If your kids are anything like mine, they love pizza, but day after day of the same slice can get … well, boring. That’s where these pizza muffins sneak in the flavour, sneak in the veg, and sneak into lunch boxes like the superheroes they are. Thanks to Stacey from My Kids Lick The Bowl for this gem of a recipe.

Think of them as a savoury muffin with all the pizza vibes - tomato, cheese, ham, and spinach - but ultra portable and kid-friendly. They’re great for lunch boxes and snacks!

Why this recipe rocks for busy Mums (and kids)

• Flavour-packed - ALL the pizza feels, but in muffin form

• Sneaky veggie boost -spinach (or other finely chopped veg) fits right in

• Quick & easy - minimal ingredients, minimal stress

• Lunchbox winner - portable, reheats well, freeze-friendly

Ingredients

Wet ingredients

• 400 g tomato purée (aka passata)

• ½ cup olive oil

• 1 egg

Dry ingredients

• 2 cups plain flour

• 3 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt (skip for toddlers)

• 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano/thyme/basil mix)

pizza-style add-ins

• 1 cup grated cheese (a strong cheddar works great)

• ½ cup diced ham (or pepperoni, salami, or omit for a veg version)
  

• ½ cup baby spinach (or other greens finely chopped)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 °C (≈ 360 °F). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.

2. In one bowl, whisk together tomato purée + olive oil + egg.

3. In a second bowl, whisk together flour + baking powder + salt + herbs.

4. Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir until just combined - don’t overmix.

5. Fold in cheese, ham, spinach (or your preferred pizza bits).

6. Spoon the batter into muffin cups (fill to about ¾ full).

7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the tops are golden and a skewer comes out clean.

8. Let them cool a bit, then enjoy (or pack ’em!).

Tips, swaps & tricks

See My Kids Lick The Bowl for tips and tricks.

Serving & storage ideas

• Warm them slightly in the oven or microwave for a toasty outer crust.

• Slice in half and use as a mini sandwich base for toddlers.

• Pack alongside some fruit, veg sticks, or dip for a balanced lunchbox.

• Freeze extras individually, then reheat as needed - perfect for those “I forgot to make lunch” days.

Big love & credits

Huge thanks to Stacey at My Kids Lick The Bowl for this fantastic recipe. Full original recipe, photos, notes, and more kitchen inspiration live over at her site.