Name: School Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup warm water; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1½ cups pizza sauce; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Remember those rectangular slices of pizza from the school cafeteria? That uniquely soft yet crispy crust, topped with slightly sweet tomato sauce and that perfectly melted government cheese? This nostalgic recreation brings back all those memories, but with ingredients you can actually pronounce.

While school lunch pizza has been the subject of many jokes, there’s something undeniably crave-worthy about its unique texture and taste. This homemade version captures that cafeteria magic while letting you control the quality of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This

Ready in under an hour – perfect for busy weeknight dinners
No special pizza equipment needed – just a standard baking sheet
Kids absolutely love it – tastes just like their school favorite
Makes great leftovers – stays soft even when reheated
Customizable with your favorite toppings while keeping that classic base

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1½ cups pizza sauce
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl
Add warm water and oil, knead until smooth (about 5 minutes)
Let dough rest for 10 minutes
Press into a greased 13×18 inch baking sheet
Spread sauce evenly over dough
Top with cheese and Italian seasoning
Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly
Cut into rectangles and serve

Tips & Variations

For authentic school pizza texture, use part-skim mozzarella
Add a tablespoon of honey to the dough for that signature sweet taste
Par-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings for extra crispiness
Try mixing in 25% whole wheat flour for a healthier twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of corn and chocolate milk for the full cafeteria experience. For a modern twist, pair with a crisp garden salad or steamed broccoli to balance out the meal.

Notes

Stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Can be frozen for up to 1 month
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator.
Why isn’t my crust as soft as school pizza? Try reducing the oven temperature to 400°F and using more oil in the dough.
Can I use pre-made dough? Yes, but the texture won’t be quite the same as the authentic school version.
What type of pan works best? A dark, non-stick baking sheet produces the best results.

School Pizza

Recipe by Full Recipe

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Remember those rectangular slices of pizza from the school cafeteria? That uniquely soft yet crispy crust, topped with slightly sweet tomato sauce and that

Servings4

Prep15 min

Cook45 min

Calories—