Description
Nostalgic Lunch Lady Pizza brings classic cafeteria comfort straight to home kitchens, reviving memories of school lunch trays. Hearty cheese, golden crust, and simple ingredients combine for a quick, satisfying meal that connects generations through one delicious slice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2¾ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 cups warm (105°F) water
- 2½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 0.25 ounce packet (2½ teaspoons) rapid-rise yeast (instant yeast)
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp yellow cornmeal
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound mild Italian sausage
- 1¾ cup pizza sauce
- 4 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Position the oven rack to the lower third and heat to 475F (245C), creating an optimal environment for crispy crust development.
- Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by generously coating the surface with extra virgin olive oil and dusting with yellow cornmeal to ensure effortless pizza removal.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine dry ingredients including flour, dry milk, salt, sugar, and rapid-rise yeast.
- Incorporate olive oil and gradually introduce warm water, adjusting liquid to achieve a thick, pourable batter consistency similar to pancake mix.
- Mix the dough on low speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth with minimal lumps, creating a light and airy texture.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly to cover the entire surface, and allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.
- Bake the crust on the lower oven rack for 10-12 minutes until a golden hue develops, indicating initial cooking stages.
- Meanwhile, utilize a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat to cook ground beef and Italian sausage, thoroughly breaking down the meat and eliminating any pink portions.
- Drain the cooked meat on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- Once the crust is pre-baked, layer pizza sauce uniformly across the surface.
- Distribute the first layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, creating a creamy foundation.
- Evenly scatter the prepared meat mixture across the cheese layer.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle dried Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor profile.
- Return the pizza to the 475F oven and bake an additional 10-12 minutes until cheese becomes melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven, allow brief cooling, then slice into 12 rectangular pieces for serving.
Notes
- Try cornmeal alternatives like semolina or breadcrumbs for added texture and crunch on the pizza base.
- Control moisture by draining cooked meat thoroughly to prevent a soggy crust and ensure a crispy bottom.
- Adjust cheese ratio for lighter versions by using part-skim mozzarella or reducing total cheese quantity for a healthier option.
- Enhance flavor by incorporating fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried Italian seasoning for a more vibrant taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5.6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 24.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 10.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 31.9 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Protein: 20.2 g
- Cholesterol: 52 mg