Description
This Lunch Lady Pizza Recipe is a classic homemade pizza featuring a soft, chewy crust made from scratch with active dry yeast, topped with a flavorful tomato sauce seasoned with herbs and garlic, and generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Customize it with your favorite toppings like sausage, pepperoni, or vegetables for a delicious family meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked sausage, pepperoni, or vegetables (for added toppings)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water (about 110°F), then sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and optional garlic powder. Add the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for a good pizza crust texture.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles and roll or stretch it into your desired pizza shape on a greased or floured baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Add any optional toppings like cooked sausage, pepperoni, or vegetables.
- Bake the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza on the middle rack for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and enjoy your homemade Lunch Lady Pizza!
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast (around 110°F) to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or steel.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your preference; just ensure any raw meats are pre-cooked.
- This recipe can be doubled to make larger pizzas or multiple pies.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
