Name: Lunchbox Pizza Bread (Quick) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour); 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda / bi-carb soda, sifted; 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, or Devondale “3 cheese blend”); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (same as above); 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)

Ingredients

2 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda (bi-carb soda), sifted

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, or a 3-cheese blend)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (same as above)

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C if using a fan oven. Spray a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13″) metal pan with oil and line it with baking or parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, sour cream (or yogurt), and olive oil until fully combined.

Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a rubber spatula until you see mostly combined flour but a bit is still visible. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese and stir until no dry flour remains; small lumps are okay and will bake out.

Step 5: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it evenly; it won’t be very thick but will rise while baking. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, then arrange the red onion, green capsicum, olives, and pepperoni slices on top in that order.

Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Then cover the pan with a baking tray or foil and bake for a further 15 minutes until the bread is cooked through and toppings are bubbling.

Step 7: Let the pizza bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift or slide it out onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool for another 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 8: Serve at room temperature or warm it briefly in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of oregano for an extra touch.

Tips & Variations

Try swapping pepperoni for cooked sausage or bacon for a different meaty flavor.

Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat.

Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream if preferred.

Fresh herbs like basil or oregano on top add a lovely aroma and freshness.

The three-cheese blend provides great melt and flavor, but any good melting cheese works well.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and assemble it in the baking pan the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh the next day for best rise and flavor.