Classic School Pizza Recipe

Classic School Pizza Recipe

Table of Contents

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).

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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!