The School Pizza is a nostalgic nod to the classic square slices that many of us remember from our school cafeteria days. This homemade version captures the essence of those simple yet satisfying pizzas, with a soft and chewy crust, a tangy tomato sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this pizza brings back fond memories with every bite.
The crust is the foundation of The School Pizza, made from a simple dough that yields a soft, pillowy base with just the right amount of chew. After rising, the dough is rolled out to fit a large rectangular baking sheet, which gives the pizza its signature shape. The thickness of the crust can be adjusted to your preference—leave it a bit thicker for a doughy, bread-like texture, or roll it thinner for a crispier bite.
The sauce is a straightforward yet flavorful blend of tomato sauce, dried herbs, and spices, simmered together to create a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This sauce is key to recreating the classic school pizza taste, with its slightly tangy and herby profile that complements the cheese and crust without overpowering them.
Cheese is the star of the toppings, with a combination of mozzarella and cheddar providing the perfect melt and stretch. The mozzarella offers that gooey, classic pizza texture, while the cheddar adds a hint of sharpness and a beautiful golden color as it bakes. Optional toppings like pepperoni or sausage can be added for those who want a bit more variety, but the simplicity of just cheese is enough to evoke that classic school pizza flavor.
Baking the pizza at a high temperature ensures that the crust becomes golden and slightly crispy around the edges, while the cheese melts into a bubbly, browned layer on top. Once out of the oven, the pizza is sliced into squares, just like the ones served in school cafeterias, making it easy to serve and enjoy.
The School Pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a trip down memory lane. It’s a reminder of simpler times, of lunchtime with friends, and of the joy that a simple slice of pizza can bring. Whether you’re making it for your kids or just indulging in a bit of nostalgia yourself, this pizza is sure to bring a smile to your face. It’s a fun, easy recipe that’s perfect for recreating those classic flavors at home, with the added bonus of being able to customize it to your own taste.
Whether served at a casual dinner, a kids’ party, or just because, The School Pizza is sure to become a favorite, bringing the comforting flavors of childhood right to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add the olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the dough is rising, make the pizza sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to fit a large rectangular baking sheet (about 12×18 inches).
- Transfer the rolled dough to the baking sheet, pressing it into the edges.
- Spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the sauce.
- Add your choice of toppings, such as pepperoni or sausage, if desired.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into squares.
- Serve:
- Serve hot and enjoy the nostalgic taste of this classic school cafeteria-style pizza.
Tips:
- Crust Thickness: For a thicker, more doughy crust, allow the rolled-out dough to rise for an additional 10-15 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.
- Cheese Variations: Mix in other cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Toppings: Customize with your favorite pizza toppings such as green peppers, mushrooms, or onions to make it your own.
