Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza

Introduction

If you’ve ever craved the nostalgic taste of school cafeteria pizza, this recipe is a throwback to the simple, cheesy, and delicious slices you enjoyed during lunchtime. Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza captures the essence of those golden days, combining a soft crust with savory tomato sauce, melted cheese, and classic toppings. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or a party, this recipe will bring back memories with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pizza Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced pepperoni or preferred toppings (optional)
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine tomato sauce and tomato paste.
2. Stir in oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Set the sauce aside to cool while preparing the pizza.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to fit your prepared pan, aiming for a rectangular or circular shape about ½ inch thick.
2. Transfer the dough to the pan and use a fork to poke small holes across the surface to prevent bubbles.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread a generous layer of prepared pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about ½ inch of space around the edges.
2. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by cheddar cheese for added flavor.
3. Add toppings like diced pepperoni, cooked sausage, or veggies as desired.
4. Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for extra cheesiness.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Variations

1. Classic Cheese Pizza: Skip the toppings and stick with just mozzarella for a simple, cheesy delight.
2. Veggie Lover’s Pizza: Add diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives for a vegetarian option.
3. Meat Lover’s Pizza: Incorporate cooked bacon, sausage, and ground beef for a hearty, protein-packed version.
4. Hawaiian Pizza: Add ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the dough with your favorite gluten-free pizza crust.

Cooking Notes:

• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings.
• Adjust the oven rack to the middle position to ensure even baking.
• Use a pizza stone or steel for a more authentic pizzeria-style crust.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with a side of marinara dipping sauce.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
• Add garlic breadsticks or cheesy bread for a complete comfort food experience.

Tips:

1. Ensure the water for the yeast is warm (not hot) to activate it properly.
2. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting quality and flavor.
3. Experiment with spices in the sauce to tailor it to your taste.
4. Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crisp crust.

Prep Time:

20 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)

Cooking Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approx. 1/8 of the Pizza):

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 14g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 12g

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q: What if I don’t have yeast?
You can make a no-yeast pizza dough using self-rising flour and Greek yogurt in a 1:1 ratio.

Q: Can I freeze homemade pizza?
Absolutely! Bake the pizza, let it cool completely, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat pizza?
Reheat slices in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes for a crispy crust, or in a skillet over medium heat for a quick fix.

Q: Can I use pre-made sauce and dough?
Yes, store-bought dough and sauce work perfectly if you’re short on time. Just assemble and bake as instructed.

Conclusion

Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza is more than just a meal—it’s a journey back to simpler times filled with laughter, friends, and unforgettable flavors. This recipe allows you to recreate that nostalgic experience with your own personal touches. With its easy preparation and endless topping possibilities, it’s a dish that promises smiles at every table. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a slice of delicious nostalgia!

Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza

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• Author: Diana Carrozza
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

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Ingredients

For the crust:

2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups (300 ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
For the pizza sauce:

1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp sugar
Salt to taste
For the toppings:

2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (50 g) pepperoni slices or diced toppings of choice

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Instructions

Prepare the crust:

In a small bowl, mix the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.
Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan.
Assemble the pizza:

Roll out the dough into a rectangle or circle, about 1/4 inch thick, and transfer to the prepared pan. Spread the sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, followed by pepperoni or your chosen toppings.
Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:

Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy a nostalgic slice of homemade cafeteria-style pizza!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 310
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 14g