Casey Major-Bunce, a popular influencer and author, has shared a creative way to prepare affordable and delicious snacks for school lunchboxes, costing just 30p each. Known for her home and life hacks, Casey’s innovative approach makes use of bread that is nearing its expiration date, transforming it into tasty “pizza cups” that are quick to prepare and sure to please children.
The mother of four has garnered attention for her efficient cooking style, noting that these pizza cups are a “firm favourite” in her household. They can be made in under ten minutes, making them an appealing option for busy parents. Casey quipped that she enjoys making these snacks more than preparing dinner, thanks to their simplicity.
Simple Steps for Delicious Pizza Cups
To create these lunchbox treats, Casey begins by using a cookie cutter to cut circles from slices of bread. She then presses these circles into a cupcake baking tray using the end of a rolling pin. To enhance the flavour, she mixes her preferred Italian herbs with melted butter and brushes this mixture inside the bread cups. The bread is then baked at 170C for approximately three minutes until slightly toasted.
Once the bread is ready, Casey adds a spoonful of tomato puree or pizza sauce, followed by a slice of cheese, often using half of a Babybel cheese for its melting properties. Another dollop of sauce tops it off, and she finishes with a sprinkle of grated cheese before returning the cups to the oven for an additional six minutes until golden brown.
Casey’s followers on her Instagram account, @majormumhacks, have responded enthusiastically to her idea. Comments have included praise for the simplicity and taste of the recipe, with one follower exclaiming, “These look fab!” and another saying, “Oh my kids would love these!!! Yum!”
Cost-Saving Techniques for School Snacks
In addition to her pizza cups, Casey has shared her strategy for saving money on school snacks, claiming she saves approximately £900 a year. Her approach involves preparing packed lunches every week, which she finds keeps her organized and reduces stress. Recently, she demonstrated how a £2 trip to B&M allows her to create multiple snack packs, including rice pudding and custard pots, that mimic the taste of well-known brands.
Using “Dip Pots” that cost only £2 for eight, Casey assembles a variety of snacks for her children. She employs a mini cookie cutter to create fun shapes from turkey and cheese slices, pairing them with crackers. This method yields homemade versions of popular lunchables, which typically retail for around £1.60 each, but Casey’s version costs only 66p.
Her resourcefulness extends beyond pizza cups and lunchables. Rather than purchasing individual pots of custard or rice pudding, she divides one tin into multiple containers, maximizing value and reducing waste. Followers have responded positively, with comments highlighting the potential for significant savings. “This is going to save me so much money!” one follower stated, reflecting the sentiments of many who are eager to implement Casey’s ideas.
Through her practical and budget-conscious recipes, Casey Major-Bunce exemplifies how families can enjoy tasty meals without overspending, making her a valuable resource for parents seeking manageable solutions for school lunches.
