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School Cafeteria Pizza

School Cafeteria Pizza

School Cafeteria Pizza is a comforting and nostalgic meal loved by kids and families alike. Featuring a chewy pizza dough base topped with tangy tomato sauce, gooey melted mozzarella cheese, and classic pepperoni slices, it’s a simple yet crowd-pleasing recipe. Easy to customize for various tastes and dietary needs, it’s perfect for quick dinners or packed lunchboxes that reheat beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 1 store-bought or homemade pizza dough (about 12-inch diameter)

Sauce

  • About 1/2 cup smooth marinara or classic pizza sauce

Cheese and Toppings

  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or alternative toppings)

Finishing Touches

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it reaches about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer it to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone to prevent sticking.
  2. Add the Sauce: Spread a generous layer of tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges so the crust can puff up and crisp.
  3. Layer the Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Then, arrange pepperoni slices or your chosen toppings to cover the pizza, ensuring every slice will have delicious flavor.
  4. Add Finishing Touches: Lightly brush olive oil around the crust edges and sprinkle dried oregano over the entire pizza to infuse an authentic pizza aroma and flavor.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the pizza in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust turns golden brown.

Notes

  • Use room temperature dough for easier stretching and a fluffier crust.
  • Don’t overload toppings to maintain even cooking and a crisp crust.
  • Preheat your oven fully to ensure perfect crust crispiness and cheese melting.
  • For richer flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan or Romano cheese before baking.
  • Let the pizza rest a few minutes after baking before slicing to allow cheese to set.

Nutrition

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