Blast from the Past Oldschool Lunchroom Pizza
- Recipe Introduction
- Blast From The Past: Making Your Old-School Lunchroom Pizza
- Get Ready To Cook Your Lunchroom Pizza
- Time-Traveling Taste: Ingredients & Equipment for Old-School Lunchroom Pizza
- Making Old-School Lunchroom Pizza: A Trip Down Memory Lane
- Recipe Notes for Your Old-School Lunchroom Pizza Adventure
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Remember Lunchroom Pizza day? That rectangular slice of cheesy goodness was everything . This Old-School Lunchroom Pizza recipe takes you right back. The flavor is nostalgic, a touch sweet, and purely comforting.
Brief Overview
Lunchroom Pizza , especially Square Pizza , holds a special place in many hearts. This Retro Pizza Recipe is relatively easy.
It requires around 2- 3 hours with proofing, and makes 6-8 slices.
Main Benefits
This Elementary School Pizza recipe is all about comfort and nostalgia. It is perfect for a casual get-together. What makes it special? It's a pure taste of childhood!
Blast From The Past: Making Your Old-School Lunchroom Pizza
This recipe recreates that iconic School Pizza Recipe with a soft crust. It also has a sweet sauce and loads of cheese.
It's comfort food that is guaranteed to bring back fond memories. It is totally like Jamie Oliver School Dinner Pizza
Jamie Oliver might approve of this healthier spin on that old classic! I like to think of this as a time machine straight to the Lunch Room , only tastier.
Get Ready To Cook Your Lunchroom Pizza
Ready to get started? First, grab your ingredients. The full list is below. We're recreating that Nostalgic Pizza magic in your own kitchen.
Honestly, the best part is that cheesy, slightly browned top.
Time Traveling Taste: Ingredients & Equipment for Old-School Lunchroom Pizza
Ever get a craving that's so specific, it’s practically a time warp ? For me, that's Lunchroom Pizza . That Square Pizza from Lunch Room , simple pleasures of Elementary School! Remember that fluffy crust and sweet sauce? I'm talking about a Retro Pizza Recipe , the pizza of your memories!.
So, let's nail down the ingredients.
Dough licious Details
We're building a solid base for this Nostalgic Pizza .
- Active dry yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g / one packet). Make sure it’s not expired.
- Warm water: 1 ¼ cups ( 300ml ). Water should be 105- 115° F ( 40- 46° C ). If it's too hot, it kills the yeast.
- Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon ( 12g ).
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ).
- All-purpose flour: 3 ½ cups ( 420g ), plus extra for dusting.
- Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons ( 9g ).
Sauce Boss
A slightly sweet tomato sauce makes this pizza special. Here's what you need:
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh garlic is best, obviously!
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 28 ounces ( 800g ). Good quality crushed tomatoes are non-negotiable.
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ).
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 2g ).
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon ( 2g ).
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon ( 12g ).
- Salt: ½ teaspoon ( 3g ), adjust to taste.
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon ( 1g ), adjust to taste.
Topping It Off
Cheese, glorious cheese!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 16 ounces ( 450g ), low-moisture, part skim. That low-moisture is super important.
Spicing Up the Memories with Pepper Pizza
Let's talk seasoning. This recipe uses dried oregano and basil. However, don't be afraid to add a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce.
A little sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Salt and pepper, always to taste! A little bit of Jamie Oliver School Dinner Pizza magic.
Gear Up! Tools for School Pizza Recipe
Okay, time for tools. You really don't need much.
- Large mixing bowl. For the dough.
- Baking sheet: 13x18 inch recommended, or use a pizza stone.
- Stand mixer (optional). Kneading is easier with a mixer.
- Measuring cups and spoons. For accuracy.
- Saucepan. For the sauce.
- Pizza cutter or knife.
Making Old-School Lunchroom Pizza: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Remember that amazing square pizza from school? The one that tasted like pure nostalgia? Well, buckle up, because we're recreating that magic ! This Lunchroom Pizza recipe is all about bringing back those carefree vibes.
Think soft, thick crust, slightly sweet sauce, and loads of cheese. Honestly, just thinking about it makes me hungry! I had such a blast trying to recreate it.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
This is where we get organized, my friend!
- Essential Mise en Place: Get everything measured and ready to go. Chop your garlic, measure your spices, and grate that mozzarella. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Time Saving Organization Tips: I like to pre-mix my dry ingredients (flour, salt) in one bowl. That way, when it's dough making time, I'm ready to rock.
- Safety Reminder: Hot water and yeast, be careful! Make sure your water is between 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . Too hot kills the yeast, and too cold... well, nothing happens.
step-by-step: Pizza Perfection
Here's how to bring this Retro Pizza Recipe to life:
- Yeast Activation: In a bowl, mix 1 ¼ cups warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast. Wait 5- 10 minutes until foamy.
- Dough Time: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 ½ cups flour, and 1 ½ teaspoons salt to the yeast mixture. Knead for 5- 7 minutes until smooth.
- Proofing Power: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1.5- 2 hours . Double in size is the goal!
- Sauce Creation: Sauté 2 cloves minced garlic in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon each of oregano and basil, 1 tablespoon sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15- 20 minutes . This is key to achieving authentic Lunch Room flavor.
- Oven Prep: Preheat to 450° F ( 230° C) . Grease a 13x18 inch baking sheet.
- Shape it Up: Punch down the dough. Roll or press it into a rectangle.
- Topping Time: Spread sauce evenly. Add a generous amount of 16 ounces mozzarella. Don't be shy!
- Bake it Off: Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pizza Game
- Secret Weapon: A tiny bit of sugar in the sauce mimics that Elementary School Pizza sweetness. I swear, it's a game changer!
- Common Mistake: Over proofing the dough leads to a dense pizza. Watch it carefully!
- make-ahead Option: The sauce can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. This makes pizza night even easier.
Honestly, making this Old-School Lunchroom Pizza is like a warm hug in food form. It's the perfect way to relive those Nostalgic Pizza memories.
Maybe I should try to make Pepper Pizza next time! This isn't quite Jamie Oliver School Dinner Pizza but it is super good!
Recipe Notes for Your Old-School Lunchroom Pizza Adventure
Alright, let's talk shop about this Old-School Lunchroom Pizza . Honestly, bringing back that Lunchroom Pizza experience is all about the details.
Think of this as your personal journey back to the Lunch Room with a slice of Square Pizza .
Serving Suggestions: Reliving Those School Days!
Plating this Retro Pizza Recipe is easy peasy. Cut it into squares, just like the lunch ladies used to! For presentation, sometimes simple is best.
A paper plate really amps up the nostalgia, you know?
Complementary sides? Honestly, some carrot sticks and a carton of milk bring back all the memories. If you're feeling fancy, maybe a side salad with Italian dressing. Think Cafeteria Pizza but elevated.
Storage Tips: Saving Some for Later (If It Lasts!)
If you, by some miracle, have leftover School Pizza Recipe , here's the lowdown.
Refrigeration: Wrap the pizza tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .
Freezing: Yep, you can freeze it! Let the pizza cool completely. Then wrap it in plastic wrap followed by foil. It'll last for up to 2 months .
Reheating: Pop it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 10- 15 minutes . Or, if you're impatient, the microwave works too. Just expect a slightly softer crust.
Variations: Making It Your Own
Want to mix things up? I get it.
Dietary Adaptation: For a gluten-free version, grab a ready-made gluten-free crust. It's not quite the same, but it's a solid substitute.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, try adding some fresh basil to the sauce. Trust me, it's a game changer.
You could even try adding some roasted red peppers, in the autumn season.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Up the Fun
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist: This Nostalgic Pizza is carby, cheesy goodness. Each slice packs a decent amount of protein from the cheese.
Key health benefit? Happiness! It's comfort food, plain and simple, like something from a Jamie Oliver School Dinner Pizza .
So go on, give this Elementary School Pizza recipe a whirl! It's easier than you think. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to getting that truly authentic "Old-School Lunchroom Pizza" crust?
The key is the thick, slightly soft dough. Don't be afraid to let it rise fully a good 1.5 to 2 hours is essential. Also, use all-purpose flour; it gives it that particular texture we all remember. Think of it like Goldilocks and the three bears, you want the proofing to be just right!
Can I make the dough for this "Old-School Lunchroom Pizza" ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I often recommend it. After the first rise, punch down the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This slow fermentation can actually enhance the flavor. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping.
My tomato sauce seems a little bland. How can I boost the flavor to match that nostalgic "Old-School Lunchroom Pizza" taste?
Don't be shy with the sugar! A tablespoon of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and contributes to that signature slightly sweet flavor. Also, make sure you simmer the sauce long enough to allow the flavors to meld together properly about 15-20 minutes should do the trick, a bit like brewing a good cuppa!
Can I freeze the "Old-School Lunchroom Pizza" after baking it?
Yes, you can! Let the pizza cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
While it won't be exactly the same as fresh, it's a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand, sort of like having emergency biscuits in the freezer, ready for a cuppa!
I'm watching my calories. Are there any healthier swaps I can make in this "Old-School Lunchroom Pizza" recipe?
Definitely! You can use whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour to add some fiber. Opt for low-moisture, part skim mozzarella cheese to reduce the fat content. Also, load up on veggies as toppings - think peppers, onions, or mushrooms - to boost the nutritional value, and make this old classic a bit more 21st Century!
My yeast isn't foamy after 10 minutes. Is it dead?
Possibly. First, ensure your water is between 105-115°F (40-46°C). Too hot kills the yeast, too cold won't activate it. If the water temp is right and it still doesn't foam, your yeast might be past its prime. Buy a fresh packet it's a small price to pay for a successful pizza!
It's like buying a fresh pack of teabags, sometimes you just need to!
Blast From The Past Oldschool Lunchroom Pizza
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
