Original School Pizza Recipe – A Classic Cafeteria Favorite

If you’ve ever longed for that nostalgic slice of rectangular school cafeteria pizza, you’re in for a treat. This Original School Pizza Recipe brings back the soft, slightly chewy crust, flavorful meat topping, and rich homemade sauce that defined lunchroom classics across America.

Perfect for feeding a crowd or simply reliving your childhood, this recipe is easy to make at home with simple ingredients and rewarding results.

Why You’ll Love This School Pizza Recipe

This isn’t just any pizza—it’s the retro school pizza you remember: thick, satisfying crust, savory meats, and gooey melted cheese baked to golden perfection. Unlike today’s fast food slices, this one delivers a unique flavor and comforting texture.

Highlights:

Authentic cafeteria-style flavor
Homemade crust with pantry staples
Rich, herbed tomato sauce
Easy to freeze and reheat
Perfect for family dinners or nostalgic events

Ingredients for Original School Pizza

Crust Ingredients:

2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup powdered milk
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 packet quick-rising yeast
½ tsp salt
1 ⅔ cups warm water
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Topping:

½ pound ground sausage
½ pound ground chuck (or beef)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (optional: cheddar mix)

Sauce:

6 oz tomato paste
1½ cups water
⅓ cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tbsp dried oregano
½ tbsp dried basil
½ tbsp dried rosemary

How to Make Original School Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line an 11×13 baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered milk, yeast, sugar, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine warm water with vegetable oil.
Gradually add the water mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon. It’s okay if the dough has lumps, but avoid dry flour pockets.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. If it resists spreading, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes or until lightly set.
Remove from oven and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, and all seasonings (salt, pepper, oregano, basil, rosemary).
Spread the sauce evenly over the pre-baked crust.

Step 4: Cook and Add the Meat

In a skillet, brown the sausage and ground chuck with salt and pepper.
Drain excess grease, then sprinkle the cooked meat evenly over the sauce-covered crust.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Generously sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.

Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing into squares.
Serve warm and enjoy the taste of old-school lunchroom memories!

Tips for the Best School Pizza

Use powdered milk for a truly authentic flavor in the crust.
Make the sauce a day ahead to allow the herbs to bloom.
You can customize the topping by adding pepperoni, mushrooms, or green peppers.
For crispier crust, preheat the pan before adding the dough.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Warm in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 1 minute per slice.

Final Thoughts

Recreate the classic cafeteria experience at home with this Original School Pizza Recipe. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor—just like the slices you remember from childhood. Whether you’re sharing with family or savoring it solo, this dish brings the nostalgia straight to your kitchen.

For more details, visit the full recipe

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