Remember those classic rectangular pizza slices from school lunches? Soft, doughy crust, slightly crispy edges, and that nostalgic cheese and sauce combo? This homemade version brings back all those memories—but even better! Made with simple ingredients and a no-fuss method, this school cafeteria-style pizza is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or just reliving those childhood lunches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The perfect balance of soft and crispy, just like school pizza
- Easy to make with pantry staples
- Feeds a crowd and reheats well for leftovers
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Yeast
- Warm water
- Sugar
- Olive oil
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Pepperoni or other toppings (optional)
Full list of ingredients and measurements below.
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes until foamy. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead until smooth. Cover and let it rise for an hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Pre-Bake the Crust
Roll out the dough into a large rectangle and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 8 minutes—this helps create that signature slightly crisp yet soft texture.
Add the Sauce and Cheese
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan generously on top. Add pepperoni or any other toppings if using.
Bake to Perfection
Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For the most authentic taste, use part-skim mozzarella for that stretchy, slightly chewy texture.
- Pre-baking the crust helps prevent sogginess and gives the pizza that school lunch feel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for the best texture. If your kitchen is cold, place it in an oven with the light on.
- A light sprinkle of oregano or garlic powder before baking adds extra flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap mozzarella for a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra cheesiness.
- Use whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier twist.
- Top with sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers for variety.
- Try a white sauce or BBQ sauce instead of traditional pizza sauce for a fun twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair with a side of ranch, garlic butter, or marinara for dipping. Serve with a simple side salad or classic cafeteria-style crinkle fries for the full nostalgic experience. A glass of lemonade or chocolate milk completes the throwback meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes for the best texture, or pop it in the air fryer for a crispy finish. If freezing, wrap slices tightly in foil and bake straight from frozen when ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! If you’re short on time, pre-made pizza dough works great. Just roll it out and follow the same baking instructions.
Why is my pizza crust too dense?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and allow the dough enough time to rise. Over-kneading can also make the crust tough.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out and baking.
How do I get the cheese to melt like cafeteria pizza?
Use pre-shredded part-skim mozzarella and bake at a high temperature. A quick broil at the end can also help create that bubbly, golden top.
Conclusion
Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza brings back all the best lunchroom memories with a fresh, homemade touch. Whether you’re making it for kids or just craving that nostalgic taste, this easy recipe is a guaranteed hit!
Print
Classic Cafeteria-Style Homemade Pizza: Nostalgic and Delicious
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices (normal servings: 6) 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza brings back all the nostalgic flavors of your favorite school lunch! With a simple crust, savory tomato sauce, melty cheese, and a satisfying crispy edge, this pizza is just like the ones served in the cafeteria, but made right at home. Perfect for kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 2 TBSP cornmeal
- 1 recipe of homemade pizza dough or 1 lb of refrigerated pizza dough from your local grocery’s deli department
- 1/2–1 cup pizza sauce, to taste
- 2–3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional toppings of choice, if desired: pepperoni, cooked sausage or ground beef, diced peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, ham, pineapple, fresh basil, etc.
- Optional: Garlic powder, dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475F. Add olive oil to a 10×15″ jellyroll pan and usea brush to spread it over the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Press dough into the pan, stretching it to fit the entire pan as much as possible.
- Spread sauce over the entire surface of the pizza dough, all the way to the edges. Use more or less sauce depending on your preference.
- Sprinkle cheese over the sauce, extending to the edges. Use more or less, depending on your preferences. For a pizza this size, I usually use 3 cups of cheese, but you can use 2 cups if you’re planning to add more toppings or don’t like a lot of cheese.
- Add any other toppings you’d like. If desired, sprinkle with garlic powder and dried oregano.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before cutting into rectangles. You can use a standard pizza cutter, or I like to use a bench scraper for straighter cuts.
Notes
- You can find refrigerated pizza dough at your local grocery store’s deli counter, typically in 1-lb bags. It’s usually very inexpensive, and can be a great shortcut. Keep in mind if you are using refrigerated pizza dough, be sure to let your dough come to room temperature before working with it. This will make it much more manageable and easier to stretch.
- Feel free to adjust quantities of sauce, cheese, and toppings based on your family’s preferences–the sky’s the limit!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: : 1 slice
- Calories: 263
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 474mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
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