The School Pizza Recipe: A Nostalgic, Cheesy Classic

Craving a slice of nostalgia that takes you back to school cafeteria days? This School Pizza Recipe, shared by Kaylee Rienhardt, delivers a homemade version of that iconic rectangular pizza with a soft, chewy crust, savory meat topping, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or a fun weekend treat, this recipe from TastyRecipeHub.com is a standout in our eBook, 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Don’t lose this recipe—let’s recreate the school pizza magic at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This School Pizza Recipe is a must-try for pizza lovers, offering:

• Nostalgic Comfort: Captures the classic school cafeteria pizza vibe.
• Hearty and Cheesy: Packed with sausage, beef, and melty mozzarella.
• Easy to Make: Simple homemade crust and sauce with minimal prep.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults who love pizza night.
• Shareable: Perfect for X posts with #TastyRecipeHub to showcase your retro pizza.

This dish is a comforting, crowd-pleasing addition to your recipe collection, just like the bold recipes in our eBook, available for just $2.99 on Gumroad.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6-8 and is prepared on an 18×13-inch sheet pan. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust:

• 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup powdered milk
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) quick-rise yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ⅔ cups warm water (110-115°F / 43-46°C)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce (Prepare a Day Ahead, Optional):

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups water
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tbsp dried oregano
• ½ tbsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried rosemary

For the Filling:

• ½ lb Italian sausage
• ½ lb ground chuck (80% lean)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 (8 oz) block mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley or basil
• Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment Needed

• 18×13-inch rimmed sheet pan
• Parchment paper
• Cooking spray (e.g., Pam)
• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan (for sauce)
• Large skillet (for meat)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Cheese grater
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Serving platter

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a nostalgic, cheesy school pizza that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce (Optional: Make a Day Ahead)

1. In a small saucepan, combine 6 oz tomato paste, 1 ½ cups water, ⅓ cup olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, ½ tbsp dried oregano, ½ tbsp dried basil, and ½ tsp dried rosemary.
2. Whisk over medium heat until smooth and simmering, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool. Refrigerate in an airtight container if making a day ahead.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Spray an 18×13-inch sheet pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup powdered milk, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 package quick-rise yeast, and 1 tsp salt.
4. Combine 1 ⅔ cups warm water (110-115°F) and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Pour into the flour mixture.
5. Stir with a wooden spoon until a batter forms, mixing until no dry spots remain. Don’t worry about small lumps.
6. Spread the dough evenly onto the prepared sheet pan using your fingertips. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.
7. Bake the crust alone for 8-10 minutes until lightly set. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Meat Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ½ lb Italian sausage and ½ lb ground chuck, breaking them apart with a spoon.
2. Season with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the partially baked crust, leaving a small border.
2. Sprinkle the cooked meat mixture evenly over the sauce.
3. Top with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (from the 8 oz block).

Step 5: Bake and Serve

1. Bake at 475°F for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese if desired.
4. Cut into rectangles with a pizza cutter or knife and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Family Pizza Night: Pair with a Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Game Day Feast: Serve with wings or nachos for a crowd-pleasing spread.
• Kid-Friendly Meal: Offer with veggie sticks or fruit for a balanced plate.
• Party Platter: Cut into smaller squares for an appetizer-style presentation.

Love This Recipe? Get More in Our eBook!

If this School Pizza Recipe has you craving more bold American dishes, check out 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. This eBook is packed with 60 recipes, like Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet, Olive Garden-Inspired Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo, and Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole, all designed for busy cooks who love vibrant flavors. For just $2.99, download it instantly on Gumroad and elevate your meals with more crowd-pleasing classics!

Customization Options

• Meat Swap: Use all sausage, pepperoni, or plant-based meat for variety.
• Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for cheddar or a pizza blend for a different flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure sausage is gluten-free.
• Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions with the meat.
• Spicy Kick: Increase black pepper or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• Freezer: Freeze baked pizza slices in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes.
• Reheating Tip: Use an oven or air fryer to restore the crust’s crispiness.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep Ahead: Make the sauce and cook the meat up to 2 days in advance; store in the fridge.
• Partial Prep: Prepare and partially bake the crust a day ahead; refrigerate and assemble before final baking.
• Quick Tip: Use pre-shredded mozzarella or pre-minced garlic to save time.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate, Based on 8 Servings)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg

Why This Recipe Shines

This School Pizza Recipe, shared by Kaylee Rienhardt, brings nostalgic cafeteria flavors to your kitchen with a homemade crust, savory meat, and cheesy goodness. Its retro charm and hearty taste make it perfect for sharing on social media, just like the bold recipes in 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Want more? Grab the eBook for just $2.99 on Gumroad!

Tips for Success

• Warm Water: Ensure water is 110-115°F for proper yeast activation.
• Even Dough: Spread dough evenly to avoid thin spots or uneven baking.
• Drain Meat: Remove excess fat from meat to prevent a greasy pizza.
• Watch the Cheese: Bake just until cheese browns lightly for the best texture.
• Rest Before Cutting: Let the pizza sit for 5 minutes to make slicing easier.

Join the Tasty Recipe Hub Community

Share your School Pizza on X with #TastyRecipeHub for a chance to be featured! For more bold American recipes, download 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple for just $2.99 on Gumroad and follow us on Pinterest or our Facebook Broadcast Channel for daily inspiration.

Enjoy your nostalgic, cheesy pizza!