Sure! Here’s a classic version of the “school cafeteria-style pizza” recipe, popular in many American schools from the 1970s through the 1990s. It’s known for its rectangular shape, thick crust, and slightly sweet tomato sauce.
🍕 Classic School Cafeteria Pizza Recipe
📦 Ingredients:
For the Dough:
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1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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2 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Sauce:
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for thickness)
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp oregano
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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Optional: slices of pepperoni, diced green peppers, onions, cooked ground beef, or sausage
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
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In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Add salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Mix well.
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Add more flour ½ cup at a time until dough forms and is no longer sticky.
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Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes.
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Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
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Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Simmer on the stove for 15–20 minutes for deeper flavor, or use as is.
3. Preheat & Prepare Pan:
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Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
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Grease a 9×13 or 10×15 baking sheet (or use parchment paper).
4. Assemble the Pizza:
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Punch down dough and press it evenly into the pan.
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Spread sauce evenly over dough.
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Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and desired toppings.
5. Bake:
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
6. Cool & Serve:
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Let cool slightly before slicing into rectangles (for that nostalgic cafeteria feel).
🧑🏫 Notes:
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Some schools used a bit of powdered milk or added cheese to the dough for richness.
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You can recreate the classic square slices by using a pizza cutter or sharp knife after baking.