The School Pizza Recipe: Don’t Lose This Recipe 😋

There’s something nostalgic about school pizza—the hearty, savory, and satisfying flavors that take us back to the lunchroom. If you’ve been searching for that perfect school-style pizza recipe to recreate at home, look no further! This School Pizza Recipe is a game-changer and will bring back fond memories of those delicious slices, while satisfying your craving for comfort food.

Whether you’re making it for a family meal, hosting a party, or just indulging in a hearty homemade pizza night, this recipe will hit the spot. The combination of fluffy crust, seasoned filling, and a perfectly balanced homemade sauce makes this pizza irresistible. Let’s dive into the details and get you started on making the ultimate school pizza right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This School Pizza Recipe

Before we get to the recipe itself, let’s highlight what makes this School Pizza so special and why it’s worth trying:

Classic Comfort Food

This recipe brings the delicious flavors of school pizza straight to your home. It’s comforting, hearty, and packed with all the savory goodness you remember from school lunches.

Homemade from Scratch

The crust and sauce are made from scratch, ensuring that each component is fresh, flavorful, and completely customizable to your tastes.

Easy to Make

While the pizza requires several steps, it’s surprisingly easy to make. With just a little prep time, you’ll have a pizza that’s better than any frozen or store-bought version.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This pizza isn’t just for nostalgia—it’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or just when you’re in the mood for a comforting homemade pizza.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 2 2/3 cups flour: Provides the structure and base of the pizza dough.
• 3/4 cup powdered milk: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: Feeds the yeast and gives the dough a subtle sweetness.
• 1 package quick rise yeast: The key ingredient to making the dough rise quickly and evenly.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• 1 2/3 cups warm water (110-115°F): Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.

For the Filling:

• 1/2 lb Italian sausage: Adds a savory, herby flavor to the filling.
• 1/2 lb ground chuck: A hearty, flavorful meat to complement the sausage.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper: For seasoning the meat mixture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the meat and balances the spices.
• 1 (8oz) block mozzarella cheese: The perfect cheese for melting and topping the pizza.

For the Sauce (Made the Day Before):

• 1 (6oz) can tomato paste: The base of the sauce, providing rich, tangy flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups water: Thins out the tomato paste for a perfect pizza sauce consistency.
• 1/3 cup olive oil: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For an aromatic kick and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon pepper: Adds a little heat and flavor to the sauce.
• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano: A classic pizza herb, adding Italian flavor.
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil: For a slightly sweet, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomato.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a warm, woodsy note to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making School Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). You want a hot oven to get that crispy, golden crust that’s characteristic of school pizza.
2. Prepare the Pan: Spray an 18×13-inch sheet pan with Pam or cooking spray. Lay down a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
   • 2 2/3 cups flour
   • 3/4 cup powdered milk
   • 2 tablespoons sugar
   • 1 package quick rise yeast
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   Whisk the ingredients together until evenly blended.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour 1 2/3 cups warm water (110-115°F) and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to form. Don’t worry about lumps—just make sure there are no dry spots.
5. Spread the Dough: Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and use your fingertips to spread it evenly across the surface. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 minutes and then try again.
6. Pre-bake the Crust: Bake the dough for 8-10 minutes, just until the crust begins to firm up. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Meats: In a skillet, brown 1/2 lb Italian sausage and 1/2 lb ground chuck over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to season. Once the meats are cooked and crumbly, drain off any excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Make the Sauce: The night before, combine all the following ingredients in a saucepan:
   • 1 (6oz) can tomato paste
   • 1 1/2 cups water
   • 1/3 cup olive oil
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1 teaspoon pepper
   • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
   • 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
   • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
   Simmer on low for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Store in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread the Sauce: Once the crust is partially baked, spread a generous amount of sauce over the entire surface of the crust.
2. Add the Meat: Sprinkle the cooked meat mixture evenly over the sauce.
3. Add the Cheese: Grate or slice the 1 (8oz) block mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it generously over the meat.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake the Pizza: Return the pizza to the oven and bake at 475°F (245°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
2. Let it Rest: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to stand for 5 minutes. This will make it easier to cut and serve.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Cut your pizza into slices and serve hot! You’ll be transported back to the days of school pizza with every bite. The perfect combination of a crispy crust, savory meat filling, and melted cheese makes this pizza the ultimate comfort food.

Final Thoughts on School Pizza

This School Pizza recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful pizza with a satisfying, nostalgic twist. The homemade sauce, flavorful meat filling, and crispy crust will make this recipe a family favorite in no time. The best part? It’s simple to make, and the results are absolutely delicious.