School Pizza Recipe That Brings Back The Best Memories
Relive childhood memories with this easy school pizza recipe! Perfect for family dinners, it’s nostalgic, delicious, and customizable for all tastes.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl A large bowl for mixing and kneading the dough. Choose a sturdy one to handle all the action.
- Rolling Pin To evenly roll out your dough for a perfect crust. No rolling pin? A clean wine bottle works in a pinch!
- Baking Sheet or Pizza Pan: Opt for a large, rimmed baking sheet or a round pizza pan to mimic that classic cafeteria-style pizza shape.
- Parchment Paper: For an easy, non-stick baking experience. It also makes cleanup a breeze!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Precision is key for a foolproof dough and sauce.
- Pizza Cutter Slice your pizza into perfect squares or triangles, just like the lunchroom days.
- Silicone Spatula or Spoon: For spreading the sauce evenly without tearing the dough.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour for a dietary-friendly option
- 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup warm water around 110°F
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce use a smooth, no-chunk variety for an authentic taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for added richness
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni or substitute with veggies for a vegetarian option
- Optional: bell peppers onions, black olives, or mushrooms for extra flavor
Pantry Staples:
- Flour for dusting your work surface
- Olive oil for greasing
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy—this shows your yeast is active.
- Stir in olive oil and salt, then gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Make the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine tomato sauce, dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld together. This simple, flavorful sauce is key to capturing the essence of cafeteria-style pizza.
Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) for at least 20 minutes to ensure it’s fully heated.
- If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to get that crispy, even crust.
Roll Out the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular or circular shape, depending on your pan. Aim for about ¼-inch thickness for that classic school pizza feel.
Assemble Your Pizza
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a greased baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Spread an even layer of sauce across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously, followed by cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.
- Add your chosen toppings, such as pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives, customizing it to your taste.
Bake to Perfection
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Check on it during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.
Slice and Serve
- Let the pizza cool for 2-3 minutes after baking to make slicing easier.
- Use a pizza cutter to slice it into squares or triangles, reminiscent of the school cafeteria style.
- Serve immediately and savor every nostalgic bite!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 450mg