The Most Scrumptious School Pizza Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Crafting the perfect school pizza brings back waves of nostalgia for those cherished lunchtime memories.

This homemade school pizza recipe captures the essence of classic cafeteria comfort food with a delightful twist.

Crispy crusts, melted cheese, and simple toppings transport you straight back to those childhood lunch lines.

the combination of basic ingredients creates a remarkably satisfying meal that both kids and adults adore.

Quick to prepare and even quicker to devour, this recipe promises to become a new family favorite.

Gather your ingredients and recreate a taste of school day magic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Why use powdered milk in the pizza crust?

Powdered milk helps create a softer, more tender crust by adding protein and helping the dough brown nicely. It also contributes to a richer flavor and improves the overall texture of the pizza crust.

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Italian sausage and ground chuck, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your preference or dietary needs.

• What's the purpose of partially baking the crust first?

Pre-baking the crust ensures a crispier bottom and prevents a soggy pizza. It helps the crust cook more evenly and creates a sturdier base that can hold the sauce and toppings without becoming mushy.

Why The School Pizza Recipe Feels Nostalgic

• Conquer Simple Baking: Perfect for beginners with minimal cooking skills, this recipe requires basic kitchen tools and straightforward mixing techniques.
• Celebrate Comfort Cooking: Golden, buttery biscuits deliver a warm, homestyle experience that brings families together around the table with minimal fuss.
• Maximize Versatility: Serve these delectable biscuits as a breakfast side, dinner companion, or quick snack that pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or enjoyed solo with jam.
• Create Minimal Cleanup: One-dish preparation means less washing up, making this recipe a dream for those who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredient List for Classic School Pizza

• Flour: The base foundation for creating a sturdy and delicious pizza crust.
• Powdered Milk: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture in the crust.
• Sugar: Provides food for the yeast and helps with browning.
• Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and develop flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the crust.
• Vegetable Oil, Warm Water: Help bind the dry ingredients and create a smooth dough.

• Italian Sausage, Ground Chuck: Provide a hearty and flavorful protein base for the pizza.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the meat's natural flavors.

• Tomato Paste: Creates a rich and concentrated base for the pizza sauce.
• Water, Olive Oil: Help create the right consistency for the sauce.
• Garlic, Oregano, Basil, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that add depth and traditional pizza flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that balance and enhance the sauce's taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic, melty, and creamy topping for the pizza.

Steps for Baking The School Pizza at Home

Step 1: Mix Magical Crust Ingredients

• Flour
• Powdered milk
• Sugar
• Yeast
• Salt

Warm up some water and blend in vegetable oil. Pour this liquid gold into your dry ingredient mountain.

Stir everything with a wooden spoon until a soft, slightly lumpy batter forms.

Step 2: Stretch Dough Perfectly

Use your fingertips to spread the dough across the sheet pan.

If it’s being stubborn, let it relax for 5 minutes and try again. Aim for an even, thin layer that covers the entire pan.

Step 3: Pre-Bake Crust

Slide the pan into a blazing hot oven at 475°F. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust looks slightly golden.

Pull it out and set aside.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Blend

In a skillet, cook Italian sausage and ground chuck together.

Season with salt and pepper. Break the meat into tiny crumbles and drain any extra fat.

Step 5: Craft Zesty Pizza Sauce

• Tomato paste
• Water
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oregano
• Basil
• Rosemary

Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, letting the herbs dance and blend.

Step 6: Layer Pizza Toppings

Spread a thick layer of sauce over the pre-baked crust.

Sprinkle the meat mixture evenly across the sauce. Blanket everything with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Final Bake and Serve

Return the pizza to the 475°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly.

Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy your school cafeteria-style pizza adventure!

Notes Before Making Nostalgic School Pizza

• Allow pizza dough to relax for 5 minutes if it's difficult to spread, helping gluten soften and making stretching easier.
• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent soggy pizza crust and ensure crispy texture.
• Spread sauce evenly across partially baked crust for maximum flavor distribution and consistent taste.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-shredded for better melting and richer flavor profile.
• Monitor pizza during final 8-10 minute bake to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown cheese.

Ways to Change Up The School Pizza Flavors

• Vegetarian Pizza Swap: Replace meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, using plant-based cheese for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Pizza Option: Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, ensuring the same crispy crust texture.
• Spicy Chorizo Spin: Swap Italian sausage with spicy chorizo and add jalapeños for a bold, zesty flavor profile that kicks up the heat.
• Mediterranean Inspired Pizza: Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, add olives, spinach, and swap meat with grilled chicken for a Mediterranean-style transformation.

Favorite Sides With Homemade School Pizza

• Pair Crisp Italian Red Wine: Grab a bottle of Chianti Classico to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the school pizza. Its medium tannins and bright acidity cut through the cheese and balance the savory sausage perfectly.
• Toss Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pizza.
• Serve Chilled Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA to enhance the pizza's robust meat and cheese profile. The beer's carbonation and malty undertones will cleanse the palate between bites and elevate the overall dining experience.

Storing The School Pizza for Next Day Lunch

• Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place individual slices on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Stays good for up to 2 months.
• Warm pizza slices on a baking sheet at 375F for 10-12 minutes. Restores crispy crust and melts cheese perfectly.
• Warm pizza slices in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes. Adds extra crispiness to the bottom crust.

The School Pizza Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

School pizza combines classic comfort with nostalgic flavors that transport diners back to childhood cafeteria memories. Crispy crust, melted cheese, and simple toppings create a perfect lunch classic you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 2/3 cups (318 grams) flour
• 1 2/3 cups (395 milliliters) warm water (110-115°F)

Dough Enhancers:

• 1 package quick rise yeast
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) powdered milk
• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt

Liquid Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious baking sheet by coating with cooking spray and lining with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
3. Create a liquid mixture by blending warm water with vegetable oil, then pour into the dry ingredient mixture.
4. Stir the batter using a wooden spoon, focusing on eliminating dry patches while accepting minor lumps.
5. Gently manipulate the dough across the sheet pan using fingertips, allowing brief resting periods if the dough resists spreading.
6. Place the uncovered crust in a preheated 475F oven, baking for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and set aside.
7. In a skillet, thoroughly cook Italian sausage and ground chuck over medium-high heat, breaking into fine crumbles and seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture and set aside for later use.
9. Craft the sauce by combining tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried herbs in a saucepan.
10. Simmer the sauce on low heat for approximately 20 minutes, allowing herbs to infuse and flavors to develop.
11. Generously spread the prepared sauce across the partially baked crust, ensuring even coverage.
12. Distribute the seasoned meat mixture uniformly over the sauce layer.
13. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top, covering the entire surface.
14. Return the pizza to the 475F oven, baking for an additional 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and develops a light golden-brown color.
15. Allow the pizza to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving, enabling the cheese to set and flavors to stabilize.

Notes

• Enhance dough elasticity by letting it rest if it’s challenging to spread, allowing gluten to relax and making manipulation easier.
• Control moisture by draining meat thoroughly, preventing soggy crust and ensuring crispy texture.
• Customize pizza by experimenting with different meat combinations like chorizo or ground turkey for varied flavor profiles.
• Boost nutritional value by adding vegetable toppings like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and color.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg