Delicious Homemade School Pizza Recipe

Introduction to School Pizza Recipe:

There’s something incredibly comforting about school cafeteria-style pizza—a simple yet delicious classic that brings back fond childhood memories. Whether you remember eagerly waiting in line for a hot, cheesy slice or enjoying it with friends at lunchtime, this homemade version of School Pizza will surely bring back all the nostalgia.

With a soft yet slightly crispy crust, a rich and flavorful homemade sauce, and a hearty combination of meats and melted mozzarella cheese, this recipe captures the authentic taste of school pizza but is even better! The best part? You can easily make it at home with simple ingredients and a straightforward process.

In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through making the perfect school pizza—from preparing the crust and sauce to assembling and baking it to perfection. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, a pizza night with friends, or just craving a taste of childhood, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. So, let’s get started and bring back a slice of the good old days

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup powdered milk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 package quick-rise yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2/3 cups warm water (110-115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Toppings:

  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded

For the Homemade Pizza Sauce (Best Made a Day in Advance):

  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Making the Pizza Crust

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 475°F to ensure an even bake.

Prepare the Pan: Lightly coat an 18×13-inch sheet pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.

Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add warm water and vegetable oil, stirring until a dough forms. If needed, knead lightly to ensure there are no dry spots.

Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and gently stretch it to the edges. If it resists stretching, let it rest for 5 minutes before trying again.

Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

2. Preparing the Toppings

Cook the Meats: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage and ground beef. Break them into crumbles as they cook. Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess grease.

For the best flavor, prepare this sauce a day ahead.

Combine the Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix tomato paste, water, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary.

Simmer: Cook over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it cool before using.

4. Assembling the Pizza

Spread the Sauce: Evenly coat the pre-baked crust with your homemade pizza sauce.

Add the Meat: Distribute the cooked sausage and beef evenly over the sauce.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously on top.

5. Baking the Pizza

Final Bake: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Rest Before Slicing: Let the pizza cool for about 5 minutes before slicing to help the cheese set.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Cut into squares or slices and enjoy this nostalgic school pizza! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a fun snack.

Tips for the Best Homemade School Pizza

  • Customize Your Toppings: Add pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers to suit your taste.
  • Make Extra Sauce: Store leftovers for future pizzas, pasta, or dipping.
  • Use Fresh Mozzarella: For a richer, creamier texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap the crust for a gluten-free mix.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This recipe perfectly captures the classic school pizza experience—a soft yet crispy crust, savory meat, and flavorful sauce. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients, making it a great choice for family pizza nights.

Conclusion

This school pizza recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this is an easy, delicious, and fun recipe to try. Gather your ingredients and bring back the magic of school pizza today!

FAQs

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! Prepare and refrigerate it overnight, then let it come to room temperature before using.
  • Can I freeze the dough? Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
  • Can I use store-bought sauce? Absolutely, but homemade delivers the best flavor.
  • Can I add veggies? Definitely! Try onions, mushrooms, or olives for added texture.