Miniature Hand Pies: Perfect for Lunch Boxes

Looking for a fun and delicious addition to your lunchbox repertoire? Look no further than these delightful Tasty Tiny Lunch Box Pies! These mini pizzas are not only adorable but also a breeze to make. With a simple 2-ingredient dough base and classic pizza toppings, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

The beauty of these Tasty Tiny Lunch Box Pies lies in their versatility. Perfect for school lunches or afternoon snacks, these little pies are as convenient as they are tasty. By following a few simple steps, you can create these homemade treats that are both exciting and nutritious. Make sure to cut them evenly and allow them to cool properly for the ultimate on-the-go dining experience.

Say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to a new lunchbox favorite with these Tasty Tiny Lunch Box Pies. Easy to prepare, fun to eat, and bursting with flavor, these mini pizzas are set to become a staple in your meal planning routine. Give them a try and watch as they disappear in no time!

Quick Benefits

• Portable and convenient for lunchboxes and snacks
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Kid-friendly and fun to customize with favorite toppings
• Provides a healthier homemade lunch option

Why You’ll Love This Miniature Hand Pies: Perfect for Lunch Boxes Recipe

• Kid-Friendly: Children will love to help create these cute, individual pizzas that are perfectly sized for lunchboxes and snacks after school.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients like flour, Greek yogurt, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, this recipe is easy to put together without any complicated steps.
• Healthy and Homemade: These tiny lunch box pies offer a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks, ensuring that you know exactly what goes into your child’s meal.
• Portable and Convenient: The individual portions are perfect for on-the-go eating, making them ideal for school lunches, picnics, or as an afternoon snack.
• Versatile: You can customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences, making them a versatile option that can cater to different cravings and dietary restrictions.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare a batch of these pies in advance and store them in the fridge for a quick and easy lunch option throughout the week.

Ingredients for Miniature Hand Pies: Perfect for Lunch Boxes

Base

• 2 cups (300g) puffy flour with raising agents
• 1 cup (250g) thick strained Greek yoghurt

Garnishes

• 1 cup (125g) newly grated mozzarella
• ½ cup (80g) sliced pepperoni
• ⅓ cup (90g) thick tomato sauce (reduced puree)

Pro Tips for Miniature Hand Pies: Perfect for Lunch Boxes

Pro Tip 1: When working with the yogurt dough, ensure it is well combined but avoid overmixing to maintain a light and fluffy texture. Use a gentle touch to shape the dough into individual pies to prevent them from becoming dense.

Pro Tip 2: To create uniform sizes for the mini pizzas, consider using a cookie cutter or a small round bowl as a guide for cutting out the dough. This will help them bake evenly and ensure a consistent cooking time for each piece, resulting in perfectly cooked and portable lunch box pies.

Pro Tip 3: Allow the mini pizzas to cool completely before packing them in lunchboxes to prevent sogginess. This will also help them retain their shape and make them easier to handle when enjoying them as a snack on the go.

How to Make Miniature Hand Pies: Perfect for Lunch Boxes

Step 1: Get Ready

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) for fan ovens. Line a flat tray with baking paper.

Step 2: Create Base

Combine the flour and yogurt in a large bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon until large chunks form, then use your hands to knead the mixture into a soft dough for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Flatten

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1 cm (1/2 inch). Use a large mug or cookie cutter to cut out circles. Gather any scraps, press them together, and reroll the dough until it is all used.

Step 4: Add Stuff

Place dough circles on a lined baking tray. Spread tomato sauce on each circle, sprinkle with grated cheese, and top with pepperoni slices.

Step 5: Cook

Bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden and cheese is melted. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared these Tasty Tiny Lunch Box Pies, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and taste. To store the finished dish, allow the mini pizzas to cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack. Placing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag is ideal for maintaining their texture and preventing them from drying out.

These mini pizzas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until they are heated through. This will help revive their cheesy goodness and ensure a delicious taste with each bite. Remember to pack them in lunchboxes or keep them handy for a quick and tasty snack option that the whole family will love.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the puffy flour with raising agents, you can substitute self-rising flour to achieve a similar light and fluffy texture in the dough. If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can use sour cream or buttermilk as a replacement. These alternatives will still provide the necessary moisture and tanginess to the dough. Additionally, if you prefer a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, feel free to swap out the mozzarella for your cheese of choice to customize the flavor profile of the mini pizzas.

If you’re looking to vary the toppings, you can replace the sliced pepperoni with cooked and crumbled sausage, diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or any of your other favorite pizza toppings. This allows you to personalize the tiny pizzas to suit your taste preferences or accommodate any dietary restrictions. Experimenting with different toppings can add variety to your lunchbox pies and keep them exciting for both kids and adults alike.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist, try serving these Tasty Tiny Lunch Box Pies with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. The combination of the fluffy yogurt dough, gooey mozzarella, and savory pepperoni is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. To make them even more appealing, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top before serving.

To elevate these mini pizzas, consider adding a variety of toppings such as diced bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage. You can also customize them to suit different preferences by setting up a DIY pizza bar with an assortment of toppings for everyone to choose from. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, these Tasty Tiny Lunch Box Pies are a versatile and delicious option for any occasion.

FAQs for Miniature Hand Pies: Perfect for Lunch Boxes

Can I use a different type of flour for the dough?

Yes, you can use a different type of flour for the dough, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary. The puffy flour with raising agents works well in this recipe to create a light and fluffy dough.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with a different type of yogurt?

While Greek yogurt is recommended for its thick consistency, you can try using other types of yogurt. Just be aware that the texture of the dough may differ, and you may need to adjust the amount of flour or yogurt to achieve the right consistency.

Can I freeze these tiny lunch box pies?

Yes, you can freeze these tiny lunch box pies for future use. Once they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, separating each pie with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making these Tasty Tiny Lunch Box Pies as much as I did! With their delicious blend of flavors and fun, individual portions, these mini pizzas are sure to become a hit with both kids and adults alike. They’re not only perfect for packing in lunchboxes but also make for a tasty snack to enjoy at any time of the day.

Remember, the key to perfecting these Tasty Tiny Lunch Box Pies lies in working the dough just right and ensuring each piece is cut to the same size for uniform baking. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a batch of delightful mini pizzas that are easy to pack and enjoy on the go. So go ahead and add these adorable pies to your meal planning rotation for a delightful and satisfying treat that everyone will love!