Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza – Get ready to relive your childhood. With this Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza. This easy recipe takes you back. To those nostalgic lunchroom days. Featuring a soft, thick crust. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. And your favorite toppings. Perfect for family dinners. Or a fun cooking activity with the kids.
The first time I made this pizza. I was taken back to my school days. The smell alone. Brought back memories of lunchtime excitement. And trading slices with friends. When my husband and child tried it. They were instantly hooked. It quickly became a family favorite. And now it’s a must-have. In our weekly meal rotation.
What makes this Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza truly special?
This Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza. Is not just about nostalgia. The unique batter-like dough. Creates a thick, airy crust. That’s different from your usual pizza. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Add your favorite toppings. And customize it to your liking. It’s a fun and delicious way. To bring everyone together in the kitchen. And at the dinner table.
What You Need To Make This Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza Recipe?
Shortening: This is key. For giving the crust a crispy edge. It also adds a bit of that classic cafeteria pizza flavor.
Cornmeal: It’s a little trick. To prevent the dough from sticking. And gives the crust a nice texture.
Yeast: Essential for that fluffy crust. Make sure your water is warm. Not hot. To activate the yeast properly.
Water: Warm water helps dissolve the yeast. And gets it working.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough. All-purpose works great. For this classic crust.
Instant non-fat dry milk powder: Adds a touch of creaminess. And helps with the texture of the crust.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast. And helps the crust brown nicely.
Salt: Essential for flavor.
Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Pizza sauce: Choose your favorite brand. Or make your own. For a personal touch.
Mozzarella cheese: The star of any pizza. Giving you that perfect, gooey topping.
Pizza toppings of your choice: Personalize it! Pepperoni, veggies, or even extra cheese—whatever you love.
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Steps To Make Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475ºF and grease a half-sheet pan with 1 tablespoon of shortening. Sprinkle some cornmeal over it to prevent sticking. And add a nice crunch.
Step 2: In a stand mixer, dissolve the yeast in warm water. And let it stand for 4-5 minutes until it gets foamy.
Step 3: Add the flour, dry milk powder, sugar, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Using the whisk attachment. Mix for about 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit lumpy—that’s normal.
Step 4: Spread the dough into the prepared pan and let it rest for 20 minutes. This gives the dough a chance to rise and get all fluffy.
Step 5: Bake the crust for 10 minutes to give it a good head start.
Step 6: Remove the crust from the oven. Spread your favorite pizza sauce over it. Add your toppings and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Pop the pizza back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Or until the cheese is melted. And starts to brown.
Step 8: Slice it up and serve! Enjoy your trip down memory lane. With this nostalgic pizza.
Tip:
For an extra crispy crust. Try pre-baking the crust for an additional 5 minutes. Before adding your toppings. This step. Ensures the crust has a sturdy base. And won’t get soggy. Under the weight of the sauce and toppings. Also, if you like a bit of a garlic kick. Melt a tablespoon of butter. Mix in some minced garlic. Brush this mixture over the edges of the crust. Just before the final bake. This gives you pizza. An irresistible aroma. And a scrumptious garlic taste. That complements the toppings perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes. You can substitute whole wheat flour. But the texture will be denser. You may need to adjust the water content slightly.
What other toppings work well with this pizza?
Feel free to get creative! Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives. These are all great options.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the dough. And par-bake the crust ahead of time. Store it in the fridge. Add toppings just before the final bake.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Homemade School Cafeteria Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- 1½ tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 0.25-ounces packet yeast
- 1⅔ c water
- 2½ c all-purpose flour
- ¾ c instant non-fat dry milk powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons oil
- 1⅓ c pizza sauce or to taste
- 2 c shredded mozzarella cheese or to taste
- Pizza toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475ºF. Grease a half-sheet pan with shortening and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water. In a stand mixer. Let stand for 4-5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, dry milk powder, sugar, salt, and oil. Mix with a whisk attachment for 10 minutes. The dough might be lumpy.
- Spread dough in the pan. And let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and spread pizza sauce. Add toppings and cheese.
- Bake for another 10-15 minutes. Until the cheese is melted and browning.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
One Response
OMG!! This recipe is really good!!! Thank you!!