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–+ servings

School Lunch Pizza

Ines Kitchen
Lunch Lady Pizza is a simple throw-together meal that even the pickiest eaters will ask for again and again. You can skip the takeout delivery fees because this large family-style pizza comes together quickly in a standard baking sheet. The thick, fluffy dough absorbs the savory toppings for a comforting meal that tastes just like the original.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
RISE TIME 15 minutes
Total Time 56 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 12 squares

Ingredients
  

Crust

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup nonfat dry milk powdered milk
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1¼ cups warm water 105°F to 110°F
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for the pan

Sauce

  • 6- ounce can tomato paste
  • 8- ounce can tomato sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Toppings

  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup shredded mild cheddar or mozzarella/cheddar blend
  • Optional: ½ pound ground beef or turkey cooked and drained
  • Optional: pepperoni slices

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 475°F. Oil a rimmed 13×18-inch baking sheet, spreading oil into the corners.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  • Add warm water and 2 tablespoons oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3 to 4 minutes, until smooth.
  • Place dough on the oiled pan and press outward with fingertips. If it springs back, let it rest 5 minutes, then press again until it reaches the edges.
  • Cover loosely with a towel and let rise 15 minutes.
  • Stir together sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
  • Bake crust for 6 minutes.
  • Remove crust from oven. Spread sauce evenly over the surface. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar over the top. Add meat or pepperoni if using.
  • Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges are lightly golden.
  • Rest 5 minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

For the most “school lunch” look, cut into rectangles or big squares and serve warm.
Want extra browned corners? Push cheese all the way to the edges.
If using ground beef or turkey, keep it lightly seasoned (salt and pepper is enough) so the sauce and cheese still taste like the classic.