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Classic School Pizza Recipe

Classic School Pizza Recipe

Relive your childhood with this easy-to-make school pizza recipe. This recipe captures the nostalgic flavor and texture of cafeteria pizza, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

A Slice of Nostalgia: The Story of School Pizza

School pizza holds a special place in the hearts of many. It's a symbol of simpler times, cafeteria lunches, and shared memories. While the exact origins of school pizza are somewhat mysterious, its popularity in American schools boomed in the mid-20th century as a convenient and affordable way to feed large numbers of students.

Why School Pizza Tastes So Unique

The unique taste and texture of school pizza can be attributed to a few key factors: the thick, slightly sweet crust, the simple tomato sauce, and the generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Often, it's baked in large sheet pans, giving it a distinctive rectangular shape.

Tips for Recreating the School Pizza Experience

To truly capture the essence of school pizza, don't skimp on the cheese and don't be afraid to use a slightly sweeter tomato sauce. Baking it in a sheet pan is essential for achieving that authentic texture. And of course, serving it with a carton of milk is highly recommended!

Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
25m
Servings
6
Difficulty
Easy
Course
lunch
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Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) package pizza dough
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a 12x17 inch baking sheet.

  2. 2.

    Roll out pizza dough on the prepared baking sheet. Press to the edges.

  3. 3.

    Brush the dough with olive oil.

  4. 4.

    In a bowl, combine tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  5. 5.

    Spread the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the pizza dough.

  6. 6.

    Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

  7. 7.

    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  8. 8.

    Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories
350
Protein
15g
Carbs
40g
Fat
15g

Equipment

  • 12x17 inch baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Oven

Tips

  • For a sweeter sauce, add a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce mixture.
  • If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the sauce and cheese.
  • Add your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni or vegetables, to customize your pizza.

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