Easy School Pizza

Relive the best of cafeteria memories with this Easy School Pizza Recipe, designed to bring that iconic square slice back to life! This recipe offers a homemade take on classic school pizza, complete with a tender crust, savory sauce, and a hearty layer of cheese and meats. Perfect for a family meal or a fun throwback party, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Our school pizza recipe captures the flavors and texture of the beloved cafeteria classic, with a homemade twist that tastes even better. Each bite has:

• A Soft, Fluffy Crust: Thanks to a blend of powdered milk and quick-rise yeast.
• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: Loaded with herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary.
• Hearty Toppings: Italian sausage, ground chuck, and gooey mozzarella for the perfect savory finish.

Crust

• 2-2/3 cups flour
• 3/4 cup powdered milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 package quick-rise yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-2/3 cups warm water (110-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Filling

• 1/2 pound Italian sausage
• 1/2 pound ground chuck
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (8 oz) block mozzarella cheese, shredded

Sauce (Prepare in advance for best flavor)

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 475°F for an ideal crisp on the crust.
2. Prepare the Pan: Spray an 18×13-inch sheet pan with non-stick spray, then line with parchment paper.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk to blend evenly.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix vegetable oil into warm water, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky batter forms.
5. Spread the Dough: Transfer dough to the sheet pan. Use your fingertips to spread it evenly. If the dough is too sticky, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing.
6. Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake crust alone for 8-10 minutes, then remove from oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook Meats: In a skillet over medium heat, brown Italian sausage and ground chuck with salt and pepper until crumbled. Drain any excess grease and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Add Sauce: Spread prepared tomato sauce evenly over the pre-baked crust.
2. Add Meats: Distribute the cooked sausage and ground chuck evenly over the sauce layer.
3. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the toppings.

Step 4: Final Bake

1. Bake Again: Return pizza to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
2. Let Rest: Allow pizza to rest for 5 minutes before cutting into slices.

• Serve Easy School Pizza with a side salad, breadsticks, or a veggie tray for a well-rounded meal.
• Perfect for school-themed parties, family movie nights, or even a nostalgic dinner.

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought dough if you’re short on time, but homemade will give the authentic cafeteria taste.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crisp.

3. Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the meats and add your favorite veggies, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.

4. Is it okay to prepare the sauce a day in advance?
Yes! Preparing the sauce in advance enhances the flavor and makes assembly even easier on cooking day.

5. Can I freeze the pizza?
Yes. Bake and cool the pizza, then slice, wrap, and freeze. Reheat slices in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

This Easy School Pizza Recipe delivers classic cafeteria flavors with the convenience of homemade ingredients, making it a delicious, nostalgic treat for any occasion!

Easy School Pizza

Easy School Pizza is a nostalgic recipe that brings back the classic flavors of school cafeteria pizza, featuring a soft crust, savory sauce, and melted cheese. This simple, crowd-pleasing pizza is perfect for families looking for a quick and easy dinner or for anyone wanting a slice of childhood. Made with pantry staples, this recipe captures that beloved “pizza day” taste with a few easy steps. Ideal for weeknight dinners, parties, or lunchboxes, this pizza is delicious and brings a fun twist to pizza night at home!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Lunch, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Baking sheet (12×16 inch)
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

For the Crust:

• 1 cup warm water 110°F
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp sugar optional, for sweetness

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: pepperoni slices or other toppings

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Dough
• In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Prepare the Sauce
• In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Preheat Oven
• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Grease a 12×16 inch baking sheet with a thin layer of oil or line with parchment paper.
• Roll Out the Dough
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit the baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet, pressing it into the corners to form an even crust.
• Add Sauce and Cheese
• Spread the sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add optional toppings, if desired.
• Bake the Pizza
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil the pizza for the last 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Cool and Serve
• Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into squares for a classic school-style pizza and serve warm.

Video

https://youtu.be/JQwmBrERQ2Q?si=sfSpv70Xys2hZRou

Notes

• For a softer crust, brush the edges with a little melted butter before baking.
• Add toppings like diced green peppers, onions, or sausage for variety.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
• Double the recipe to make two pizzas, perfect for feeding a larger crowd.

Keyword Easy School Pizza