Pizza Melt Lunch Box
Break free from lunch box monotony with this delicious pizza melt that combines the beloved flavors of pizza with the convenience of a grilled cheese. This nutritious, kid-approved lunch stays warm until lunchtime and takes just 11 minutes to prepare.
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Cutting Board
- Spatula
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Pizza Melt Ingredients
- 2 slices whole grain bread or sourdough for a tangier flavor
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce homemade or store-bought with no added sugar
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8-10 slices pepperoni turkey pepperoni for a leaner option
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter softened (or olive oil spray for a lighter version)
Optional Add-ins
- thinly sliced bell peppers
- mushrooms thinly sliced
- olives
For the Lunch Box
- cherry tomatoes
- cucumber slices
- fresh fruit of choice
Instructions
- Lay your two slices of whole grain bread on a clean cutting board. Spread softened butter (or brush olive oil) on one side of each slice. These will be the outer sides of your sandwich that get golden and crispy.
- Flip one slice over (buttered side down) and spread the pizza sauce evenly, leaving about a ¼-inch border around the edges. Layer half of your shredded mozzarella on top of the sauce.
- Arrange pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese layer. If you're adding vegetables, now's the time to sprinkle them on. For lunch boxes, slice vegetables extra thin and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of your toppings, then dust with Italian seasoning. Place the second bread slice on top, buttered side facing outward.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. When hot, carefully place your sandwich in the pan. Cook for 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then gently flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes.
- Allow the pizza melt to cool completely on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before slicing and packing. For maximum crispness, wrap in parchment paper rather than plastic wrap.
Notes
For a lower-calorie version, try these adjustments:
- Use a thin slice of avocado instead of butter on the outside of the bread
- Opt for a high-fiber, lower-carb bread option
- Reduce cheese to 3 tablespoons and increase vegetables
- Try turkey or chicken pepperoni
- For a plant-based option, use white beans blended with roasted red peppers as a protein-rich spread Common mistakes to avoid:
- Don't overload with sauce (more than 2 tablespoons makes bread soggy)
- Don't skip the cooling step
- Use medium-thick bread slices to hold up to fillings
- Wait at least 2 minutes after cooking before cutting
- Position the sandwich on its edge rather than flat when packing
- Use a thin slice of avocado instead of butter on the outside of the bread
- Opt for a high-fiber, lower-carb bread option
- Reduce cheese to 3 tablespoons and increase vegetables
- Try turkey or chicken pepperoni
- For a plant-based option, use white beans blended with roasted red peppers as a protein-rich spread Common mistakes to avoid:
- Don't overload with sauce (more than 2 tablespoons makes bread soggy)
- Don't skip the cooling step
- Use medium-thick bread slices to hold up to fillings
- Wait at least 2 minutes after cooking before cutting
- Position the sandwich on its edge rather than flat when packing
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 14gFat: 16gSodium: 650mgFiber: 4gCalcium: 220mg
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