The School Pizza Recipe

School-Style Pizza: A Nostalgic Slice of Comfort

 There’s something truly nostalgic about the taste of school cafeteria pizza. Many of us remember it as a comforting and delicious part of our school days. In this recipe, we’ll recreate that classic school-style pizza, complete with a soft and slightly chewy crust, savory tomato sauce, and gooey cheese. Whether you’re reminiscing about your school lunch days or introducing this slice of nostalgia to a new generation, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Sauce:

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or other desired toppings (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pizza Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Stir the mixture until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Pizza Sauce: 5. While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza sauce. In a saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove it from heat and set it aside to cool.

Preheat and Prepare the Pizza: 6. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet in the oven to heat.

7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a 12-inch round circle on a floured surface.
8. Carefully transfer one of the dough rounds onto a piece of parchment paper.

Assemble and Bake: 9. Spread a generous amount of the prepared pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

10. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
11. Add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni slices or any other favorites.
12. Carefully transfer the pizza (on the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
13. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
14. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Cook’s Notes:

• If you want a crispier crust, you can bake the pizza directly on the oven rack without the parchment paper.
• Customize your pizza by adding your favorite toppings, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives.
• Feel free to make a thicker or thinner crust by adjusting the rolling thickness of the dough.

 School-Style Pizza is a timeless classic that evokes fond memories of cafeteria lunches. This homemade version captures the essence of that nostalgic slice of comfort, with its soft and chewy crust, savory sauce, and cheesy toppings. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging in a solo pizza night, this recipe is a delicious trip down memory lane that everyone can enjoy. Serve up a slice of nostalgia and savor the comforting flavors of school pizza at home!