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!
Equipment
- Baking sheet (12x16 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 12x16 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
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.