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School Pizza Recipe

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

This ultimate school pizza recipe will take you back to the days of your childhood. The recipe includes steps to prepare the crust, filling, and homemade sauce with simple ingredients. The crust is pre-baked for 8-10 minutes, and then topped with a flavorful sauce, browned meats, and lots of cheese. Assemble all these elements on a half-baked crust and bake until golden and bubbly. It's straightforward, delicious, and makes for a satisfying meal for the whole family. Perfectly crispy, cheesy, and nostalgic!
A young woman with long, wavy hair wearing glasses is seated at a table, holding a menu and looking thoughtfully to the side in a softly lit restaurant.
Updated on Tue, 04 Mar 2025 23:07:52 GMT
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School Pizza Recipe | quickierecipe.com

Recreating those cherished school cafeteria memories, this rectangular pizza recipe captures the nostalgic taste and texture that made lunchtime special. The combination of a perfectly chewy crust, savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella brings back that classic school pizza experience right to your home kitchen.

I've made this recipe countless times for my family gatherings, and it never fails to spark conversations about school day memories. The rectangular shape and distinct texture always bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • All-purpose flour: Creates the signature dense yet chewy texture
  • Powdered milk: Key for achieving that distinctive school pizza flavor
  • Quick-rise yeast: Ensures reliable rising without long wait times
  • Italian sausage & ground chuck: The perfect meat combination for authentic flavor
  • Block mozzarella (not pre-shredded): Melts better and creates that classic stringy texture
  • Tomato paste: Provides concentrated flavor and proper sauce consistency

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Crust Preparation (30 minutes)
Precisely combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Ensure water temperature is 110-115°F for optimal yeast activation. Mix until just combined - lumps are actually beneficial here. Let dough rest if it resists spreading.
Step 2: Initial Bake (8-10 minutes)
Pre-baking the crust is crucial for proper texture. Watch for slight browning at edges. Remove while still pale to prevent over-baking.
Step 3: Meat Preparation (15 minutes)
Brown meats together for flavor melding. Break into small, uniform crumbles. Drain thoroughly to prevent greasy pizza.
Step 4: Final Assembly and Bake (10-15 minutes)
Layer sauce evenly to all corners. Distribute meat crumbles uniformly. Cover completely with cheese. Bake until cheese reaches golden brown spots.

My youngest absolutely adores the powdered milk in this recipe - it's the secret ingredient that makes the crust uniquely tender and flavorful, just like we remember from school days.

Make-Ahead Magic

This recipe truly shines with advance preparation. The sauce develops deeper flavors when made a day ahead, and the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. This planning flexibility makes it perfect for busy families while ensuring the best possible flavor outcome.

Storage Solutions

Unlike delivery pizza, this school-style version maintains its texture beautifully when stored properly. Wrap individual pieces in foil and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture and avoid the sogginess that comes with microwave reheating.

Customization Options

While this recipe captures the classic school pizza experience, it's incredibly adaptable. Try using different cheese combinations, adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or experimenting with various meat options. The sturdy crust holds up well to additional toppings while maintaining that nostalgic base flavor we all remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes this school pizza recipe special?
This recipe brings nostalgia by replicating the classic school pizza with a homemade crust, sauce, and toppings.
→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance for better flavor and save time during baking.
→ What meats can I use for the filling?
The recipe uses ground chuck and Italian sausage, but you can substitute with your preferred meats or skip for a vegetarian option.
→ How long should I pre-bake the crust?
The crust should be pre-baked at 475°F for about 8-10 minutes before adding the toppings.
→ What cheese should I use?
Mozzarella is recommended for its meltiness, but feel free to use your favorite cheese blends.

School Pizza Recipe

Recreate your favorite school pizza effortlessly with this easy-to-follow recipe for a perfect crust, filling, and sauce.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 3/4 cup powdered milk
03 2 tablespoons sugar
04 1 package quick-rise yeast
05 1 teaspoon salt
06 1 2/3 cups warm water (110–115°F)
07 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Filling

08 1/2 pound Italian sausage
09 1/2 pound ground chuck
10 1/2 teaspoon pepper
11 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 1 (8-ounce) block of mozzarella cheese

→ Sauce

13 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste
14 1 1/2 cups water
15 1/3 cup olive oil
16 2 cloves garlic, minced
17 1 teaspoon salt
18 1 teaspoon pepper
19 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
20 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
21 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 475°F. Lightly coat an 18 x 13-inch sheet pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk until fully mixed. Add the warm water and vegetable oil into the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon until a batter forms, leaving no dry patches. Spread the dough evenly over the sheet pan using your fingertips. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 minutes before trying again. Partially bake the crust for 8–10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set it aside.

Step 02

Brown the Italian sausage and ground chuck in a skillet, seasoning with pepper and salt. Cook until the meat is crumbly. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 03

Combine the tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary in a saucepan. Stir well and let simmer until the flavors meld together. Ideally, make the sauce a day ahead for the best taste.

Step 04

Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the partially baked crust. Sprinkle the cooked meats over the sauce, followed by the grated mozzarella cheese.

Step 05

Return the pizza to the oven and bake at 475°F for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • 18 x 13-inch sheet pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Parchment paper
  • Skillet

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten (flour)
  • Dairy (milk and cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 92
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~