The School Pizza Recipe – Don’t Lose This Recipe
This School Pizza Recipe brings back memories of childhood lunches and after-school snacks. It’s a delightful dish that combines a soft, hearty crust, a flavorful sauce, and a rich filling that everyone loves.
Whether you’re reminiscing about the school cafeteria pizza or creating new memories with your family, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Crust:
2-2/3 cup flour
3/4 cup powdered milk
2 T sugar
1 package quick rise yeast
1 tsp salt
1-2/3 cup warm water (110-115)
2 T vegetable oil
Filling:
1/2 lb Italian sausage
1/2 lb ground chuck
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 (8oz) block mozzarella cheese
Sauce (I make the day before):
1 (6oz) can tomato paste
1 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 t salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 T dried oregano
1/2 T dried basil
1/2 t dried rosemary
Steps
Instructions
Start by preparing the sauce a day before you plan to make the pizza. In a saucepan, combine tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and the dried herbs.
Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to blend together. Let it cool and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
The crust comes together easily. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add warm water and vegetable oil, stirring to form a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage and ground chuck together over medium heat.
Break the meat up into small pieces as it cooks. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to fit the size of your pan.
Place the dough on the prepared pan and spread a generous layer of sauce over the crust. Top the sauce with the cooked meat mixture and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake the pizza for about 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
How to Make
To ensure the dough rises properly, it’s important to use warm water at the correct temperature (110-115°F). If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold.
the dough won’t rise effectively. Be sure to give your dough enough time to rise—patience here will reward you with a perfectly fluffy crust.
The meat filling is versatile, and while this recipe calls for Italian sausage and ground chuck, you can experiment with other ground meats such as turkey or chicken.
The richness of the sausage pairs well with the leaner beef, creating a balanced filling.
For the sauce, feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato paste mixture.
The garlic gives the sauce a savory depth, and the dried herbs are key to capturing that authentic pizza flavor.
If you’re looking for a bit of extra flavor, try sprinkling some Parmesan cheese on top of the pizza after it comes out of the oven. It adds a nice, salty bite that enhances the overall flavor.
When rolling out the dough, make sure it’s not too thin—about ¼ inch thick should give you that perfect chewy texture.
If you prefer a crispier crust, you can bake the pizza for an additional 5 minutes or so, keeping an eye on the edges to ensure they don’t burn.
Variations
For a different flavor profile, try adding some sautéed vegetables to the filling. Bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms work well in combination with the meats.
Just be sure to cook them down before adding them to the pizza to avoid excess moisture.
For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for a medley of grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
Add a few dollops of ricotta cheese or extra mozzarella to enhance the richness of the pizza.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, use a whole wheat flour for the crust. It adds a slightly nutty flavor and gives the pizza a bit more texture.
Pair it with a fresh basil pesto sauce instead of the traditional tomato sauce for a unique twist.
A gluten-free version can easily be made by substituting the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the yeast and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
For a more decadent pizza, top the finished pizza with a drizzle of olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves right after baking. This adds a fresh, aromatic layer to the already flavorful pizza.
If you’re a fan of extra cheesy pizza, try adding a mix of cheeses. Combining mozzarella, provolone, and a bit of cheddar can give the pizza a unique flavor and make the cheese pull even more satisfying.
To make it a true school cafeteria-style pizza, serve it with a side of crisp, fresh salad with a tangy dressing to balance out the richness of the pizza.
Tips
Make sure the dough is well-floured when rolling it out, as this helps prevent sticking and ensures it doesn’t get too thin. If it sticks, it can be hard to transfer the pizza to the pan or baking sheet.
Use a pizza stone for the crust if you have one. A preheated pizza stone can help achieve a crispier crust, making it more authentic to the school pizza style you remember.
For a more traditional look, shape the dough into a rectangle, mimicking the cafeteria-style pizzas that were often cut into squares. It also helps in evenly distributing the sauce and toppings.
If you’re short on time, use store-bought pizza dough as a shortcut. While homemade dough yields the best results, pre-made dough can still result in a delicious pizza.
If you don’t have quick rise yeast, you can use regular active dry yeast. Just make sure to activate it with warm water and sugar before mixing it into the dry ingredients.
Consider adding a bit of red onion to the meat filling for a hint of sweetness and extra texture. It complements the richness of the meats and balances the flavors of the sauce.
For a crispier pizza, try baking it on the lowest rack of the oven. This will help ensure that the crust cooks through and gets golden and crispy without overcooking the toppings.
Conclusion
This School Pizza Recipe will undoubtedly take you back to simpler times while offering a delicious meal to share with loved ones. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this pizza will be the star of the show.
The combination of a fluffy homemade crust, savory meat filling, and flavorful sauce makes this pizza unforgettable.
It’s a fun, nostalgic dish that everyone will enjoy, and best of all, it’s homemade from scratch, so you can take pride in creating something so delicious!