Introduction
School Pizza is a beloved throwback to cafeteria lunches of the past. Known for its soft, slightly chewy crust, simple tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese, this square or rectangular pizza holds a special place in many hearts. It’s less about gourmet toppings and more about pure comfort food — simple, satisfying, and fun to make at home for a taste of nostalgia.
Ingredients
For the crust:
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the sauce:
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
For the toppings:
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for that authentic school flavor)
Pepperoni slices, sausage, or ground beef (optional)
Instructions
Make the dough:
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add oil, salt, and flour. Mix until dough forms, then knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine tomato sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
Assemble the pizza:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Grease a rectangular baking sheet or 9×13 pan. Press dough evenly into the pan, forming a thick, soft crust.
Spread sauce evenly over dough.
Sprinkle mozzarella (and cheddar, if using) over the top. Add optional toppings if desired.
Bake:
Bake 15–20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Description
This School Pizza recipe recreates the cafeteria classic with a soft, bread-like crust, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese. Whether topped with plain cheese or classic pepperoni, each bite brings back memories of lunch trays, cartons of milk, and trading snacks with friends. It’s comfort food at its simplest and best.
Tips and Variations
Shortcut crust: Use store-bought pizza dough or refrigerated crescent roll dough if you’re short on time.
Authentic touch: Add a little cheddar cheese to the mozzarella mix for that retro school flavor.
Meat lovers: Top with crumbled cooked sausage or ground beef seasoned with Italian spices.
Healthier option: Use whole wheat flour for the crust or add extra veggies on top.
Freezer-friendly: Bake, cool, cut into squares, and freeze for a quick reheat lunch option.
Correction
Some people spread the sauce directly from the can, but seasoning the sauce makes a big difference in flavor. Taking 10 minutes to simmer spices into the tomato sauce gives the pizza its nostalgic cafeteria-style taste.
Enjoy
Serve this School Pizza hot, cut into those familiar squares or rectangles, with a side of salad or even tater tots for the full retro experience. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike!