School Pizza Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This School Pizza Recipe brings back the nostalgic flavors of cafeteria-style pizza, featuring a chewy crust, savory meat topping, and rich homemade tomato sauce. It's perfect for family dinners, parties, or any occasion where comfort food is desired. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

• 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup powdered milk

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 packet quick-rise yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 ⅔ cups warm water (110–115°F)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Filling:

• ½ lb Italian sausage

• ½ lb ground chuck

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 (8 oz) block mozzarella cheese

For the Sauce (prepare the day before):

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 1 ½ cups water

• ⅓ cup olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ½ tablespoon dried oregano

• ½ tablespoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

   • Lightly spray an 18 x 13-inch sheet pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper.

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.

   • Add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough forms.

   • Spread the dough onto the prepared sheet pan using your fingertips, pressing it out evenly.

   • If the dough is too sticky to spread, let it rest for 5 minutes before trying again.

   • Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until it’s firm but not fully browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a frying pan, brown the Italian sausage and ground chuck, adding salt and pepper.

   • Cook the meat until it resembles crumbles. Once browned, drain any excess grease and set the meat aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, combine the tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary.

   • Simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce cool and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

4. Assemble the Pizza:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

   • Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the partially baked crust.

   • Evenly distribute the cooked meat mixture over the sauce.

   • Grate the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the meat.

   • Bake the assembled pizza for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.

5. Serve:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

   • Slice into rectangular pieces and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 9 slices

• Prep Time: 35 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions.

• Cheese Lovers: Add a blend of cheeses such as cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or spicy sausage to add heat.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 30–60 seconds.

FAQs

How can I make the crust crispier?

To achieve a crispier crust, roll the dough thinner and bake it a bit longer before adding the toppings.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought pizza dough for the homemade version. Just ensure it's enough to cover an 18 x 13-inch sheet pan.

Is it necessary to use powdered milk?

Powdered milk contributes to the dough's texture and flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with an equal amount of regular milk, adjusting the liquid content accordingly.

Can I freeze the pizza?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizza before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 475°F (245°C) for 15–20 minutes.

What toppings can I add?

Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, or onions. Just ensure they are evenly distributed to prevent sogginess.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Preparing the sauce a day before allows the flavors to meld and saves time on the day you plan to bake the pizza.

How do I prevent the crust from sticking?

Using parchment paper and lightly oiling the pan helps prevent sticking. Additionally, sprinkling a small amount of cornmeal on the paper can provide extra non-stick properties.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses to suit your taste.

How do I know when the pizza is done?

The pizza is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust edges are golden brown.

Can I make individual-sized pizzas?

Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller portions to create individual-sized pizzas. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller pizzas will cook faster.

Conclusion

This School Pizza Recipe offers a delightful way to recreate the beloved cafeteria pizza at home. With its nostalgic flavors and customizable toppings, it's sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're reminiscing about school days or introducing a new generation to this classic dish, this recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.