School Pizza

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Introduction

Ah, the nostalgia of school lunches—those unforgettable, rectangular slices of pizza that many of us couldn’t wait to devour during lunchtime. It’s a memory that resonates with generations. This classic School Pizza recipe is a throwback to those simpler times when cafeteria food was something to look forward to. Recreating this iconic dish at home isn’t just a culinary endeavor; it’s a trip down memory lane. From its perfectly chewy crust to the savory blend of meats and the comforting homemade tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to bring back those warm, fuzzy feelings. Let’s dive into this beloved classic that you simply can’t lose!

History

School pizza has its roots in the 1960s and 1970s, when it became a staple in American school lunch programs. Designed to be affordable, nutritious, and appealing to young palates, this pizza was often one of the most popular items on the lunch menu. The recipe varied slightly from district to district, but the general concept remained the same—a thick, soft crust, a savory tomato-based sauce, a generous topping of ground meats, and a blanket of melted cheese. Today, many who grew up in this era reminisce about the comforting taste of this cafeteria staple, inspiring countless home cooks to recreate the dish.

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2-2/3 cup flour: Provides the base for the dough, giving it structure.
  • 3/4 cup powdered milk: Adds richness and a slightly sweet flavor to the dough.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar: Aids in browning and enhances the yeast’s activity.
  • 1 package quick rise yeast: Leavens the dough, making it rise quickly.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and controls the yeast activity.
  • 1-2/3 cup warm water (110-115°F): Activates the yeast and binds the dough.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the crust.

Filling:

  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage: Adds a spicy, flavorful protein component.
  • 1/2 lb ground chuck: Provides a rich, beefy flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasons the meat mixture.

Cheese:

  • 1 (8oz) block mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing the classic gooey, cheesy topping.

Sauce (make the day before for best flavor):

  • 1 (6oz) can tomato paste: Forms the base of the sauce, providing thickness and rich tomato flavor.
  • 1 1/2 cups water: Thins out the tomato paste to the perfect sauce consistency.
  • 1/3 cup olive oil: Adds richness and a smooth texture.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a savory depth to the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • 1 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle heat.
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano: Infuses the sauce with a classic Italian flavor.
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic note.
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Provides a unique, earthy flavor.

Instructions

Crust:

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). This ensures your pizza will bake at the perfect temperature for a crisp, yet tender crust.
  2. Prepare the Pan: Spray an 18 x 13-inch sheet pan with non-stick spray (like Pam) and lay a sheet of parchment paper over it. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt until well combined.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Combine the warm water and vegetable oil, then pour it into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a batter forms. Don’t worry if the batter has lumps—just ensure there are no dry spots.
  5. Spread Dough: Using your fingertips, spread the dough evenly across the prepared sheet pan. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten, then try again.
  6. Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until it begins to set but is not yet browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Filling:

  1. Cook the Meats: In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage and ground chuck together over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper as they cook, breaking the meats into crumbles. Once fully cooked, drain the excess fat and set the meats aside.

Sauce:

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary. Stir well to combine.
  2. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, make the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors develop fully.

Assembling the Pizza:

  1. Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread the prepared sauce over the pre-baked crust, making sure to cover the entire surface.
  2. Add the Filling: Sprinkle the browned meats evenly over the sauce.
  3. Add the Cheese: Grate the mozzarella cheese and distribute it evenly over the meat layer.
  4. Final Bake: Return the pizza to the oven and bake at 475°F (245°C) for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to brown slightly.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the pizza stand for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the cheese to set. Cut into slices and serve hot.

Benefits

  • Rich in Protein: This pizza is packed with protein from the Italian sausage, ground chuck, and mozzarella cheese, making it a satisfying meal.
  • Homemade and Fresh: Unlike store-bought frozen pizzas, this homemade version uses fresh ingredients, ensuring better taste and fewer preservatives.
  • Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to include your favorite toppings or use different types of cheese or meats.
  • Nostalgic Comfort: Beyond its nutritional value, this pizza brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia, making it perfect for family gatherings or a fun cooking project with kids.

Conclusion

Recreating the classic School Pizza at home is more than just making dinner; it’s about reconnecting with the flavors and memories of our childhoods. This recipe captures the essence of those beloved cafeteria slices, with a homemade twist that elevates the taste to new heights. Whether you’re making it for your family or simply indulging in a bit of culinary nostalgia, this pizza is sure to bring smiles to the table. Don’t lose this recipe—it’s a keeper for the ages!

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