The School Pizza Recipe

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Ah, school pizza—just the mention of it brings back waves of nostalgia! For many of us, this was the highlight of the cafeteria menu. The rectangular shape, the crispy edges, the gooey cheese, and the satisfying bite of seasoned ground beef—school pizza had a special way of making even the simplest lunch memorable. Now, I’m bringing that same childhood classic to your kitchen, with a recipe that’s easy to recreate and sure to please the whole family.

A Nostalgic Bite of School Pizza

Recreating school pizza at home is all about getting the flavors and textures just right. From the slightly chewy crust to the rich, tangy tomato sauce and perfectly melted cheese, every element plays a role in making this dish so beloved.

This homemade version is not only incredibly delicious but also customizable. Whether you’re making it for a quick family dinner, a nostalgic gathering, or just because you miss those school days, this recipe will transport you straight back to the cafeteria with every bite!

Ingredients for The School Pizza Recipe

To bring this nostalgic dish to life, you’ll need some simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a part in recreating the flavors and textures of the classic school pizza.

• Pizza Dough – You can use homemade or store-bought dough. Aim for a slightly thick dough to mimic that classic cafeteria crust.
• Pizza Sauce – A tangy, slightly sweet tomato sauce is key. You can use store-bought or make your own for an extra touch of flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella gives that gooey, stretchy texture we all remember.
• Ground Beef – Cooked and seasoned ground beef is the star topping of this pizza, just like the original.
• Italian Seasoning – A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme adds a familiar depth of flavor to the pizza.
• Olive Oil – Used to grease the pan and brush the dough, creating a golden, crispy edge.

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How to Make The School Pizza

Recreating school pizza is surprisingly simple and incredibly fun. Follow these easy steps to bring the cafeteria favorite to your table:

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a rectangular baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2:
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to fit your baking sheet. Place the dough on the prepared sheet, pressing it gently into the edges to create a slight crust.

Step 3:
Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, ensuring full coverage.

Step 5:
Top the cheese with seasoned ground beef. To prepare, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with a pinch of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until browned and fully cooked.

Step 6:
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges have a nice crispiness.

Step 7:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing into rectangular pieces—just like the original school version! Serve warm and enjoy.

How Long to Bake School Pizza

Getting the baking time right is key to achieving that perfect balance of a crispy crust, bubbly cheese, and tender toppings. Here are the general baking guidelines for this nostalgic dish:

• Thin Crust – Bake for 12–15 minutes at 450°F (232°C) for a crispier, lighter crust.
• Thicker Crust (Classic School Style) – Bake for 15–18 minutes for a soft yet slightly crispy edge, ensuring the cheese melts evenly.

Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden brown, the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, and the edges look perfectly crisp.

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How to Store Leftover School Pizza

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you can store them easily and enjoy the pizza later!

• Refrigerator – Place leftover slices in an airtight container or wrap them in aluminum foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer for a crispy result, or microwave for a quicker option.
• Freezer – Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect School Pizza

These helpful tips will ensure your pizza comes out just like you remember—maybe even better!

• Don’t Overload the Toppings – Keep the sauce, cheese, and ground beef evenly distributed to ensure even baking.
• Pre-Cook the Beef – Make sure the ground beef is fully cooked before adding it to the pizza to avoid extra grease and ensure it’s flavorful.
• Customize Your Seasoning – Add garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the ground beef for a flavor boost.
• Use a Rectangular Pan – Stick to a rectangular baking sheet for that classic cafeteria look and feel.
• Let the Pizza Rest – After baking, let the pizza cool slightly before cutting. This allows the cheese to set and makes slicing easier.

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