This Old School Cafeteria Pizza recipe captures the essence of all that was good in the school cafeterias of our youth. (Cafeteria ladies not included.)
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a half-sheet pan (20 x 14 x 1) with parchment paper.
Combine yeast, flour, dry milk, sugar, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
Combine oil and warm water in a large measuring cup or mixing bowl, and then pour the liquid into flour mixture and stir thoroughly for about 5 minutes. The dough will be thick, loose, and very sticky.
Pour the dough mixture from bowl onto prepared pan and spread evenly using a spatula. Set dough in pan aside in a warm spot to rest for 30 minutes.
Put the pizza dough pan in the preheated oven and par-bake for 10 minutes, or until the crust is set.Remove from oven and set aside until Pizza Topping has cooled slightly.
Meaty Topping
Prepare the pizza topping while the pizza crust is resting.In a large, heavy skillet, combine the chopped onion, mild Italian sausage, and ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat until meat is thoroughly browned and onion is soft and translucent.Add tomato paste, water, brown sugar, and dried herbs.
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. The mixture is done when it is no longer runny.
Allow topping to cool slightly before spreading it on pizza.
Copycat Government Cheese
Combine three grated cheeses in a medium bowl.
Assemble Pizza
Carefully spread the pizza topping over the par-baked crust, all the way to the edges.
Top evenly with cheese blend.
Return pizza to hot 475°F (245°C) oven and bake for 8-10 minutes; until the cheese is melted and the topping is heated.
Allow the cooked pizza to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting. Like any cheesy, saucy dish, the ingredients need a little time to set.
Notes
Store-bought crust: If you don't want to make the pourable dough, you can use refrigerated pizza dough. You can find this in the freezer section, or at the grocery store deli or pizza counter. (If you have a Winco, the pizza section there sells raw dough.)Air-fryer reheating: We find that the best way to reheat school pizza (or any pizza for that matter) is in an air fryer. Preheat the air-fryer to 390°-400°F (200°-204°C), and then air-fry individual servings for 3-4 minutes each.