Description: This recipe aims to recreate the iconic school pizza that many remember fondly from their childhood lunches. It features a slightly sweet and chewy crust, a savory meat topping, and a simple, flavorful sauce. It’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for a casual meal or a fun family activity. Ingredients:
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup powdered milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) quick-rise yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-2/3 cups warm water (110-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Filling:
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1/2 pound ground chuck
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8-ounce) block mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Sauce (make the day before for best flavor):
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Preparation
- Sauce: (Make the day before)
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight or for at least a few hours before using.
- Crust:
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F (246°C).
- Step 2: Spray a 18 x 13 inch sheet pan with cooking spray (like Pam) and line with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to blend all dry ingredients. This ensures even distribution of yeast.
- Step 4: Add vegetable oil to the warm water. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Step 5: Stir with a wooden spoon until a batter forms. Don’t worry about lumps; you just want to ensure there are no dry spots of flour remaining.
- Step 6: Spread the dough onto the prepared sheet pan using your fingertips, pressing it out evenly to fill the entire pan. If the dough is resistant and shrinks back, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.
- Step 7: Bake the crust alone for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside. The crust should be partially baked but not fully cooked.
- Filling:
- Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage and ground chuck over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste while browning.
- Step 2: Break up the meat into crumbles as it cooks.
- Step 3: Drain off any excess grease. Set the cooked meat aside.
- Assembly:
- Step 1: Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the partially baked crust.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the cooked meat mixture evenly over the sauce.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven at 475°F (246°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before cutting into slices and serving.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a trip down memory lane, offering a taste of the familiar school pizza many of us grew up with. It’s more than just a pizza; it’s a comforting reminder of simpler times. The slightly sweet crust, combined with the savory meat topping and tangy sauce, creates a delightful balance of flavors that appeals to all ages. It’s also a highly customizable recipe – feel free to adjust the toppings to your liking, adding vegetables or other meats to create your own signature version. The recipe is relatively simple to make, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend activity with the family. The large sheet pan size makes it perfect for feeding a crowd, and the leftovers (if any!) are just as delicious the next day. Ultimately, this recipe offers a comforting, flavorful, and versatile pizza experience that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the School Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut into squares or rectangles. Consider adding a side salad with a simple vinaigrette for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of milk, juice, or your favorite beverage. For a fun and nostalgic touch, serve in a paper boat, just like in the school cafeteria!
Tips
- For a crispier crust, bake it on a pizza stone or baking steel.
- Don’t overbake the crust; it should be lightly golden, not dark brown.
- Adjust the amount of sauce to your preference. Some people prefer a saucier pizza, while others like it lighter.
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings. Pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers are all great additions.
- To make the recipe even easier, you can use pre-made pizza dough or sauce. However, the homemade versions are definitely worth the effort.
- If you don’t have powdered milk, you can substitute it with an equal amount of regular milk powder or simply omit it (the crust will be slightly less tender).
- To prevent the crust from sticking, ensure your sheet pan is well-greased and lined with parchment paper.
- If you want a thicker crust, use a smaller sheet pan or double the crust recipe.
- For a spicier pizza, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them over the cheese.
- The sauce can be made in larger batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time for sauce)
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate – will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size)
Disclaimer: The following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 15-20g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion
This School Pizza Recipe is a delightful way to recreate a beloved childhood classic. With its slightly sweet crust, savory meat topping, and simple yet flavorful sauce, it’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. While it may not be exactly the same as the pizza you remember from school, it’s a delicious and nostalgic take on a classic that’s sure to bring back fond memories. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pizza perfection! Remember, this recipe is a starting point – feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own unique version. Happy baking!
Question and Answers
Q1: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that your yeast is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels to ensure there are no cross-contamination issues.
Q2: I don’t have powdered milk. Can I still make the crust? A: Yes, you can still make the crust without powdered milk. Powdered milk adds a slight tenderness and sweetness to the crust, but it’s not essential. You can either substitute it with an equal amount of regular milk powder or simply omit it. The crust will still be delicious without it.
Q3: Can I use pre-made pizza dough and sauce to save time? A: Absolutely! Using pre-made pizza dough and sauce is a great way to save time. Look for a high-quality pizza dough and sauce that you enjoy. Simply follow the baking instructions on the dough package and spread the sauce and toppings as directed in the recipe. Keep in mind that the flavor might not be exactly the same as the homemade versions, but it’s a convenient alternative.
Q4: Can I freeze the pizza after it’s baked? A: Yes, you can freeze the pizza after it’s baked. Allow the pizza to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake the frozen pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Q5: What other toppings would go well with this pizza? A: The possibilities are endless! Some other toppings that would complement this pizza include: pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black olives, cooked bacon, ham, pineapple (if you’re a fan!), and different types of cheeses such as provolone, cheddar, or Parmesan. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings to customize the pizza to your liking.
