Ah, “School Pizza”! That usually refers to the kind of pizza served in school cafeterias—simple, soft, rectangular, and topped with a basic tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s easy to make at home and has that nostalgic, classic flavor. Here’s a recipe that recreates that classic school-style pizza:
School-Style Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dough (makes one 9×13-inch pan):
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 2–3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: sliced pepperoni, ham, or vegetables
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add oil and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce, garlic powder, oregano, basil, sugar, and salt & pepper. Set aside.
3. Shape the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and press it into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread and slightly thick like the classic school pizza crust.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously on top.
- Add optional toppings like pepperoni or vegetables if desired.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the crust are lightly golden.
6. Serve:
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before cutting into rectangular slices, just like school lunch pizza.
Tips:
- Chewy vs. Soft Crust: For a softer school-style crust, avoid over-baking and keep the thickness similar to a sheet cake.
- Cheese: Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for more flavor.
- Extra Flavor: Brush the crust lightly with garlic butter after baking for that extra cafeteria-style touch.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and bake fresh the next day.
This recipe recreates that nostalgic school cafeteria pizza—soft, cheesy, and simple. It’s perfect for a lunchbox-style treat or a fun family meal at home.
If you want, I can also give a frozen school pizza copycat version that’s extra soft and exactly like the pizza trays they serve in schools. Do you want that version too?
