Description
Lunch Lady Pizza is a nostalgic homemade recipe inspired by classic school cafeteria pizza. Featuring a soft, rectangular crust topped with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses along with a flavorful pizza sauce and optional toppings, this easy-to-make pizza brings back vintage school lunch memories with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, diced green peppers, or mushrooms
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough: Stir in the olive oil, salt, and all-purpose flour into the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it. Allow it to rise in a warm area for 30–45 minutes, or until it doubles in size, which develops the dough’s texture and flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) to prepare for baking the pizza at a high temperature, ensuring a crisp crust and melted cheese.
- Shape the Dough: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape to fit a greased 9×13-inch baking sheet. Press the dough evenly into the pan, forming a slight raised edge around the border to hold in toppings.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses on top. Then, sprinkle dried oregano over the cheese and add any optional toppings such as sliced pepperoni, diced green peppers, or mushrooms.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Slice into squares and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For an even more nostalgic flavor, use a blend of American and cheddar cheeses to replicate classic cafeteria pizza taste.
- You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight to save time on the day you plan to bake.
- This recipe is easily doubled to serve a larger crowd or for meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
