This Old School Cafeteria Pizza is a nostalgic throwback to the rectangular slices served in school lunchrooms. It features a soft, slightly chewy crust, a rich tomato-based sauce, and a generous layer of gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re craving a taste of childhood or just want a simple, satisfying homemade pizza, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 â…” cups bread flour
- ¾ cup non-fat dry milk powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet pizza yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 â…” cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce
- 12 ounces pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings
- ½ pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- ½ pound lean ground beef, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Pepperoni slices (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, dry milk powder, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Microwave the water for about 1 minute, then mix in vegetable oil.
- Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Spread the dough evenly onto a greased 18×13-inch sheet pan, pressing it to the edges.
- Let the dough rest for 5 minutes before spreading it further if needed.
- Pre-Bake the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Bake the crust for 6-8 minutes, until it starts to firm up but is not fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the sauce evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage and ground beef over the sauce.
- Add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Top with pepperoni slices, if using.
- Bake the Pizza
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing into rectangular pieces.
Tips for the Best School Pizza
- Use a sheet pan to achieve the classic cafeteria-style rectangular shape.
- Let the dough rest before spreading to prevent shrinking.
- Customize the toppings with mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
This Old School Cafeteria Pizza is a fun and easy way to recreate a childhood favorite at home. Would you like a variation, such as a breakfast pizza version or a gluten-free alternative? 😊