Homemade School Pizza Recipe: A Nostalgic Slice of Cafeteria Goodness

If you’re craving a taste of nostalgia, look no further than our Homemade School Pizza recipe. This classic dish takes you back to the days of cafeteria lunches, where that rectangular slice of pizza was the highlight of the week. With a soft, slightly chewy crust, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this beloved school lunch staple at home!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Your choice of toppings: pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or other favorites

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center, add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts for two large pizzas or keep it whole for one extra-large pizza.
3. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. School pizza is often on the thicker side, so aim for about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread a generous layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce. Add your choice of toppings.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
2. Remove from the oven and let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cut the pizza into squares, just like in the school cafeteria, and serve hot. Enjoy the nostalgic flavors and memories with every bite!

Tips and Variations

• Customize Your Toppings: Add your favorite toppings to make this pizza your own.
• Make-Ahead Dough: The pizza dough can be made ahead and frozen. Thaw it before rolling out and baking.
• Cheese Variations: Mix different types of cheese for a more complex flavor.

This Homemade School Pizza is a delicious way to bring a bit of childhood nostalgia to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or just because, this recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Enjoy the journey back to the school cafeteria, one delicious slice at a time!

We hope you love making and eating this classic school pizza! Don’t forget to share your pizza creations with us in the comments or tag us on social media.