Classic School Cafeteria Pizza

🍕 Classic School Cafeteria Pizza (Retro Rectangle Style)

🍽️ Serves: 8–10

🕒 Total Time: ~1 hour (plus rising time)

🛒 Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant dry yeast

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp sugar (optional)

• Salt to taste

For the Toppings:

• 2–3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional – adds that classic school vibe)

• Pepperoni, diced green peppers, or sausage (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 mins until foamy.

2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until combined, then knead on a floured surface for 5–7 mins until smooth.

3. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 1 hour).

2. Make the Sauce:

• Mix all sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning. No cooking needed!

3. Shape & Parbake the Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. Grease a rimmed 13×18-inch baking sheet (or two smaller ones).

3. Press dough into the sheet, stretching it to the edges.

4. Parbake crust for 7–8 minutes until just set but not browned.

4. Assemble the Pizza:

1. Spread sauce evenly over crust (you may not use all of it).

2. Sprinkle cheese generously, then add any toppings.

5. Bake:

• Return to oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden brown.

6. Slice & Serve:

• Let cool for a few minutes, then slice into those classic rectangle pieces.

🧃 Optional Nostalgia Pairing:

Serve with chocolate milk or a tiny carton of fruit punch for full flashback effect.