Delicious Homemade Sausage and Cheese School Pizza

Craving a taste of nostalgia? Look no further than “The School Pizza Sausage Cheese” – a recipe that brings back memories of those beloved cafeteria slices. Picture a tender crust topped with savory Italian sausage, ground beef, and a generous blanket of gooey mozzarella cheese. This homemade version captures the essence of classic school pizza with simple steps and pantry staples.

The journey to recreating those iconic school lunch flavors started when my kids yearned for a taste of their favorite cafeteria pizza at home. Now, it has become a cherished Friday night tradition in our household, with each slice disappearing faster than the last. The real magic lies in the homemade sauce bursting with herbs and garlic, reminiscent of the pizza days shared with friends over lunchboxes. Whether you’re looking for a movie night treat or an easy family meal, this school pizza is sure to delight all generations.

Quick Benefits

• Soft and chewy crust with a hint of nostalgic flavor from the powdered milk
• Versatile – swap in turkey, pepperoni, or veggies for a customizable twist
• Make-ahead sauce for deeper flavor or use it on the same day
• Pre-bake the crust for a firm base that holds toppings well without getting soggy

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Homemade Sausage and Cheese School Pizza Recipe

• Recreate nostalgic childhood memories with this classic school pizza recipe that brings back the flavors of cafeteria slices right at home.
• Enjoy a tender crust, savory meat, and gooey cheese blanket with each delicious bite, perfect for a family movie night or an easy meal.
• The homemade sauce bursting with herbs and garlic adds a flavorful touch that enhances the overall pizza experience, reminiscent of school lunch pizza days.
• Get the whole family involved in making their own pizza rectangles, spreading cheese, and savoring the fun of creating this beloved dish together.
• Store leftovers easily for up to four days in the fridge or freeze for up to two months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal whenever you desire.
• Customize the pizza with your favorite ingredients – swap in different meats like turkey or pepperoni, or opt for a vegetarian version with veggies.
• The high oven temperature and powdered milk in the dough create a soft, chewy texture that perfectly complements the hearty toppings and sauce.
• Preparing the sauce in advance deepens its flavors, but you can also make it on the same day for a quicker pizza-making process.
• Pre-baking the crust ensures a firm base that holds the toppings without becoming soggy, maintaining the pizza’s integrity.
• Enjoy this classic American school cafeteria-style pizza with a side of nostalgia and simplicity, perfect for a comforting meal that satisfies every time.

Ingredients for Delicious Homemade Sausage and Cheese School Pizza

Crust

• 335 grams all-purpose flour
• 395 millilitres warm water (43–46°C)
• 25 grams granulated sugar
• 7 grams instant dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 30 millilitres vegetable oil
• 70 grams powdered milk

Filling

• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 225 grams mozzarella cheese, whole block
• 225 grams ground beef chuck
• 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
• 225 grams Italian sausage

Sauce

• 7 millilitres dried basil
• 7 millilitres dried oregano
• 2.5 millilitres dried rosemary
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 170 grams tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 355 millilitres water
• 80 millilitres extra virgin olive oil

Pro Tips for Delicious Homemade Sausage and Cheese School Pizza

For a successful recreation of this classic school pizza, consider prepping the sauce ahead of time to enhance its flavors. Making the sauce a day in advance allows the herbs and garlic to infuse, resulting in a more robust and aromatic topping for your pizza. This extra step will bring out the nostalgic taste you remember from school lunches.

When it comes to customization, feel free to experiment with different protein options and cheese blends to suit your preferences. Substitute Italian sausage with breakfast sausage or ground turkey for a lighter twist. Mixing mozzarella with sharp cheddar can add a flavorful kick to your pizza. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings like veggies or pepperoni for a personalized touch.

To extend the enjoyment of your homemade school pizza, make sure to properly store any leftovers. Cool the baked pizza completely before placing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in foil or plastic and freeze for up to two months. Whether reheating from the fridge or freezer, your pizza will taste as delicious as when freshly baked with these storage tips.

How to Make Delicious Homemade Sausage and Cheese School Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the crust

1. Preheat oven to 245°C. Lightly grease a 45 x 33 cm sheet pan and line with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered milk, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix vegetable oil with warm water, then add to dry ingredients. Stir until a thick batter forms, ensuring no dry spots remain.

Step 2: Spread and rest dough

Place the dough onto the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly using your fingertips. If the dough is difficult to stretch, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing until it covers the entire pan.

Step 3: Pre-bake the crust

Bake crust for 8-10 minutes until surface is firm but not browned. Remove from oven and let cool.

Step 4: Prepare the filling

Cook Italian sausage and ground beef chuck in a skillet over medium heat with salt and pepper until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare the sauce

Combine tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried rosemary in a saucepan. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it cool. For more flavor, make it a day ahead and refrigerate.

Step 6: Assemble pizza

Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the par-baked crust. Top with cooked meats and shredded or thinly sliced mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Final bake

Place the assembled pizza back in the oven and bake at 245°C for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 8: Slice and serve

Let pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve while warm.

Storage Tips

To store the finished school pizza, it’s important to let the baked pizza cool completely on the pan before transferring slices to an airtight container. The pizza can be stored in the fridge for up to four days and enjoyed either cold or reheated. For longer storage, wrap single slices in foil or plastic and freeze them for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen pizza overnight in the fridge or bake straight from frozen at 350 degrees until it is hot and melty.

It’s worth noting that this pizza recipe is versatile, allowing for ingredient substitutions based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. If Italian sausage is unavailable, consider using breakfast sausage or ground turkey as alternatives. Additionally, for a different flavor profile, try blending mozzarella with a bit of sharp cheddar. While the homemade sauce is recommended for the best flavor, store-bought tomato-based pizza sauce can also be used in a pinch, though the taste may be milder. This school pizza is a comforting and nostalgic dish that can be complemented with a simple green salad, carrot sticks, or even a side of roasted bell peppers and a glass of red wine for adults.

Ingredient Substitutions

For ingredient substitutions in this delicious school pizza recipe, you can easily swap out Italian sausage with breakfast sausage or ground turkey for a lighter option. This change can cater to different dietary preferences or what you have on hand in your kitchen. Additionally, if you prefer a different cheese blend, consider mixing mozzarella with a bit of sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor profile. This variation can add a unique twist to the classic cheesy topping while still maintaining the nostalgic essence of the dish.

When it comes to the pizza sauce, you can substitute any tomato-based pizza sauce from the store for the homemade version mentioned in the recipe. This substitution can save time and effort while still providing a flavorful base for the pizza. While the store-bought sauce may have a milder taste compared to the homemade one bursting with herbs and garlic, it can still work well with the overall flavor profile of the dish. Feel free to experiment with different store-bought sauces to find one that complements your preferences and simplifies the cooking process.

Serving Suggestions

Try serving this nostalgic school pizza with a twist by cutting it into small squares for a fun appetizer at your next gathering. The bite-sized pieces are perfect for sharing and can be easily dipped in marinara sauce or ranch dressing for an added burst of flavor. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top for a gourmet touch that elevates this classic dish.

For a cozy family dinner idea, turn this school pizza into a pizza bar night where everyone can customize their own personal pies. Set out a variety of toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, and olives along with the homemade sauce and cheese. Let each family member create their own pizza masterpiece and bake them to perfection for a fun and interactive meal experience that will surely become a new tradition in your home.

FAQs for Delicious Homemade Sausage and Cheese School Pizza

Can I use different types of meat in this pizza?

Yes, you can swap in turkey, pepperoni, or go vegetarian by using veggies in place of sausage and ground chuck.

Is it necessary to prepare the sauce a day in advance?

Preparing the sauce a day in advance deepens its flavor, but you can make and use it on the same day if preferred.

Why is pre-baking the crust recommended?

Pre-baking the crust ensures it’s firm enough to hold the sauce and toppings without absorbing too much moisture.

Can I freeze leftover pizza slices?

Absolutely! Cool slices completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for easy reheating whenever you crave a quick slice.

Conclusion

As you savor every bite of “The School Pizza Sausage Cheese,” let the memories of school lunchrooms and childhood friendships fill your heart with warmth. This homemade version captures the essence of those nostalgic slices, making it a perfect addition to your family’s mealtime traditions. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or reheating a slice for a quick snack, this pizza is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and sauce variations to make this recipe your own. From swapping out meats to experimenting with different cheeses, the possibilities are endless. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and create new memories around a delicious meal that pays homage to the classic school pizza we all know and love. The School Pizza Sausage Cheese is not just a recipe; it’s a reminder of the simple joys that good food and shared moments can bring.