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There’s something magical about the pizza from school cafeterias—those perfectly chewy crusts, tangy tomato sauce, and just-the-right-amount-of-cheese slices that we all secretly loved (even if we didn’t admit it at the time). Now, you can recreate that iconic School Pizza at home with this easy, nostalgic recipe. Whether you’re reliving your childhood or introducing this classic to a new generation, this pizza is sure to bring back warm memories—and maybe even a few smiles. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Flavor: Recreates the simple, comforting taste of cafeteria-style pizza.
- Easy & Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry ingredients for a quick and affordable meal.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or family dinners.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings while keeping the nostalgic base intact.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough (or Use Store-Bought for Simplicity):
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/2–3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture works best for that classic “school pizza” texture)
- Optional: Pepperoni, cooked sausage, bell peppers, or other toppings of choice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until a dough forms.
- Gradually add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
