Get ready to relive your childhood with this Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza! This simple recipe will transport you back to those nostalgic lunchroom days. Featuring a soft, thick crust topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings, it’s perfect for family dinners or a fun cooking activity with the kids.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The first time I made this pizza, I was instantly taken back to my school days. The aroma alone brought back memories of lunchtime excitement and trading slices with friends. When my husband and child tried it, they were hooked! It quickly became a family favorite and is now a must-have in our weekly meal rotation.
This isn’t just about nostalgia—this pizza is unique because of its batter-like dough. It creates a thick, airy crust that’s different from your usual pizza dough. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Add your favorite toppings and customize it to your liking. It’s a delicious way to bring everyone together in the kitchen and at the table.
Ingredients needed:
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this iconic dish:
• Shortening: Key for a crispy edge and that classic cafeteria flavor.
• Cornmeal: Prevents sticking and adds a delightful texture.
• Yeast: Essential for a fluffy crust. Use warm water (not hot!) to activate it.
• Water: Dissolves the yeast and gets it working.
• All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, perfect for this classic crust.
• Instant non-fat dry milk powder: Adds a touch of creaminess and enhances the crust’s texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps the crust brown beautifully.
• Salt: Essential for flavor.
• Oil: Adds moisture and richness.
• Pizza sauce: Choose your favorite or make your own for a personal touch.
• Mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty star of this pizza.
• Toppings: Personalize it with pepperoni, veggies, or extra cheese—whatever you love!
How to Make Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza:
Follow these steps to create your own slice of nostalgia:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 475°F. Grease a half-sheet pan with 1 tablespoon of shortening, then sprinkle with cornmeal for a non-stick base and added crunch.
2. Activate Yeast:
In a stand mixer, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes until foamy.
3. Make the Dough:
Add the flour, dry milk powder, sugar, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with the whisk attachment for about 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the batter looks lumpy—it’s normal.
4. Spread and Rest:
Spread the dough onto the prepared pan and let it rest for 20 minutes to rise and fluff up.
5. Par-Bake the Crust:
Bake the crust for 10 minutes to give it a solid base.
6. Add Sauce and Toppings:
Remove the crust from the oven. Spread your favorite pizza sauce, add toppings, and generously sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
7. Final Bake:
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice it up and enjoy a trip down memory lane with this nostalgic pizza.
Tips:
• For an extra crispy crust, par-bake the dough for an additional 5 minutes before adding toppings.
• Add a garlic kick by brushing the crust with melted butter mixed with minced garlic before the final bake. This enhances the aroma and adds a delicious flavor!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Adjust the water content slightly if needed.
What toppings work well?
Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, or even extra cheese—all great options!
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dough and par-bake the crust ahead of time. Store in the fridge, then add toppings just before the final bake.
Get ready to fall in love with this family favorite! Perfect for creating new memories while reliving the old ones.
Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- 1½ tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 0.25-ounce packet yeast
- 1⅔ cups warm water
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup instant non-fat dry milk powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons oil
- 1⅓ cups pizza sauce or to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or to taste
- Your favorite pizza toppings
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F. Grease a half-sheet pan with 1 tablespoon of shortening and sprinkle with cornmeal to prevent sticking and add a slight crunch.
Activate the Yeast:
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water in a stand mixer. Let it stand for 4-5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Make the Dough:
- Add the flour, dry milk powder, sugar, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Using the whisk attachment, mix for about 10 minutes. The dough may appear lumpy—this is normal.
Spread and Rest:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Let it rest for 20 minutes to allow the dough to rise and become fluffy.
Par-Bake the Crust:
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to give it a sturdy base.
Add Sauce and Toppings:
- Remove the crust from the oven. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust, then add your desired toppings and generously sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Final Bake:
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.
Slice and Serve:
- Remove from the oven, slice into pieces, and enjoy this nostalgic treat!
