This Classic School Pizza brings back nostalgic memories of school cafeteria lunches! It’s a simple, delicious pizza recipe with a soft, thick crust, topped with a flavorful tomato sauce and gooey cheese, just like you remember from childhood.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast 🌾
- 1 tablespoon sugar 🍬
- 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 cup warm water (110°F) 💧
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce 🍅
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
- 1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿
- 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 pepperoni slices or cooked sausage (optional) 🍖
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
- Mix the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- Let the dough rise:
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- Mix the sauce ingredients:
- In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
- Shape the dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle or circle, depending on the shape of your baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Transfer the dough:
- Place the rolled-out dough on a greased baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Add the sauce:
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add the cheese and toppings:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by any additional toppings like pepperoni or sausage if desired.
4. Bake the Pizza:
- Bake:
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
5. Serve:
- Cool slightly and slice:
- Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares or wedges.
- Enjoy:
- Serve hot and enjoy a slice of nostalgia with this classic school pizza!
⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising time)
🍽️ Servings: 8-10 slices
🔥 Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal per slice
This Classic School Pizza is soft, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned—just like you remember from those cafeteria lunches! A simple and delicious recipe that will bring back all the memories. 🍕🎒✨