Pizza is always a great meal option at home, work, or even at a picnic. I mean, who doesn’t love a good pizza lunch? There are so many ways to enjoy pizza that it never really gets old.
The variety of toppings and crusts ensures that there’s a perfect pizza for every taste.
Now, I’ll explore some delightful pizza ideas that are quick and easy to make. From classic combinations to creative twists, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next lunch.
Discovering new pizza recipes can excite your meals and make lunchtime something to look forward to.
1. Margherita Pizza
Margherita pizza is a simple yet delicious lunch option. It’s known for its fresh ingredients and classic flavors.
To make this pizza, I start by preparing the dough. Store-bought dough works just fine if you don’t have time to make it from scratch. I then stretch it out to my desired thickness.
Next, I preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. I use a food processor to combine tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil, which creates a flavorful sauce. The mixture is then strained to remove excess liquids.
I spread the sauce onto the pizza dough and top it with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. For an extra touch, I like to sprinkle some Parmesan on top.
I bake the pizza for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. Once it’s out of the oven, I sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.
Making this pizza is quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick and fulfilling lunch.
2. BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ Chicken Pizza is an excellent lunch choice. I love making it because it combines smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- BBQ sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Red onion
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
First, preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Roll out the pizza dough on a cornmeal-dusted surface until it reaches your desired thickness.
Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza pan. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving about half an inch around the edges.
Next, add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and thinly sliced red onions. Toss the shredded rotisserie chicken in a bowl with more BBQ sauce until it’s well coated, then spread it evenly over the pizza.
Bake the pizza for 14-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top after baking.
Serve hot, and enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors! For more detailed steps, check out this BBQ Chicken Pizza ingredients list.
3. Pesto Shrimp Pizza
Pesto Shrimp Pizza is a flavorful choice for lunch.
To make this, I start by spreading pesto sauce over the homemade pizza dough. The rich, green pesto is the base and adds a vibrant taste.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Pesto sauce
- Shrimp
- Cheese (Mozzarella, Parmesan)
- Optional toppings: spinach, mushrooms, pine nuts
I preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, I roll out the pizza dough and brush it with a bit of olive oil.
Next, I spread the pesto sauce evenly over the dough and top it with shrimp. I like to add a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
Baking Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Roll out the dough and brush with olive oil.
- Spread pesto sauce.
- Add shrimp and cheese.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes.
I sometimes sprinkle additional pizza toppings, such as dried oregano, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest, for an extra kick.
For a twist, I use puff pastry instead of flatbread and bake it at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. It makes the base extra crispy.
4. Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni pizza is a classic favorite that never disappoints.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Sliced pepperoni
I start by rolling out the pizza dough to my desired thickness. Next, I spread a generous amount of marinara sauce over the dough, creating a flavorful base.
Sprinkling mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce ensures every bite has that delicious cheesy goodness. I like to use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
Then, I arrange the pepperoni slices on top. For a crispy finish, I ensure the edges of the pepperoni slightly overlap.
Cooking Tips:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
For a special touch, I sometimes add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
5. Four Cheese Pizza
Four-cheese pizza is a crowd-pleaser with rich and creamy flavors. It combines a variety of cheeses that melt perfectly together.
To start, I preheat my oven to 400°F. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup. I spread pizza dough and cook it without toppings for about 6-8 minutes. This pre-bake step helps the crust become crispy.
For the cheeses, I use:
- Mozzarella
- Ricotta
- Sharp Cheddar
- Medium Cheddar
I mix the cheeses in a bowl with a dash of garlic, salt, and Italian seasoning. This adds extra flavor to each bite. Then, I evenly spread pizza sauce on the crust. The cheese mixture goes on top, ensuring it covers the entire pizza.
Once topped, I bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. After removing it from the oven, I let it cool slightly and sprinkle fresh basil leaves for a fresh pop of color and taste.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount per slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Tip: Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top before baking for added richness. Enjoy!
6. Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a fantastic lunchable option. I love how it combines the spicy flavors of buffalo chicken with the cheesy pizza goodness.
To start, prepare the pizza dough and preheat your oven. My favorite way to achieve a crispy crust is to use a pizza stone.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Pizza dough
- Cooked chicken breast
- Buffalo sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
First, mix cooked, shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. The buffalo sauce should coat the chicken well.
Spread a thin layer of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the dough. This adds a creamy base. Top it with the buffalo-chicken mixture.
Add a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top. If you like a bit of tang, sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles as well.
Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden. For extra crispiness, you can broil the pizza for a few minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
7. Veggie Delight Pizza
One of my favorite lunch box pizzas is the Veggie Delight Pizza. It’s a tasty and colorful choice packed with fresh vegetables.
First, preheat your oven to 500°F. A pizza stone or baking sheet gives it that crispy crust we love.
I like using marinara sauce for the base. Then, I layer on a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, and spinach. Sometimes, I even customize it by adding roasted sweet potatoes and kale for extra flavor and nutrition.
Topping suggestions:
- Bell peppers: rich in vitamin C
- Red onions: add a mild sweetness
- Mushrooms: provide a savory taste
- Spinach: great for iron and calcium
- Sweet potatoes: high in fiber and vitamins A and C
Bake these toppings on your pizza until everything is nicely cooked and the crust is golden brown. This usually takes about 15 minutes, but keep an eye on it since oven times can vary.
Remember, you can also add a sprinkle of oregano or fresh basil after baking for a burst of flavor. This Veggie Delight Pizza is not only delicious but also nutritious and satisfying.
8. Hawaiian Pizza
I love Hawaiian pizza’s unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. Combining pineapple and ham creates a delightful pizza bite that’s hard to beat.
Start by preheating your oven to 500℉. Roll out your flatbread pizza dough and lay it on a pizza stone or tray. Spread a layer of homemade pizza sauce evenly across the dough.
Next, sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously. Now, add Canadian bacon or ham and pineapple chunks toppings. These ingredients bring a perfect balance to the pizza.
Some great optional additions include bell peppers, onions, and bacon. These extra toppings enhance the flavor without overpowering the traditional taste.
Once everything is set, place the pizza in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the crust is golden brown.
When the pizza is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. I like to cut it into eight slices. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian pizza as a refreshing lunch option.
9. Truffle Mushroom Pizza
Truffle Mushroom Pizza is a great choice for a pizza night. It has a rich and earthy flavor.
I start by preheating my oven to 500ºF. This makes the crust super crispy.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Olive oil
- Mushrooms
- Garlic
- Truffle oil
- Fresh mozzarella
- Parmesan cheese
- Chives
Mushrooms are key here. I sauté them in olive oil with garlic, softening them and enhancing their flavor.
Once the mushrooms are ready, I drizzle truffle oil on my pizza dough. Truffle oil adds a unique taste that makes this pizza special.
Top the dough with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a blend of flavors. Then, add the mushrooms and bake at 500ºF for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
For a little extra, I sprinkle chopped chives on top before serving.
Pro Tip: Use a pizza stone for an even crispier crust.
10. Meat Lover’s Pizza
When I crave something hearty, Meat Lover’s Pizza is my go-to. It’s loaded with various meats and packed with flavor.
First, preheat your oven to 500°F. If you have a pizza stone, use it; it helps achieve a crispy crust. On a floured surface, roll out your dough into a 12-inch circle.
Next, spread pizza sauce over the dough, almost to the edges. I like to use a rich, tomato-based sauce. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
I prefer a mix of pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon for the toppings. These meats give the pizza its bold flavor. You can also add cooked ground beef or other favorites if you like.
Sprinkle a bit more cheese on top to hold everything together. Place the pizza in the oven and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly about 10-12 minutes.
Pairing Side Dishes with Pizza
When I think about pairing side dishes with pizza, I focus on options that complement the pizza’s flavors and textures. Common pairings include fresh salads, crunchy appetizers, and savory snacks.
Salads and Greens
A simple salad is always a good choice with pizza.
- One classic option is a Caesar Salad. Its crunchy croutons and tangy dressing balance well with the cheesy, doughy pizza.
- Another great option is the Tuscan Kale Salad. The lemon and garlic dressing helps to mellow the kale’s flavor, making it less bitter and more enjoyable.
- For something different, try an Italian Bruschetta Bar. Arrange cold cuts, cheeses, crackers, and dried fruit on a platter.
Appetizers and Snacks
Regarding appetizers, I recommend starting with a warm bowl of Tomato Soup. The roasted tomatoes offer a delicious contrast to the pizza’s toppings.
For a lighter option, consider Italian Sausage Soup. It is hearty and healthy, made with broth, spinach, and turkey sausage.
If you like a variety of flavors, Minestrone Soup is a veggie-centric option. It’s made with tomatoes and broth, providing a refreshing bite compared to the pizza.
By thinking carefully about the tastes and textures, I ensure that every side dish I choose complements the pizza perfectly.
Jesmin Bithi, the co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a culinary maestro who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the platform. Jesmin’s journey in the food world started in her home kitchen, experimenting with different recipes and flavors. Her passion for cooking soon transcended the boundaries of her kitchen, leading her to become a professional chef.
