Bring back childhood nostalgia with this homemade version of classic School Cafeteria Pizza! This recipe replicates the soft, doughy crust, tangy sauce, and perfectly melted cheese that made school lunch a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for classic cafeteria-style taste)
• ½ cup cooked ground beef or pepperoni (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
• In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
2. Make the Sauce:
• In a bowl, mix all sauce ingredients. Stir well and set aside.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
• Preheat oven to 450°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking sheet.
• Roll out the dough to fit the pan and press evenly.
• Spread the sauce over the dough, then sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Add optional toppings.
4. Bake the Pizza:
• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
5. Slice and Serve:
• Let cool slightly, cut into squares, and enjoy the nostalgic school cafeteria pizza taste!
Perfect for family pizza night or a fun throwback meal! 🍕