Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about the simple joys of school lunches? That warm, cheesy, slightly crispy-edged slice of pizza served in the cafeteria always seemed to be the highlight of the week. Today, we’re bringing that nostalgic favorite right into your kitchen with this easy-to-make School Pizza recipe! It’s a perfect trip down memory lane and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up this nostalgic treat:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage, mild
- 3 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 (13-ounce) jar pizza sauce
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 400℉. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over a half sheet pan, then spread it evenly with a pastry brush. Sprinkle the pan with cornmeal to create that classic textured crust foundation.
Step 2: Stretch the Dough
Take your pizza dough and stretch it into a rectangle to fit the pan. If it resists stretching, let it rest for about 5 minutes to relax—this makes it much easier to work with.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until it shimmers. Add the ground sausage and Italian seasoning, sautéing for about 7–8 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess oil to keep the pizza from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Prebake the Crust
Place the stretched dough in the oven and bake for 7–8 minutes. This step ensures a slightly crispy base that won’t turn soggy under the toppings. Remove from the oven once it begins to take on a bit of color.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the prebaked crust, making sure to reach all edges (because who doesn’t love sauce in every bite?). Scatter the cooked sausage evenly over the sauce, then top generously with shredded mozzarella.
Step 6: Final Bake
Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes. The cheese should be fully melted and starting to turn a lovely golden brown. Remove from the oven, slice into 8 rectangles, and serve!
Helpful Tips for Perfect School Pizza
- Don’t skip the prebake: This step ensures the crust stays crisp and sturdy, even under the toppings.
- Customize your sausage: For a little heat, swap mild sausage for spicy Italian sausage.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella: It melts better and has a creamier texture than pre-shredded options.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat-Free Option: Skip the sausage and opt for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
- Dough Swap: No pizza dough? Try using pre-made flatbread or even crescent roll dough for a fun variation.
- Cheese Alternatives: Blend mozzarella with cheddar for a slightly tangier flavor, or sprinkle on some Parmesan for extra richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! If you have the time, homemade dough will elevate this recipe. A simple mix of flour, yeast, water, and olive oil works beautifully.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Let the pizza cool completely, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
What if I don’t have a half sheet pan?
A large baking dish or even a rimmed cookie sheet will work in a pinch. Just ensure the dough is evenly spread for consistent baking.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in a 350℉ oven for about 5–7 minutes to revive that crispy crust and gooey cheese.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Now it’s your turn to relive those carefree school days with this delightful School Pizza recipe. Whether you’re sharing it with your family or enjoying a slice solo, this nostalgic dish is bound to bring back warm memories and big smiles. Happy cooking! 🍕
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School Pizza Recipe – Easy Nostalgic Classic for Family Dinners
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Take a trip down memory lane with this nostalgic School Pizza recipe! Perfectly crisp crust, hearty sausage, rich pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella come together to recreate that classic cafeteria favorite. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—ideal for family dinners or a fun throwback meal.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage, mild
- 3 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 (13-ounce) jar pizza sauce
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 400℉. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over a half sheet pan and brush it evenly. Sprinkle with cornmeal for a classic texture.
- Stretch the Dough: Stretch the pizza dough into a rectangle to fit the pan. Let it rest for 5 minutes if it resists stretching.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and Italian seasoning. Cook for 7–8 minutes until no longer pink, then drain any excess oil.
- Prebake the Crust: Bake the dough for 7–8 minutes, until it begins to take on a light color. Remove from the oven.
- Assemble: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the sausage over the sauce, followed by mozzarella.
- Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. Remove, slice into 8 pieces, and serve.
Notes
- Make it vegetarian: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- No pizza dough? Use store-bought flatbread or crescent roll dough for a quick fix.
- Reheating tip: Reheat slices in the oven at 350℉ to keep the crust crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes