The School Pizza Recipe

If you’re craving a slice that brings back warm memories of school lunches and childhood comfort, then you’re going to cherish The School Pizza Recipe. This special homemade pizza boasts a perfect balance of crispy crust, savory meat, and rich, flavorful sauce, just like the kind you remember but better because you get to make it yourself. It’s a timeless, hearty dish that makes feeding a hungry crowd easy and exciting, with that classic, nostalgic taste baked right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of The School Pizza Recipe comes from its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays an essential role—from the tender crust to the robust sausage and the blend of spices that lift the sauce into something truly special.

• Flour (2-2/3 cups): The foundation for a tender and sturdy pizza crust that holds all your toppings with ease.
• Powdered milk (3/4 cup): Adds a subtle richness to the dough while giving it a soft, satisfying texture.
• Sugar (2 tablespoons): Helps activate the yeast for a fluffy crust with just a touch of sweetness.
• Quick rise yeast (1 package): Speeds up the rise time so you won’t be waiting all day for your dough.
• Salt (1 teaspoon for the dough; plus more for seasoning): Enhances every flavor, from crust to sauce to meat.
• Warm water (1-2/3 cups, 110-115°F): The perfect temperature to wake up the yeast and create dough that’s easy to work with.
• Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the dough moist and tender while adding a subtle flavor.
• Italian sausage (1/2 lb): Packed with herbs and spices, it’s the savory heart of your topping mix.
• Ground chuck (1/2 lb): Adds rich, juicy meatiness that complements the sausage perfectly.
• Pepper (1/2 teaspoon for meat; 1 teaspoon for sauce): Adds just enough kick to keep things interesting.
• Mozzarella cheese (8 oz block): Melts into a gooey, creamy layer that makes every bite heavenly.
• Tomato paste (6 oz can): The base for a rich, concentrated sauce bursting with flavor.
• Water (1 1/2 cups for sauce): Balances the tomato paste and creates the perfect sauce consistency.
• Olive oil (1/3 cup): Adds depth and a silky finish to the sauce.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and complexity.
• Oregano (1/2 tablespoon dried): Classic herb that brings that familiar pizza flair.
• Basil (1/2 tablespoon dried): Sweet and fragrant, it rounds out the herb medley beautifully.
• Rosemary (1/2 teaspoon dried): A subtle, earthy note that lifts the sauce’s flavor profile.

How to Make The School Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 475°F, ensuring it’s hot enough to give your crust that perfect crisp. Line an 18×13 inch sheet pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it—this makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your pizza crust from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt until everything is evenly combined. This blend is the secret behind a dough that’s tender and full of subtle flavor.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix the vegetable oil into the warm water to infuse moisture and richness. Pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon. Don’t worry if you see lumps—just make sure there are no pockets of dry flour hiding. This dough is forgiving and you want it slightly sticky but cohesive.

Step 4: Spread the Dough

Use your fingertips to spread the dough evenly across your prepared sheet pan. If it resists stretching, simply let it rest for 5 minutes, giving the gluten a chance to relax—this makes it easier to shape.

Step 5: Par-Bake the Crust

Slipping the dough into your preheated oven, bake it for 8-10 minutes until it just begins to set and lightly browns. This step ensures your crust stays crisp once it’s topped with sauce and cheese later on.

Step 6: Brown the Meat

While the crust bakes, heat a skillet over medium and cook the Italian sausage and ground chuck together. Season with salt and pepper, breaking the meat into crumbles. Drain any excess fat to keep the pizza from getting greasy—this meat mixture is all about deep, savory flavor.

Step 7: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary. This homemade sauce brings a herbaceous, garlicky richness unlike anything from a can.

Step 8: Assemble the Pizza

Spread your freshly made sauce over the partially baked crust, covering every inch for maximum flavor. Then, sprinkle the browned meat evenly over the sauce for that classic pizza aroma and taste that everyone loves.

Step 9: Top with Cheese

Generously shred the mozzarella and blanket the pizza with it. This cheese is the gooey, melty layer that ties all the toppings together into one joyous bite.

Step 10: Final Bake

Return the pizza to the oven for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starts to turn golden brown. This final bake seals all your hard work into a hot, delicious meal.

Step 11: Rest Before Slicing

Let the pizza sit for 5 minutes after baking. This resting time allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut and ensuring no toppings slide off when served.

How to Serve The School Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to kick things up a notch, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over your pizza just before serving. These simple garnishes add pops of color and a fresh or spicy punch that brings The School Pizza Recipe to life.

Side Dishes

Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some crunchy veggie sticks with ranch dip to balance out the richness of the meat and cheese. These refreshing sides complement the heartiness and keep the meal feeling balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the pizza into smaller squares or even finger-sized strips that everyone can grab easily—perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners. You can also serve it alongside a selection of dipping sauces like garlic butter or a spicy marinara for extra flavor variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The School Pizza Recipe tastes wonderful the next day! Just cover leftovers with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. This protects the crust from becoming tough while keeping flavors fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover pizza slices wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight or bake directly from frozen for a crispy, warm treat anytime.

Reheating

To reheat without losing that delicious crispness, pop your pizza slices into a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for The School Pizza Recipe?

Absolutely! While the combination of Italian sausage and ground chuck is classic, feel free to substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat alternative to suit your preferences.

Is powdered milk necessary in the dough?

Powdered milk adds tenderness and a subtle richness that elevates the crust’s texture, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can try substituting with an equal amount of regular milk or just omit it—your dough will still turn out tasty.

How thick should I spread the dough in the pan?

Spread the dough evenly to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This thickness creates a crust that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside—perfect for holding all those delicious toppings.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to three days or can be frozen in an airtight container. Making it ahead means less prep time and more flavor melding.

What does the powdered milk do in The School Pizza Recipe?

It enriches the dough, making it more tender and giving it a slight chewiness that replicates that nostalgic school pizza texture you’re aiming for. It’s a little trick that makes a big difference.

Final Thoughts

If you want to bring a comforting classic back to your dinner table, The School Pizza Recipe is your go-to for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Its nostalgic charm, combined with fresh homemade goodness, turns an everyday meal into a shared experience full of memories and smiles. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen!

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