Description
School cafeteria pizza brings nostalgic memories of childhood lunchtime comfort. Crispy crust, melted cheese, and simple toppings create a classic American dish that satisfies childhood cravings and offers delightful simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (454 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ⅓ cups (317 ml) pizza sauce
- 2 ½ cups (591 ml) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (180 ml) instant non-fat dry milk powder
- 1 ⅔ cups (394 ml) warm water
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ tsps active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsps vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) shortening
- 1 ½ tbsps (22 ml) cornmeal
- pepperoni slices (optional)
- cooked ground beef (optional)
- diced bell peppers (optional)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, dry milk powder, sugar, yeast, and salt. Blend warm water and vegetable oil into the dry ingredients, mixing until a slightly tacky dough forms.
- Dough Resting: Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes, allowing yeast to activate and flavors to develop. Preheat the oven to 475F (246C) during this time.
- Pan Preparation: Thoroughly coat a half-sheet pan with shortening and dust with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Spread the rested dough evenly across the pan, using oiled hands if needed, and let it settle for an additional 10 minutes.
- Initial Baking: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until set but not browned. Remove from the oven and generously spread pizza sauce, leaving a slight border around the edges.
- Topping and Final Baking: Liberally sprinkle mozzarella cheese and any desired additional toppings over the sauce. Return to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and the crust turns a delicate golden brown.
- Serving: Remove from the oven and allow to cool briefly. Slice into rectangular segments characteristic of school cafeteria style, and serve while still warm and appetizing.
Notes
- Activate Yeast Precisely: Ensure water temperature is between 105-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating perfect dough rise and texture.
- Prevent Sticky Dough: Lightly oil hands and work surface when handling dough to minimize sticking and achieve smooth, manageable consistency.
- Customize Topping Flexibility: Experiment with alternative cheese blends like part-skim mozzarella or dairy-free options for dietary adaptations, maintaining classic flavor profile.
- Achieve Crispy Crust: Use cornmeal generously on pan and preheat baking sheet to create restaurant-style crisp bottom without burning, ensuring even golden-brown texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg