The Ultimate School Pizza Recipe: A Delicious Blast from the Past
Introduction: Transport yourself back to the nostalgia of school cafeterias with our ultimate School Pizza recipe. Recreate that familiar, cheesy delight with a homemade twist that surpasses any cafeteria experience. Whether you’re reminiscing about the good old days or introducing a new generation to the joy of school pizza, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients: For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, etc.)
Instructions: For the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
For the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce over low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assembly and Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- If using a pizza stone, transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel. If not, place the rolled-out dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, and add your favorite toppings.
- If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone in the oven. Otherwise, place the baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and enjoy!
Cook Notes:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled-out dough for 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings.
- Experiment with different cheese blends or add a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
Variations:
- Veggie Delight: Load up your pizza with a colorful array of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives.
- Meat Lover’s Paradise: For carnivores, pile on your favorite meats like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon.
Keto Version: Adapting this school pizza recipe for a keto-friendly option is simple. Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in the dough, and use a low-carb tomato sauce or make your own using fresh tomatoes. Opt for keto-friendly toppings like pepperoni, bacon, and olives. Don’t forget a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
Low-Carb Version: To reduce the carb content, use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour in the dough. Choose low-carb vegetables for toppings, and consider a sugar-free marinara sauce or make your own using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Embrace a variety of cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique low-carb twist.
Say goodbye to cafeteria memories and hello to homemade joy with our School Pizza recipe. Whether you’re crafting it for a family night or bringing back the taste of school days, this pizza is a crowd-pleaser. Customize it to suit your preferences, explore different variations, or adapt it to keto and low-carb lifestyles. Share the love and the pizza – because some classics are just too good to be forgotten. Happy baking!
