School Cafeteria Pizza brings back nostalgic memories of cheesy, square-cut slices served on lunch trays. This recipe recreates the classic taste with a soft yet sturdy crust, a tangy tomato sauce, and a generous layer of gooey cheese. It’s a simple and comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic and reminiscent of school lunches.
- Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings.
- A fun way to introduce kids to a classic favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Warm water
- Olive oil
- Canned tomato sauce
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: pepperoni, diced vegetables, or cooked sausage
Directions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a large rectangular baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Shape the crust: Roll out the dough to fit your baking sheet, ensuring an even thickness. Transfer to the prepared pan.
- Add the sauce: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the crust. Sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder for seasoning.
- Top with cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Add any additional toppings if desired.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing into squares and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (includes dough rising time)
Variations
- Cheese options: Try adding cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor.
- Sauce swap: Use marinara sauce or a homemade pizza sauce for a richer taste.
- Whole wheat crust: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier crust.
- Topping ideas: Experiment with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or pineapple for variety.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough mix or pre-made gluten-free crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 8-10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
FAQs
What makes school cafeteria pizza unique?
The rectangular shape, simple tomato sauce, and nostalgic toppings like pepperoni or plain cheese give it a classic cafeteria feel.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time.
How do I make the crust soft and chewy?
Knead the dough well and don’t overbake it. Letting the dough rise fully also ensures a soft texture.
Can I use a pizza stone?
Absolutely! A pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust. Preheat the stone with the oven before baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
What’s the best way to cut rectangular pizza?
Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the pizza into uniform squares or rectangles.
Can I use fresh tomatoes for the sauce?
Yes, blend fresh tomatoes with a little olive oil, garlic, and seasoning for a homemade sauce.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes and pull it out as soon as the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What sides go well with cafeteria pizza?
Pair it with a simple green salad, garlic breadsticks, or a cup of tomato soup.
Can I make mini pizzas with this recipe?
Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions and bake individual pizzas for a fun twist.
Conclusion
Recreate the classic School Cafeteria Pizza at home for a fun and nostalgic meal. This recipe is easy to prepare, versatile, and sure to please both kids and adults. Serve it for dinner, a party, or a casual get-together, and enjoy the timeless taste of this comforting favorite!
PrintSchool Cafeteria Pizza
A homemade version of the classic rectangular pizza served in school cafeterias, complete with a soft crust, savory sauce, and melted cheese.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup instant non-fat dry milk powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⅔ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1½ teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon shortening (for greasing the pan)
- 1½ tablespoons cornmeal (for dusting the pan)
For the sauce:
- 1â…“ cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: pepperoni slices, cooked ground beef, diced bell peppers, or other preferred toppings
Instructions
- Prepare the crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, dry milk powder, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a batter forms; it will be slightly sticky.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rest for about 20 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C).
- Grease a half-sheet pan (approximately 18×13 inches) with the shortening and sprinkle cornmeal evenly over the greased surface.
- Shape and pre-bake the crust:
- Pour the rested dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Using your fingers or a spatula, spread the dough evenly to cover the entire pan. If the dough is too sticky, lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking.
- Let the dough rest in the pan for an additional 10 minutes.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until it is set but not browned.
- Add sauce and toppings:
- Remove the crust from the oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add any additional toppings as desired.
- Bake the pizza:
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is lightly golden.
- Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Slice into rectangles to mimic the classic school cafeteria style and serve warm.
Notes
- For an authentic touch, use a blend of cheeses similar to the “government cheese” used in schools, such as a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
- This recipe is adaptable; feel free to customize the toppings to your preference.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.