The School Pizza Recipe A Nostalgic Journey Back to the Cafeteria

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The School Pizza Recipe: A Nostalgic Journey Back to the Cafeteria

Introduction

Who doesn’t remember the joy of pizza day in the school cafeteria? That rectangular slice of cheesy, meaty goodness was something to look forward to every week. The School Pizza Recipe captures that nostalgia perfectly, bringing back the classic taste of school lunch pizza in your own kitchen. This recipe is a delightful blend of soft, fluffy crust, savory meats, and rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Not only is it a delicious trip down memory lane, but it’s also a great way to introduce your family to a timeless classic. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

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 pound Italian sausage
  • 1/2 pound ground chuck
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (8 oz) block mozzarella cheese, shredded

For the Sauce (make the day before for best flavor):

  • 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 pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet by spraying an 18 x 13-inch sheet pan with cooking spray and laying down a sheet of parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt. Use a whisk to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the warm water and vegetable oil. Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a batter forms. Don’t worry if there are some lumps; just make sure there are no dry spots in the dough.
  4. Spread the dough onto the prepared sheet pan, using your fingertips to press it out evenly. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing to stretch it.
  5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, just until it begins to set but not fully baked. Remove it from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. Brown the meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and ground chuck, seasoning with salt and pepper. Break the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
  2. Prepare the cheese: Grate the block of mozzarella cheese and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

  1. Make the sauce the day before (or at least a few hours ahead) for the best flavor. In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato paste, water, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary.
  2. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once done, let the sauce cool and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the pizza.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Spread the sauce evenly over the partially baked crust, making sure to cover it entirely for maximum flavor.
  2. Sprinkle the browned meats evenly over the sauce, distributing them so every bite has some meaty goodness.
  3. Top with mozzarella cheese, sprinkling it generously over the entire pizza.
  4. Bake the pizza at 475°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to brown slightly.
  5. Let the pizza stand for 5 minutes before cutting into slices. Serve and enjoy!

Benefits of Making School Pizza at Home

  1. Nostalgia: Recreate a beloved childhood favorite and share it with your family.
  2. Customization: You can adjust the toppings and ingredients to suit your taste, whether it’s adding more veggies or using a different type of cheese.
  3. Healthier Version: Control the quality of ingredients and avoid unnecessary preservatives or additives often found in frozen or cafeteria foods.
  4. Family Bonding: This recipe is a fun way to involve the kids in cooking, turning meal prep into a family activity.

Conclusion

The School Pizza Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a slice of nostalgia served up with a side of comfort. Whether you’re longing for the simpler days of school lunches or introducing your family to a classic dish, this pizza is sure to become a staple in your household. With its soft crust, savory meat filling, and rich tomato sauce topped with melty mozzarella, it’s a dish that’s hard to resist. So, next time you’re looking for a fun and delicious dinner idea, don’t lose this recipe—give it a try, and watch as it becomes a family favorite, bringing everyone back for seconds!

Fan Reactions

  • “This pizza takes me right back to my school days! It tastes exactly like I remember. My kids love it too!”
  • “I can’t believe how easy this was to make! The crust is perfect, and the sauce has so much flavor. Definitely keeping this recipe!”
  • “I made this for a family gathering, and it was a hit! Everyone wanted the recipe. Nostalgic and delicious!”

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