Classic School Pizza Recipe
Intro
Remember those warm, cheesy, rectangular pizza slices from school lunches? This School Pizza Recipe brings back those comforting flavors — soft crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned beef or pepperoni on top. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 45 minutes (for dough)
Baking Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8 slices
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
¾ tsp salt
1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
1 cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for that cafeteria-style mix)
½ lb cooked ground beef or turkey (optional)
Pepperoni slices (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in salt, olive oil, and flour (a little at a time) until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes on a floured surface until smooth.
Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 45 minutes (until doubled in size).
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a rectangular baking pan (9×13 inch works great).
Roll Out the Dough:
Roll the dough to fit your pan, then press it evenly into the corners.
Brush lightly with olive oil and pre-bake for 7 minutes (this keeps the crust soft but sturdy).
Add Sauce and Toppings:
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle your cheeses on top.
Add ground beef or pepperoni if desired.
Bake the Pizza:
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Slice and Serve:
Let cool slightly before cutting into classic school-style rectangles or squares.
Tips
For extra softness, brush the crust with melted butter right after baking.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or Italian seasoning before serving for more flavor.
You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Great to make in advance — reheat slices in the oven or air fryer for a crisp edge.
Benefits
Provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and calcium.
Homemade version lets you control ingredients (less oil and sodium).
A fun and nostalgic family cooking activity!
Precautions
Don’t overload with sauce; too much can make the crust soggy.
Make sure the dough is fully risen before baking for a fluffy texture.
If storing leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours and consume within 3 days.
Final Thoughts
This School Pizza is more than just a meal — it’s a bite of nostalgia. Soft, cheesy, and perfectly baked, it captures those childhood cafeteria memories but with the freshness and flavor of a homemade dish. It’s ideal for kids, parties, or anyone craving that simple, comforting taste of old-school pizza day!