School pizza, with its rectangular slices and gooey cheese, is a nostalgic staple for many. Recreating this beloved classic at home allows you to indulge in those fond memories while enjoying the freshness and quality of homemade ingredients. In this guide, we’ll delve into the step-by-step process of making School Pizza from scratch. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade version that rivals the cafeteria classic!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 2/3 cups Flour
- 3/4 cup Powdered Milk
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 packet Yeast
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 2/3 cups Luke Warm Water
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
For the Fillings:
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 lb Ground chuck
- 1/2 tbsp Pepper
- 1/2 tbsp Salt
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese
For the Sauce:
- 6 oz Canned tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Minced garlic
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp Pepper
- 1/2 tbsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tbsp Dried basil
- 1/2 tbsp Dried rosemary
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Gradually add lukewarm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Fillings:
- In a skillet, cook Italian sausage and ground chuck over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Season the cooked meats with pepper and salt. Set aside to cool.
- Shred the mozzarella cheese and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine canned tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried rosemary.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble and Bake the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. Roll out each half into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to greased baking sheets.
- Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top the sauce with the cooked Italian sausage, ground chuck, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice and Serve:
- Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Use a pizza cutter to slice the pizzas into squares.
- Serve hot and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of homemade School Pizza!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat fillings and load your pizza with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives for a vegetarian version.
- Customize Your Sauce: Adjust the seasonings in the sauce according to your taste preferences. Add more or less garlic, basil, or oregano to suit your palate.
- Extra Cheese: For cheese lovers, add additional shredded mozzarella or your favorite cheese blend for an extra cheesy pizza experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time? Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and baking.
- Can I Freeze the Pizza? Absolutely! Once baked, allow the pizza to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until warmed through.
- Can I Use Store-Bought Dough and Sauce? If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough and sauce as a convenient alternative. However, making the dough and sauce from scratch adds a homemade touch and allows you to control the quality of the ingredients.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s a modified version of the recipe:
- Keto Crust: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb crust alternative. You can also experiment with cauliflower crust for an even lower carb option.
- Sugar-Free Sauce: Use canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes seasoned with keto-friendly herbs and spices instead of canned tomato paste and omit the sugar.
- Low-Carb Toppings: Stick to low-carb toppings like cooked bacon, pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Load up on cheese for added flavor and richness.
Homemade School Pizza is a delicious and nostalgic treat that’s sure to bring back fond memories of lunchtime favorites. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the iconic flavors of cafeteria pizza in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this homemade version is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite of this classic dish!
