Classic School Pizza Recipe

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Classic School Pizza Recipe – A Nostalgic Favorite

There’s something special about school cafeteria pizza—soft yet chewy crust, a slightly sweet sauce, and the perfect balance of cheese and toppings. Whether you grew up loving the classic rectangle-shaped slices or just want to relive a childhood favorite, this recipe brings back all the nostalgic flavors of school lunch pizza.

History of School Pizza

School pizza became a staple in American cafeterias during the mid-20th century as part of the National School Lunch Program. Designed to be cost-effective, easy to serve, and appealing to students, school pizza was often baked in large sheet pans and cut into square or rectangular pieces. Over the decades, it became an iconic meal that students looked forward to.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 5 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 packages (or 4 1/2 tsp) quick-rise yeast
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 3 1/3 cups warm water (110-115°F)
  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Toppings:

  • 3-4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 lb pepperoni slices or cooked crumbled sausage (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  2. Add the warm water and vegetable oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients and stir well.
  2. Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. Grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan.
  3. Roll out the dough to fit the pan, pressing it evenly to the edges.
  4. Spread the sauce evenly over the dough.
  5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
  6. Add Parmesan cheese if using.
  7. Place pepperoni or other toppings on top.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles.

How to Serve and Enjoy

This school pizza is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, paired with a side of ranch dressing or a crisp salad. It also makes a great meal prep option—simply refrigerate leftovers and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crispy finish.

Why People Love School Pizza

  • Nostalgia: Brings back childhood memories of lunchtime with friends.
  • Soft & Chewy Crust: The unique texture is a favorite among pizza lovers.
  • Simple Yet Delicious: The combination of a slightly sweet sauce and gooey cheese makes it irresistible.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.

Conclusion

Whether you’re making this for your family, a gathering of friends, or just to relive some school lunch memories, this classic school pizza recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. The soft crust, flavorful sauce, and perfect cheesy topping will transport you right back to the lunchroom days. Try it today and share the love of this timeless classic!

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