Easy School Pizza

This Old School Cafeteria Pizza recipe captures the essence of all that was good in the school cafeterias of our youth. (Cafeteria ladies not included.)

An Engaging Introduction

This fall marked a real Mama Milestone for me. After 28 years of recording the first day of school with a photo each year, and then sending my girls off to preschool, and kindergarten, and grade school, and middle school, and finally high school – times five! – I faced my baby’s first day of Senior year – and my last 1st Day of School.

All but the youngest have gone off to college now too, but as anyone who has ever done so will tell you, sending a child off to college is an entirely different experience from packing them off to first grade. Anyway, this rite of passage got me reminiscing, and as I got online to update Em’s lunch account, I got to thinking about the cafeteria and the school lunches of my childhood.

I grew up in Northeast Portland and attended the same elementary school from kindergarten through the eighth grade; and in that time, I figure I ate nearly 1500 meals in our basement cafeteria. More than two-thirds were hot lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our Easy School Pizza recipe brings back fond memories with its perfectly nostalgic taste. The soft yet crispy crust, tangy homemade sauce, and gooey cheese will transport you right back to your favorite school lunch days.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Half sheet pan
• Parchment paper
• Large bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Oven

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 ⅔ cups flour
• ¾ cup powdered milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 packet of quick rise yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ⅔ cups warm water (105-110 degrees)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Filling:

• ½ pound ground chuck
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 8 oz block mozzarella cheese, grated (use imitation mozzarella shreds for authenticity)

For the Sauce:

• 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ½ tablespoon dried oregano
• ½ tablespoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Spray the half sheet pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Combine vegetable oil with warm water and pour into the dry mixture.
4. Stir with a wooden spoon until a batter forms, ensuring no dry spots remain.
5. Spread the dough into the pan using your fingertips until it’s even. If the dough is stubborn, let it rest for 5 minutes, then try again.
6. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, remove from oven, and set aside.

Filling:

1. Brown the ground chuck with salt and pepper until it resembles crumbles. Drain and set aside.

Assemble the Pizza:

1. Spread the sauce evenly over the partially baked crust.
2. Sprinkle the cooked meat over the sauce.
3. Top with grated mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake at 475 degrees for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese melts and begins to brown.
5. Remove from oven, let stand for 5 minutes, then cut into slices and serve!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your water is warm but not too hot to activate the yeast effectively.
• If the dough is too sticky, lightly oil your hands to help spread it evenly.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Add toppings like pepperoni or bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Make the sauce a day ahead to save time and enhance the flavors.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This school pizza offers a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a satisfying meal that reminds you of your childhood.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of imitation? Yes, but to achieve the authentic school pizza texture, imitation mozzarella is recommended.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Conclusion

We hope this Easy School Pizza brings back delightful memories of your childhood. Try it out and let us know how it turned out for you! Feel free to share your experiences and any fun variations you tried in the comments below. Happy cooking!