
Classic School Pizza Recipe
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!
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.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a 12x17 inch baking sheet.
- 2.
Roll out pizza dough on the prepared baking sheet. Press to the edges.
- 3.
Brush the dough with olive oil.
- 4.
In a bowl, combine tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 5.
Spread the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the pizza dough.
- 6.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- 7.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 8.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information
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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