Remember that iconic rectangle pizza from school lunch trays? The cheesy top, soft crust, and seasoned meat topping brought simple joy to every bite. That’s the magic of school pizza—a comforting classic you can now recreate at home. With a tender homemade crust, a rich tomato sauce, and savory sausage-beef topping, this version captures everything you loved—just better. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or introducing your kids to the lunchroom legend, this school pizza recipe is a fun, delicious trip back in time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re craving comfort food, this school pizza recipe is about to become a favorite:
- Familiar and nostalgic: It brings back all the best lunchroom memories.
- Flavor-packed layers: Homemade sauce, perfectly seasoned meat, and gooey cheese.
- Sheet pan-friendly: Easy to make in one big batch—great for families.
- Beginner-approved: Simple instructions and no special equipment required.
This school pizza isn’t just about feeding the family—it’s about feeding the soul.
History & Fun Facts About School Pizza
Let’s explore why school pizza became such a legendary lunch item:
- Developed in the mid-20th century, it was designed to be easy to mass-produce and feed hundreds of students.
- Square or rectangle-shaped for maximum yield in standard cafeteria trays.
- Powered by USDA surplus ingredients, like powdered milk and canned tomato paste.
- Still served today in many schools across the U.S., often sparking debates about which version was “the best.”
Whether you remember it from decades ago or just last year, school pizza’s legacy continues strong.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pizza Crust:
- 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup powdered milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) quick-rise yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⅔ cups warm water (110–115°F)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Meat Topping:
- ½ pound Italian sausage, crumbled
- ½ pound ground chuck (beef)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Pizza Sauce:
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1½ cups water
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ tablespoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Cheese:
- 8 ounces block mozzarella cheese, shredded
How to Make School Pizza: Step-by-Step
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Lightly grease an 18×13-inch sheet pan.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and vegetable oil. Stir until soft and sticky.
- Spread the Dough: Using wet fingers or a spatula, spread dough evenly into the prepared pan, reaching all corners.
- Pre-Bake: Bake crust for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden but not fully cooked. Remove from oven; keep oven on.
- Cook the Meat: Brown sausage and beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Break up chunks and drain fat.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, mix tomato paste, water, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings. Simmer on medium-low for 20–30 minutes.
- Assemble: Spread sauce on pre-baked crust. Top with meat mixture, then cover with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake Again: Return to oven for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden in spots.
- Cool & Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into 3–4 inch squares. Serve warm!
School Pizza Tips and Twists
Tips for Perfect School Pizza:
- Use wet hands to easily spread sticky dough in the pan.
- Let the sauce sit overnight for deeper flavor.
- Freeze the meat topping in advance to save time.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the sauce for a gentle kick.
- Always shred your cheese fresh—it melts better than pre-shredded!
Easy Variations:
- Swap beef for turkey for a leaner option.
- Add sliced mushrooms or olives for a veggie boost.
- Go cheese-only to recreate the classic plain slice.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Make-Ahead:
Prepare dough and sauce up to 24 hours in advance. You can also pre-bake the crust and freeze it until ready to use.
Serving Suggestions
Complete your nostalgic meal with these simple ideas:
- Tomato soup or vegetable soup as a warming side.
- Crisp green salad with ranch dressing for balance.
- Apple slices or fruit cup for that school lunch feel.
- Chocolate milk or juice box for a retro beverage pairing.
- Oven fries or roasted veggies for a more filling plate.
FAQ About School Pizza
1. Can I freeze it?
Yes—slice and wrap individually for easy reheating later.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Just skip the meat topping and add more cheese or veggies.
3. Can I use instant yeast instead of quick-rise?
Yes, but adjust the rise time as needed—let it proof until doubled.
4. What’s a substitute for powdered milk?
You can omit it and replace part of the water with warm milk.
5. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely—just use two pans and rotate them during baking.
Enjoy Your Homemade School Pizza
This school pizza recipe takes you back to the cafeteria classics you didn’t know you missed. It’s cheesy, hearty, and full of nostalgic flavor—everything a comfort meal should be. Whether it’s for family night, meal prep, or just a craving from the past, you’ll love every slice. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked for good!
School Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
Pizza Crust:
- 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup powdered milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet quick-rise yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⅔ cups warm water 110–115°F
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Meat Topping:
- ½ pound Italian sausage, crumbled
- ½ pound ground chuck
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Pizza Sauce:
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1½ cups water
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ tablespoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Cheese:
- 8 oz block mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Grease an 18×13-inch sheet pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and oil; stir into a sticky dough.
- Spread dough in the sheet pan using wet fingers. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
- While baking, brown sausage and beef in a skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Drain and set aside.
- For sauce, simmer tomato paste, water, olive oil, garlic, and spices for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spread sauce over pre-baked crust. Top with meat, then shredded mozzarella.
- Return to oven and bake 8–10 more minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest 5 minutes, then cut your school pizza into squares and serve warm.
Notes
Variation: For a vegetarian version of school pizza, skip the meat and add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms.
Explore More Recipes You’ll Love
Looking to round out your meal or try more cozy comfort food? Check these out:
- Serve a bowl of Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup alongside your school pizza for a hearty dinner combo.
- Want a sweet treat afterward? Try these Best Carrot Cake Cookies—they’re soft, spiced, and beginner-friendly.
- Keep the theme going with Grilled Chicken Wraps, another school lunch classic.
- Or explore something lighter like Simple Avocado Toast with Egg—perfect for the next day’s breakfast.
- Craving more pasta-based comfort food? Try Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti—easy, cheesy, and so satisfying.