Description
School lunch pizza blends nostalgic flavors with simple ingredients. Classic comfort delivers a quick meal that connects generations of hungry students.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.25 cups water
- 0.75 cups instant non-fat dry milk powder
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1.33 cups pizza sauce
Pizza Base Components:
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- 1 (0.25-ounce) packet of yeast
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Seasoning and Finishing:
- 1.5 tablespoons oil
- Pizza toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 475°F (246°C) and prepare a half-sheet pan by coating with shortening and sprinkling cornmeal across the surface.
- Activate the yeast by combining it with warm water in an electric mixer bowl, allowing it to sit and become frothy for several minutes.
- Attach the whisk and incorporate flour, dry milk powder, sugar, salt, and oil into the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly for approximately 10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough develops.
- Transfer the dough onto the prepared pan, gently stretching and pressing it to cover the entire surface evenly. Allow the dough to rest momentarily, enabling slight natural rising.
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and pre-bake for 10 minutes to establish a sturdy foundation.
- Remove the partially baked crust and generously spread pizza sauce across the surface. Distribute selected toppings and generously cover with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts completely and turns golden brown with slight bubbling.
- Extract from the oven, slice into traditional square sections, and serve warm to capture the authentic school cafeteria pizza experience.
Notes
- Activate yeast carefully by using warm water between 105-115°F to ensure proper rising without killing the microorganisms.
- Cornmeal adds a delightful crispy texture and prevents the dough from sticking to the pan, mimicking authentic cafeteria-style pizza.
- For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of gluten-free flour mix and add xanthan gum to improve dough elasticity.
- Experiment with toppings like turkey pepperoni or plant-based alternatives to create healthier versions while maintaining the classic school pizza taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg