School Cafeteria-Style Pizza

This School Cafeteria-Style Pizza is a nostalgic recipe that brings back memories of classic school lunches with its soft crust, tangy sauce, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for a family meal or a trip down memory lane.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a fun and nostalgic meal that replicates the comforting flavors of school pizza.

The crust is soft, tender, and bakes to perfection in a home oven.

Simple ingredients make it easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

It’s a family-friendly recipe that both kids and adults will enjoy.

The recipe includes straightforward steps for even novice bakers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup powdered milk

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)

1 cup warm water (around 110°F)

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: Pepperoni slices, diced green peppers, or other favorite pizza toppings

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

In a small bowl, I combine warm water, sugar, and yeast, letting it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, I mix flour, powdered milk, and salt. Then, I add the yeast mixture and olive oil.

I knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

I place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a small saucepan, I mix tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

I simmer the sauce over low heat for 5 minutes and set it aside to cool.

Assemble the Pizza:

I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Then I roll out the dough to fit a large rectangular baking sheet or pizza pan.

I spread the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

I sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce and add any optional toppings.

Bake the Pizza:

I bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Serve and Enjoy:

I slice the pizza into squares or classic wedges and enjoy the comforting, nostalgic flavors.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8 servings

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Whole Wheat Crust: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.

Vegetarian Option: Add diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives.

Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for heat.

Cheese Blend: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.

Thin Crust: Roll the dough thinner and bake at a higher temperature (450°F) for a crispier result.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through. For a quick option, use a microwave for 1–2 minutes, though the crust might lose some crispiness.

Related Recipes:

• Old School Pizza Burgers
• Beef Pizza Pie
• Homemade Pizza

FAQs

How can I make the crust softer?

I recommend brushing the edges with a little olive oil before baking and covering the baked pizza with a clean kitchen towel while it cools slightly.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works great if you’re short on time. Simply follow the instructions for rolling and topping.

What’s the best way to keep the crust from getting soggy?

I ensure the sauce is thick and not too watery. You can also prebake the crust for 5 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free pizza crust mix and follow the package instructions.

What other cheeses work well on this pizza?

Provolone, cheddar, or a pizza cheese blend are great options if you want to mix up the flavors.

Conclusion

This school cafeteria-style pizza is a delightful throwback to childhood, complete with its fluffy crust and simple yet satisfying toppings. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again for the nostalgia and deliciousness.

---

📖 Recipe:

Print