It doesn’t matter if you call it pizza or pie; everyone knows that it’s one of the best foods in the world. However, Pizza may seem like the kind of lunch that’s easy to throw together and eat, but it can be tricky to do in a good manner.
So, what if you want to pack it and take it to work with you or even to school? Can you take pizza for lunch, and how to keep it warm?
Pizza is great for an office or school lunch as it’s versatile, nutritious, and convenient. To keep them warm till lunchtime, you can use a thermos or microwave just before packing the box. In addition, some clever packing tricks will keep your lunch hot and delicious until you can eat it.
This article covers several strategies, including how to pack pizza in a regular ol’ paper bag, keep the pizza warm, and even carry it to work. So, let’s take a look.
Pizza For Lunch: Is It A Good Idea?
Pizza is always preferable – pizzeria or home. However, can you pack the pizza in a box and have it for your lunch?
Well, you can, and it’s a great idea for several reasons.
1. One Bite, Many Ingredients
When it comes to pizza, the options are infinite. You can go wild with topping combos: meat, fish, veggies, fruits, and of course, cheese. Topped with versatile, colorful ingredients, the delectable pizza offers a delightful respite from office or school activities.
2. A Box Full Of Nutrition
Pizza is not only delicious, but it’s also highly nutritious. With many toppings – meat, veggies, cheese, it’s high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, tomato sauce in pizza is rich in antioxidants that destroy harmful free radicals in your body.
Furthermore, it provides all ingredients your body requires – grains, veggies, meat, dairy, fruits, and more.
3. Easy To Eat And Share
Separate in your box, pizza is easy to eat. Take a slice out and eat. In addition, it’s a perfect food to share with your friends or colleagues.
So, why wait – make your bonding strong with a bite of cheese or pepperoni pizza.
How Much Pizza Should We Eat for Lunch?
How much should you eat if you’re in the mood for pizza for lunch? For a quick answer, one slice is enough for me. But it depends on the crust, toppings, and your requirement.
In general, adults can eat around 3 slices and children 2. However, if you are counting calories, moderate it to 1 to 2 slices as an adult.
However, a slice can be anywhere from 10-14 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the crust and toppings.
If you want something a little more substantial, then about two slices will do the trick (or about 20-28 grams of carbs). Some people may prefer something light, while others might like to get some extra calories. It all depends on your preference.
Ways Of Packing Pizza for Lunch
There are multiple ways that you can pack a pizza for lunch.
1. Cut And Roll
One common way of packing pizza is by not cutting it but rolling it up from one end to the other. However, it’s a bit challenging, as the crust often breaks off as you try to roll it.
To avoid this issue, cut the pizza in half or thirds before rolling them up into a tube shape. You can also place a clean kitchen towel around the pizza when rolling it up to keep everything in place.
If using a paper towel instead of an actual towel, make sure that you fold over both sides of the paper so that nothing leaks out during transit.
You might have to wrap the paper towel with plastic if you are transporting the pizza in a container with liquid (such as soup). It’s always best to put some barrier between liquids and the dough on your pizza. Otherwise, it will get soggy.
2. Foil Cover
Put a slice of pizza down on a piece of aluminum foil, add whatever toppings are desired (or none), and then cover it up with another piece of aluminum foil.
Fold the edges so no toppings can escape onto other items in your lunch box. Roll this entire thing up like a burrito and seal the ends shut with tape or rubber bands.
Add a fork to the outside package, so you don’t have to open anything else when lunchtime rolls around.
3. Wax Paper
The first is to use waxed paper to separate each pizza.
Take a waxed paper and fold it lengthwise to have two narrow sheets of paper with long-ish edges. Place one sheet of waxed paper next to the other and place the pizzas on top, perpendicular to each other.
Then take the other strip of paper and lay it on top of the pizzas, so they are sandwiched together. Tape both ends together and viola.
Each pizza has its container – pull out the waxed paper taped closed.
4. Parchment Paper
Parchment paper works better than waxed paper since it won’t stick to everything inside your lunchbox.
Take two small containers, like Gladware containers. Now, sandwich a layer of parchment paper between them.
5. Ziploc Bag
The last option is to use Ziploc bags. This option is good if you want to pack individual pizzas.
6. A Lunch Box
There are plenty of options regarding what type of lunchbox you want to purchase. If you want something durable, cheap, and leak-proof, consider investing in a metal tin or stainless steel storage box.
These tins usually come with lids and compartments for food storage inside. They’re typically made of metal, which means they’ll withstand even the harshest conditions, like freezing temperatures.
It is an excellent choice for kids who are constantly on the go and adults who commute.
The downside to these tins is that you’ll have to find a way to carry them with you, as the handles usually aren’t very comfortable and won’t fit in your back pocket.
Bento boxes are great for those of us who are picky eaters and have a hard time making the right choices.
Keeping Pizza Warm for Lunch And Eat
When packing pizza for lunch, one of the most important things is how to keep it warm. There are a few ways that you can do this.
1. Insulated Lunchbox
One way is by using an insulated lunchbox like this one from Thermos. It has a special compartment with a specially designed food container meant just to keep hot foods at their optimal temperature all day long.
2. Stainless Steel Thermos
You can also use a stainless steel thermos or even an old-fashioned metal coffee can wrapped in a towel and placed into the bottom of your bag.
How Long Can A Pizza Be Kept Inside A Lunch Box?
A pizza in a lunch box can be kept good for up to five hours, depending on the environment and the box’s quality.
If you are packing the pizza at home, reheat it in a microwave or oven before putting it in your child’s lunch box. Cover with aluminum foil or cling film, seal with an elastic band or put aluminum foil over the top.
It will keep the pizza good for several hours so that you can enjoy it even if you are too late.
Is Pizza Healthy for Lunch?
It all depends on what toppings you choose. While they are a good source of nutrition, they can also cause diseases or irritation. Overeating pizza can increase the health risk while eating it in small amounts can be delicious and beneficial.
Some pizza combos are better than others when it comes to nutrition. For example, a traditional pepperoni pizza is usually high in sodium since the cured meat is preserved with salt.
But if you start with a whole wheat crust and pile on veggies like spinach or broccoli, then add low-sodium Italian sausage instead of pepperoni, your lunchtime pie will be much healthier.
Add a salad or fruit, and you’ll have a balanced meal that’s easy to eat anywhere. If you’re packing this for school, make sure the dressing is sealed separately so it doesn’t leak onto the rest of your lunch.
How To Quickly Make Pizza At Home For Lunch?
If you don’t have time, try this method to make a quick pizza for lunchbox.
- Take time in the morning to prepare your pizza dough.
- Put a piece of foil on a baking sheet and lay your pizza crust on top.
- Put toppings on the crust, then put more foil over it.
- Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Cut into pieces with a pizza cutter before you head out the door, so you’re not tempted by lunchtime hunger or temptations.
Conclusion
There are many ways you can enjoy pizza for lunch. And with a little preparation beforehand, you’ll be able to pack the perfect lunch every time.
The best part is that most of these ideas require very few materials, so they’re easy on your wallet too.
Most kids love pizza, but some may not like certain toppings. Be sure to plan by making the crusts and sauce in advance to prevent any complaining or whining.
If you’re packing a slice of cold pizza into your child’s lunchbox or backpack, place wax paper between the slices before sealing up their container in order to keep their food fresh all day long.
