This recipe replicates the nostalgic, thick-crust “School” Pizza with a savory meat topping and a rich, herby sauce, baked on a sheet pan just like the cafeteria favorite.
Classic “School” Pizza
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
Ingredient
Quantity
Flour
2 ⅔ cups
Powdered Milk
¾ cup
Sugar
2 tablespoons
Quick Rise Yeast
1 package
Salt
1 teaspoon
Warm Water (110-115°F)
1 ⅔ cups
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons
For the Filling:
Ingredient
Quantity
Italian Sausage
½ pound
Ground Chuck
½ pound
Pepper
½ teaspoon
Salt
½ teaspoon
Mozzarella Cheese (block)
1 (8 oz) block (shredded)
For the Sauce:
Ingredient
Quantity
Tomato Paste
1 (6 oz) can
Water
1 ½ cups
Olive Oil
⅓ cup
Garlic (minced)
2 cloves
Salt
1 teaspoon
Pepper
1 teaspoon
Dried Oregano
½ tablespoon
Dried Basil
½ tablespoon
Dried Rosemary
½ teaspoon
How To Make Classic “School” Pizza:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Spray an 18×13 inch sheet pan with cooking spray and lay parchment paper down.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add warm water and oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a soft, uniform batter forms.
Spread the dough evenly on the prepared sheet pan. If the dough resists spreading, let it rest for 5 minutes.
Pre-bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Brown the Italian sausage and ground chuck in a skillet until crumbled and fully cooked.
Season the meat with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Drain the excess grease and set the cooked meat aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried rosemary.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pizza
Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the partially baked crust.
Sprinkle the browned meat mixture over the sauce.
Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake at 475°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.
