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Wholesome Pizza Roll-Up Bento Box Recipe with Easy Hidden Veggie Marinara Dip

pizza roll-up - featured image

A quick and easy pizza roll-up recipe paired with a hidden veggie marinara dip that sneaks in nutrition without compromising flavor. Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or snacks with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (about 13.8 oz / 390 g) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) mini pepperoni slices or cooked sausage (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small carrot, finely grated
  • ½ small red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 handful fresh spinach leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Prepare the hidden veggie marinara dip: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
  3. Add grated carrot, chopped bell pepper, and spinach. Cook for 3-4 minutes until veggies soften.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Optionally, pulse the sauce briefly in a blender for a smoother dip.
  6. Prepare the pizza roll-ups: Lightly flour your countertop and unroll the pizza dough into a 12×10 inch (30×25 cm) rectangle.
  7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch (1 cm) border. Add pepperoni or sausage if using, then sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.
  8. Roll the dough tightly from one long side into a log. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick slices.
  9. Place slices cut-side up on the lined baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
  10. Brush tops lightly with olive oil.
  11. Bake for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely.
  12. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  13. Serve pizza roll-ups warm or at room temperature with the hidden veggie marinara dip.

Notes

Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to slice roll-ups neatly. Let marinara simmer slowly to deepen flavors. Brushing olive oil on top helps browning and adds richness. For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. The dip can be blended for smoothness or left chunky. Store leftovers in airtight containers: roll-ups up to 3 days, marinara dip up to 5 days. Reheat roll-ups in oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza roll-ups, hidden veggie marinara, kid-friendly lunch, easy pizza recipe, lunchbox ideas, snack recipe, quick pizza, healthy pizza snack