School Pizza

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

School Pizza is a nostalgic classic that brings back memories of cafeteria lunches and simple, comforting flavors. With a thick, soft crust, savory tomato sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re recreating your childhood favorite or introducing it to a new generation, School Pizza is a fun and satisfying meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flouractive dry yeastwarm watersugarolive oilsaltgarlic powdersweetened tomato sauceoreganoItalian seasoningshredded mozzarella cheesegrated cheddar cheeseparmesan cheese (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and garlic powder. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Roll out the dough into a rectangle and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Press evenly to cover the pan.

Spread a generous layer of sweetened tomato sauce over the dough. Sprinkle oregano and Italian seasoning on top.

Add an even layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Top with a light sprinkle of parmesan if desired.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

Let cool slightly before slicing into squares or rectangles for that authentic school pizza feel.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 square slices.Preparation time: 20 minutesRising time: 30-45 minutesBaking time: 12-15 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Top with pepperoni, sausage, or cooked veggies for a deluxe version.

Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Use a mix of provolone and mozzarella for an extra cheesy pull.

Make it gluten-free by substituting the dough with your favorite GF pizza base.

storage/reheating

Store leftover School Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes or until warm and crispy.Microwave reheating works too, but the crust will be softer.

FAQs

What makes School Pizza different?

School Pizza typically has a thicker, softer crust and is cut into square slices with a sweet tomato sauce and a classic cheese blend.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well if you’re short on time.

Is sweetened tomato sauce necessary?

It adds that nostalgic flavor, but you can adjust the sweetness to your preference.

Can I freeze School Pizza?

Yes, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking sheet or two pans.

Do I need a pizza stone?

No, a regular baking sheet is all you need for this recipe.

What type of cheese works best?

A combination of mozzarella and cheddar mimics the classic school pizza flavor.

Why is my crust too hard?

Make sure not to overbake and keep the dough soft by not adding too much flour during kneading.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Its simple flavors and cheesy topping make it a hit with kids.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and sauce ahead and assemble just before baking.

Conclusion

School Pizza is a comforting blast from the past that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or feeding a crowd. With its soft crust, sweet sauce, and melty cheese topping, it’s sure to satisfy cravings and bring back fond memories. Try making it at home and enjoy a delicious piece of cafeteria-style comfort.

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