Description
School lunch pizza delivers nostalgic comfort straight from childhood memories. Crispy crust, tangy sauce, and melted cheese combine for a classic American lunch that connects generations of students.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ⅓ cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¾ cup instant non-fat dry milk powder
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ tsps active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsps vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp shortening (for greasing the pan)
- 1 ½ tbsps cornmeal (for dusting the pan)
- Optional: pepperoni slices
- Optional: cooked ground beef
- Optional: diced bell peppers
- Optional: other preferred toppings
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Combine flour, dry milk powder, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour warm water and vegetable oil, mixing until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms. Let the mixture rest, covered, for 20 minutes to activate yeast and develop flavors.
- Pan Preparation: Preheat the oven to 475F (246C). Generously grease a half-sheet pan with shortening and sprinkle cornmeal to prevent sticking and add a crispy texture.
- Dough Spreading: Spread the rested dough across the prepared pan, using fingertips or a spatula to ensure even coverage. If the dough sticks, lightly oil hands. Allow the dough to rest for an additional 10 minutes, then pre-bake for 8-10 minutes until set but still pale.
- Topping Application: Remove the partially baked crust and spread pizza sauce, leaving a small border around the edges. Lavishly cover with shredded mozzarella cheese and add desired toppings for personalized flavor.
- Final Baking and Serving: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles, and the crust turns golden brown. Remove from the oven, let cool briefly, then slice into classic rectangular pieces. Serve hot and enjoy the nostalgic school cafeteria-style pizza.
Notes
- Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 110-115°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating a soft, rising dough.
- Prevent Sticky Dough: Lightly oil hands and work surface when stretching dough to prevent excessive sticking and maintain smooth texture.
- Customize Toppings Strategically: Use lightweight toppings to avoid weighing down the crust, ensuring crispy and evenly baked pizza base.
- Control Moisture Levels: Pat wet ingredients like vegetables dry before adding to prevent soggy crust and maintain ideal crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 39
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg