School Pizza Recipe (Homemade)
This School Pizza recipe is a nostalgic, homemade version of the classic cafeteria pizza many of us grew up enjoying. With a thick, soft crust, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this pizza will bring back memories of school lunch and is perfect for a family meal, kids’ parties, or just a fun homemade pizza night.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Additional toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives)
Instructions:
1. Make the Pizza Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and optional garlic powder and oregano.
- Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients, and stir to form a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can add a little flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Pizza Sauce:
- While the dough is rising, make the pizza sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Stir in the dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste, and then remove from heat.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. If not, you can use a baking sheet or a large pizza pan.
4. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle or a large circle, depending on your preference. The dough should be about 1/2 inch thick for a thick, soft crust.
- Place the rolled-out dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread a generous layer of the homemade pizza sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Add any additional toppings (pepperoni, sausage, veggies, etc.), if desired.
6. Bake the Pizza:
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven (on the baking sheet or stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crust is cooked through. If you’re using a pizza stone, it may cook slightly faster.
- Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, especially at the edges.
7. Cool and Slice:
- Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Slice into squares or wedges, and enjoy your homemade school-style pizza!
Tips for Success:
- Dough Tip: If you prefer a thicker, softer crust (like the classic school pizza), don’t stretch the dough too thin. Let it rise properly to get that pillowy texture.
- Sauce: For a more traditional school pizza taste, try adding a teaspoon of sugar to the pizza sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor, similar to what you might find in cafeteria pizza.
- Baking: Using a pizza stone will give the crust a crispy bottom, but baking on a baking sheet will give you a slightly softer crust. You can even bake the pizza on a parchment paper for easy transfer.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough and sauce ahead of time. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. The sauce can also be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for later use.
Serving Suggestions:
- With a Side Salad: Serve your pizza with a simple side salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
- For a Meal: Add some garlic breadsticks or a Caesar salad for a classic pizza night experience.
- For Kids: This pizza is perfect for little hands. You can even make mini pizzas using smaller portions of dough for individual servings.
Variations:
- Veggie Pizza: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, or even spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Meat Lover’s Pizza: Add sausage, pepperoni, bacon, or ground beef to create a heartier pizza.
- Cheese Pizza: For a more basic version, stick to just mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy, simple pizza that kids will love.
This School Pizza recipe is a perfect way to recreate that nostalgic cafeteria flavor at home, with the added bonus of using fresh ingredients and a homemade crust. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a party, it’s sure to be a hit!
