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Unlocking a Culinary Time Capsule: Your Ultimate Guide to Homemade School-Style Pizza

Unlocking a Culinary Time Capsule: Your Ultimate Guide to Homemade School-Style Pizza
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Bring back the nostalgic taste of school cafeteria pizza with this homemade version! A soft, slightly chewy crust topped with classic pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and your favorite toppings makes this recipe a fun and satisfying meal for kids and adults alike. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 Tbsp shortening

  • 1½ Tbsp cornmeal

  • 1 (0.25-oz) packet yeast

  • 1⅔ cups warm water

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cups instant non-fat dry milk powder

  • 2 Tbsp sugar

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 1½ tsp oil

For the Pizza:

  • 1⅓ cups pizza sauce (or to taste)

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or to taste)

  • Pizza toppings of your choice

Instructions

  • Prepare the Pan:
    Preheat the oven to 475°F (246°C). Grease a half-sheet pan with shortening and dust it with cornmeal. Set aside.

  • Activate the Yeast:
    In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine the yeast with warm water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy.

  • Make the Dough:
    Add the flour, instant dry milk powder, sugar, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly with the whisk attachment for about 10 minutes until a smooth dough forms.

  • Shape the Dough:
    Evenly distribute the dough onto the prepared pan, pressing it out to the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes to rise slightly.

  • Pre-Bake the Crust:
    Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

  • Add Toppings:
    Remove the crust from the oven. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the top, add your desired toppings, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

  • Final Bake:
    Return the pizza to the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 8–12 minutes.

  • Serve:
    Cut into pieces and enjoy! Optional: serve with marinara sauce for dipping or a simple salad on the side.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, brush the edges with olive oil before the final bake.

  • Customize your pizza with any toppings you like—pepperoni, veggies, or even pineapple!

  • Let the dough rest a few extra minutes after spreading for a slightly fluffier crust.

  • Leftovers store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/unlocking-a-culinary-time-capsule-your-ultimate-guide-to-homemade-school-style-pizza/