The School Pizza Recipe
This School Pizza Recipe takes you back to the classic, comforting pizza served in the cafeteria, with a deliciously crispy crust, savory filling, and rich sauce. It’s the perfect meal for a family dinner, a pizza night, or any time you’re craving a nostalgic treat. The best part? It’s easy to make and always a hit with everyone!
Why You’ll Love This School Pizza Recipe:
This homemade school pizza brings back memories of your favorite cafeteria lunch, but it’s even better when you make it at home! With its perfectly crispy crust, savory sausage and beef filling, and a flavorful homemade sauce, it’s a dish that will satisfy your pizza cravings.
- Crispy Crust: The dough bakes up golden and crispy, providing the perfect base for the filling.
- Savory Filling: A flavorful combination of Italian sausage, ground beef, and mozzarella cheese creates a hearty topping.
- Homemade Sauce: This easy-to-make pizza sauce packs tons of flavor and complements the pizza perfectly.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this pizza ready in no time, making it great for busy nights.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Flour: Provides the base for the crust, offering carbohydrates for energy.
- Italian Sausage and Ground Chuck: A source of protein and healthy fats to keep you feeling full.
- Mozzarella Cheese: A rich source of calcium and protein, perfect for a pizza topping.
- Tomato Paste: Packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health.
Ingredients for The School Pizza:
For the Crust:
- 2 2/3 cups 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 Filling:
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 lb ground chuck
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8oz) block mozzarella cheese
For the Sauce (I make the day before):
- 1 (6oz) can tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Make the Crust (Time: 20-25 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Spray an 18×13-inch sheet pan with non-stick spray (like Pam) and line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk to blend the dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, mix the warm water and vegetable oil, then pour it into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until the batter forms. Don’t worry about lumps, just make sure there are no dry spots.
Use your fingertips to spread the dough evenly across the sheet pan. If the dough is too sticky, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, just until it’s slightly golden and firm to the touch. Remove it from the oven and set aside. - Prepare the Filling (Time: 10-15 minutes)
Brown the Italian sausage and ground chuck in a skillet, breaking it up into crumbles. Season with salt and pepper. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside. - Make the Sauce (Time: 10 minutes)
In a saucepan, combine the tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary. Cook on medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and fragrant. Let the sauce cool or store it in the refrigerator overnight for enhanced flavor. - Assemble the Pizza (Time: 5-10 minutes)
Spread a generous layer of the homemade sauce over the partially baked crust.
Evenly distribute the browned meats over the sauce.
Shred or slice the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the meat layer. - Bake the Pizza (Time: 8-10 minutes)
Return the pizza to the oven and bake at 475°F for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the crust are golden brown. - Serve and Enjoy (Time: 5 minutes)
Let the pizza cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut. Slice into squares or traditional slices and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including sauce prep time)
Servings: 12-16 slices
Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal per slice (varies based on ingredients)
Tips for the Best School Pizza:
- Rest the Dough: If your dough is hard to spread, let it rest for 5 minutes, then try again. This will help it relax and make spreading easier.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully.
- Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: Preparing the sauce the day before allows the flavors to meld and results in a richer taste.
- Adjust the Filling: Feel free to customize the pizza’s filling with your favorite meats, like pepperoni, or add vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
FAQ About The School Pizza:
Q: Can I freeze the leftover pizza?
A: Yes! You can freeze the leftover pizza slices. Just let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the freezer. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can use a blend of cheeses like cheddar or provolone for added flavor.
Q: How can I make this pizza spicier?
A: If you like a little heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or using spicy Italian sausage in the filling.
Final Thoughts:
This School Pizza Recipe brings all the nostalgic flavors of your favorite cafeteria pizza, but with a homemade twist that makes it even better. With its crispy crust, flavorful filling, and delicious sauce, it’s a guaranteed hit for the whole family. Make it for dinner, for parties, or any time you want a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Enjoy!
