When it comes to packing a nutritious and tasty lunch, look no further than the ever-so-delicious Spinach Pizzadilla. This fun twist on two classic favorites (pizza and quesadillas) is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike. Not only is it a great lunch box option, but it’s also healthy and filled with yummy veggies that will satisfy even picky eaters.
Sometimes coming up with something new and yummy for school lunch (that my kids will actually EAT) feels darn near impossible. It’s not that they’re super picky (although they can be at times). They just often want to eat the SAME thing day in and day out but then complain about being tired of eating said thing.
As a parent, it can be a little frustrating!
One day after I made our Easy Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas (Pizzadillas), I decided to do a little experimenting on cheese quesadillas and came up with a spinach version that my kids loved!
I served it with some pizza sauce, fresh fruit, and even a few mini muffins made with my Fresh Strawberry Bread Recipe. Friends, we had a hit on our hands! I thought I would share it with you to help inspire you to try something new or give you an idea that worked for us – because I hope it works for you too!
If you need more school lunch ideas, be sure to check out our Bacon, Grilled Cheese, Turkey Kabobs, Mini BLT Bagel School Lunch Idea, and Rainbow Pinwheels!
What is a Pizzadilla?
So, a pizzadilla is a fun term for a pizza-themed quesadilla. Plus, it’s a SUPER FUN word to say! And you know that if it’s fun to say and eat, kids will love it – which is SO helpful when giving them healthy recipes!
Ingredients Needed For Spinach Pizzadilla Recipe
Want to sneak a little veggies into your kiddo’s diet without a fight? Try this Spinach Pizzadilla recipe – here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Soft Tortillas – your favorite brand or homemade
- Mozzarella Cheese – shredded whole milk mozzarella is the best! Fresh mozzarella slices and Monterey jack cheese are also delicious.
- Italian Seasoning – you can make your own if you choose
- Baby Fresh Spinach Leaves
- Oil or Cooking Spray – extra virgin olive oil, corn oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, or sunflower seed oil
- Pizza Sauce – for dipping
How to Make A Spinach Pizzadilla
The process is just like making a quesadilla. Never made one? Just follow these steps!
Step 1
In a non-stick large skillet, add the oil or cooking spray and turn on to medium heat.
Step 2
Place one medium soft tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle cheese on one-half of the top of the tortilla.
Step 3
Sprinkle Italian seasoning on the cheese. Cook the tortilla until the cheese starts to melt.
Step 4
Next, add fresh baby spinach leaves on top of the cheese.
Step 5
Fold the tortilla shell in half and flip so that the side with the cheese and spinach is on the bottom. Allow the tortilla to cook for approximately another minute until the spinach has wilted and the tortillas are a nice golden brown on both sides.
Step 6
Remove from skillet. Plate and serve with pizza sauce for dipping.
Spinach Pizzadilla Recipe Notes And Tips
- Cut the tortilla halves into smaller pieces that are easier to put in a school lunchbox. Or leave them whole if you prefer a heartier lunch.
- Serve your pizzadilla with some grapes, crackers, goldfish, apple slices, or a fruit cup.
- Corn tortillas will work just as well as flour tortillas.
- Before placing the tortilla in the skillet, make sure the oil is sizzling. This will ensure that the tortillas get crispy and golden brown without being too greasy or soggy.
- It is a good idea to have two skillets going on the stovetop at the same time. You can get twice as many pizzadillas made in a shorter amount of time. 🙂
- Be sure to leave a margin at the edge of the tortilla when adding the ingredients. If you do not, some of the yumminess will come out onto the pan while cooking.
Variations Of Spinach Pizzadilla To Try
- Add any choice of protein, such as crumbled sausage, bacon, bacon bits, ham, chicken, ground beef, shredded chicken breast, or mini pepperonis.
- If spinach isn’t a fave veggie, try green peppers, mushrooms, red onions, green olives, or artichoke hearts.
- Change up the type of cheese you use, such as cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, Mexi-blend, pizza blend, Colby Jack, Italian blend, or parmesan.
- Depending on your dietary preferences, you can use whole wheat, spinach, or low-carb tortillas.
- Red sauce (such as marinara sauce), Alfredo sauce, or Ranch dressing are great alternatives to pizza sauce.
- If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, you can use various fresh Italian herbs instead! Use any combo of basil, oregano, parsley, garlic, or rosemary!
Transform school lunchtime into a laugh-fest! Download the free sample pack of school lunch jokes by clicking on the image below 👇
FAQs
Do you have questions about making a Spinach Pizzadilla? If you have a question and don’t see it already answered below, please leave it for me in the comments!
I love using my air fryer to reheat and crisp up the tortilla. You can use the microwave or put them in the oven as well. If you don’t have an air fryer, I would reheat it in the oven for about 5 minutes.
Yes, you can freeze them. Be sure to allow the pizzadillas to cool completely before placing them in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container to freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, allow to thaw overnight and reheat according to your preference.
Keep them in an airtight container or storage bag, and the pizzadilla will keep in the fridge for 3 – 4 days.
More Kid-Friendly Lunch Box Ideas To Try
If you love this yummy idea, you’ll love these other delicious recipes too!
- Turkey And Swiss Homemade Hot Pockets
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Bites
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bars
- Peanut Butter, Nutella and Banana Sushi Rolls
- Easy Carrot Zucchini Bars
- Pear Apple Streusel Muffins
Spinach Pizzadilla Lunch Idea
When it comes to packing a nutritious and tasty lunch, look no further than the ever-so-delicious Spinach Pizzadilla. It's not only is it a great lunch box option, but it's also healthy and filled with yummy veggies that will satisfy even picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 medium soft tortilla
- 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/8 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/3 cup baby spinach leaves
- Oil for frying or cooking spray
- Pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Add a bit of oil or cooking spray to a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place 1 medium soft tortilla in a skillet and spread shredded cheese over one-half of the tortilla.
- Sprinkle about 1/8 tsp Italian seasoning over the cheese and cook until the cheese begins to melt.
- Top cheese with about 1/3 cup of the spinach leaves.
- Fold in half and flip so the spinach side is down and cook for another minute until the spinach has wilted a little and the tortilla is golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with pizza sauce for dipping.
The post Spinach Pizzadillas Recipe (Pizza Quesadillas) appeared first on Made In A Pinch.
