor each pie to suit your taste or the contents of your fridge!
Tips and Tricks to Nail the Perfect Pizza Pie 🍕
- Puff Pastry for Flaky Goodness: Puff pastry is your best friend here. It bakes up crispy and golden, giving the pizza pies that irresistible flaky texture. Make sure it’s cold when you’re working with it, so it holds its shape better.
- Lattice Work for the Win: Want to give your pizza pies that pro look? Use the second pastry square to create a lattice top. It’s easier than it looks – just cut strips and weave them over your filling. Bonus points for making your pies extra Insta-worthy! 📸
- Cheese Meltdown: If you’re a cheese lover (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), make sure you don’t skimp on the mozzarella. But for a crispier top, sprinkle some parmesan or cheddar on the pastry before it goes in the oven. You’ll get that perfect golden finish. 🤤
- Freeze for Later: Pizza pies freeze like a dream. After baking, let them cool completely before wrapping them individually in cling film. Pop them in the freezer, and when you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the oven. They taste just as amazing as the day you made them! ❄️
Serving and Pairing Ideas 🍴
Pizza pies are great as is, but if you’re looking to serve them up as part of a meal, I’ve got some fantastic ideas for you:
- With a Salad: Pair these flaky pies with a fresh green salad. Think rocket, cucumber, and a light balsamic dressing to balance the richness of the pies. 🥗
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of tomato sauce, aioli, or even spicy salsa for extra flavour. Dipping is always fun! 🍅
- At a Picnic: Pizza pies are perfect for outdoor eating. Pack them in your picnic basket with some fresh fruit, sparkling water, and a cheeky dessert for an easy and delicious meal outdoors. 🧺
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love 🍴✨
If these pizza pies have you craving more bite-sized, flavour-packed snacks, I’ve got you covered with a few more of my favourite recipes! Each of these is just as easy and versatile, perfect for packing into lunchboxes, bringing to picnics, or serving at gatherings. Let’s dive into some more tasty creations:
Don’t Forget to Share!
Made these pizza pies? Snap a pic and share it with me! I love seeing your creations. Tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff and show off your gorgeous golden pizza pies. Let’s spread the pizza pie love together! 💖
And there you have it – easy, tasty, and oh-so-fun pizza pies that will be a hit whether you’re serving them hot, cold, at home, or on the go.
Pizza Pies
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
🍕 Hey, foodie friends! 🥳 I’ve got a scrumptious recipe that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or just a yummy snack. It’s my Lunchbox Pizza Pies, and trust me, you’re going to LOVE them! Plus, I’ve got a little secret to share about where to get these delish little Tiny Toms Tomatoes. 🍅
Now, here’s the exciting part: Buy your Tiny Toms from @aldiaustralia and guess what? This February, there’s a competition where you can win a $500 Aldi gift card or a $200 fuel card! 😍 It’s a win-win, delicious food and a chance to win! 🎉
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a toasty 200C. 🔥
- Cut one pastry square into 4 smaller squares.
- Spread 1 tbsp pesto on each square. It’s all about that flavor! 😋
- Add a slice of ham, sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese, and top with a handful of Tiny Toms. It’s like a flavor party! 🥳
- Slice the other pastry into strips and lay them over your toppings in a latticework pattern. Get creative! 🎨
- Bake these beauties for 25 mins until they’re golden brown and oh-so-crispy. 🤤
Guess what? They’re fabulous both hot or cold, and freeze amazingly! Just wrap each pie in cling wrap, and pop it in your lunchbox. By lunchtime, it’s ready to eat. 🎒🍴
So, why wait? Give this recipe a try and let me know how much you love it!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Pizza pies are perfect for meal prep. You can make them ahead, freeze, and reheat when needed. They taste amazing even after being frozen.
The sky’s the limit! You can use anything from grilled veggies to spicy salami or even leftover roast chicken. Get creative and make it your own.
If you don’t have puff pastry, you could try shortcrust pastry for a firmer base. However, puff pastry gives that lovely light and crispy finish that’s hard to beat.