School Pizza Recipe

Remember the excitement of pizza day in the school cafeteria? That rectangular slice of pizza, topped with melted cheese and savory sausage, was a beloved treat for many kids. The School Pizza Recipe is a nostalgic throwback to those simpler times, bringing the joy of cafeteria-style pizza right to your home kitchen.

Perfectly baked on a large sheet pan, this pizza recipe is simple, comforting, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re recreating your favorite school lunch for your kids or indulging in a little culinary nostalgia, this recipe is sure to bring back fond memories.

Ingredients:

• 1 refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough, if preferred)
• 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cooked sausage crumbles (or your preferred topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or extra herbs for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step-by-Step Method to Make School Pizza

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large sheet pan with olive oil to ensure your pizza doesn’t stick and develops a nice crust.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough onto the prepared sheet pan. Use your hands to stretch the dough to the edges of the pan, creating an even base for your pizza. Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to add extra flavor.
3. Add the Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. The sauce layer should be generous enough to cover the dough but not too thick.
4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, covering it completely. The cheese will melt into a delicious, gooey layer as the pizza bakes.
5. Add the Sausage: Scatter the cooked sausage crumbles evenly across the pizza. You can adjust the amount of sausage based on your preference, or swap it out for other toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or veggies.
6. Bake the Pizza: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, and adjust the cooking time as needed based on your oven.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares, just like the classic school lunch style. Serve warm, straight from the pan.

Tips for Making the Perfect School Pizza

• Customize the Toppings: While sausage is a classic topping, feel free to add pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, or any of your favorite pizza toppings.
• Make It Extra Cheesy: For an even richer flavor, mix some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese with the mozzarella.
• Use a Homemade Dough: If you have the time, try making your own pizza dough for an even more authentic homemade touch.
• Serve with Dips: Offer sides of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping to recreate the full cafeteria experience.