This School Pizza Recipe brings back all those nostalgic memories of lunch in the school cafeteria—soft, rectangular slices topped with a simple but tasty sauce, gooey cheese, and a pepperoni or sausage topping. It’s perfect for serving a crowd or when you’re just in the mood for some retro comfort food. Let’s bring the nostalgia to your kitchen and recreate those familiar flavors!

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients for School Pizza
2. Instructions for School Pizza
3. Tips & Notes
4. Recipe Variations & Substitutions
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Conclusion

Ingredients for School Pizza

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm water (110-115°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Topping:

• 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for that classic school taste)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices or crumbled cooked sausage (optional)

Instructions for School Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• Add the vegetable oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a 10×15-inch baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to fit the prepared baking sheet. Press the dough evenly into the pan, ensuring it reaches the edges.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

• Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce. Add the pepperoni slices or cooked sausage if using.
• Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
• Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into rectangular pieces—just like in the school cafeteria!

Tips & Notes

• Warm Water Temperature: Make sure your water is warm, but not hot. The ideal temperature is between 110-115°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Classic School Pizza Taste: Adding a bit of cheddar cheese along with mozzarella gives it that familiar school pizza flavor.
• Crispier Crust: For a crisper crust, you can prebake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the pepperoni or sausage and add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
• Extra Cheese: Add more cheese or experiment with different types like provolone or parmesan for added flavor.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza: Swap the pizza sauce with BBQ sauce and add shredded cooked chicken and red onion for a different take.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

2. How do I store leftover pizza?

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or in the microwave for a quick option.

3. Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough to make this recipe even easier.

This School Pizza Recipe is a nostalgic nod to those classic cafeteria lunches that we all remember. With its soft crust, simple sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s the perfect dish for a family meal or a fun trip down memory lane. Give this easy recipe a try and bring those school memories right to your kitchen!

Happy cooking, and enjoy this slice of nostalgia!