Craving that nostalgic school cafeteria pizza? This School Lunch Pizza recipe will take you straight back to those childhood lunch days. Made from scratch, it’s got that slightly sweet crust, classic sauce, and delicious melted cheese that everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!
### FAQs
– Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, you can! But the homemade crust, with its powdered milk and sugar, gives the pizza that nostalgic school flavor. It’s worth the effort!
– How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
– Can I freeze this pizza?
Yes! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes.
### Ingredients:
– Crust:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup powdered milk
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon instant yeast
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup warm water (110-115°F)
– Sauce:
– 2 cans (12 oz) tomato paste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Toppings:
– 1 lb ground chuck
– 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 475°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Make the Dough:
– In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered milk, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
– In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil and warm water. Gradually add this to the dry ingredients, stirring until a slightly wet dough forms. Do not overmix.
3. Pre-Bake the Crust:
– Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly across the pan.
– Bake for 8-10 minutes. This pre-bake step helps create that perfect crust texture.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
– In a medium bowl, combine the tomato paste, minced garlic, water, olive oil, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary. Mix until smooth and well combined.
5. Cook the Ground Chuck:
– In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chuck until browned and crumbled. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess grease.
6. Assemble the Pizza:
– Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
– Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust, followed by the cooked ground chuck.
– Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat, making sure to cover the entire pizza.
7. Bake the Pizza:
– Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
– Let the pizza stand for at least 5 minutes before cutting it into squares.
### Tips for Success:
– For a softer crust: If you prefer a softer, more tender crust, cover the pizza lightly with foil while baking.
– Adjust the toppings: Customize your toppings with pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives for a different twist.
– Perfect texture: Make sure to allow the dough to rest a bit after spreading it on the baking sheet—this helps it rise slightly, giving you that light, airy crust.
### Serve & Enjoy!
Cut the pizza into squares and get ready to enjoy a bite of nostalgia. This school lunch-style pizza is perfect for parties, family dinners, or just when you want a delicious, easy meal that everyone will love.
Enjoy your trip down memory lane with this classic pizza recipe, and don’t forget to check out more delicious ideas on Ineskohl Kitchen! 🍕✨
