This school cafeteria pizza will make you nostalgic for back-to-school season. We don't use any yeast in the dough, so there is no rise time, and the whole thing comes together in less than 30 minutes. Cut it into perfect rectangles for that classic school pizza look.
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Why We Love This Pizza
- It's easy: This pizza is so easy. The pizza dough only requires 4 ingredients, and it comes together in about 10 or 15 minutes. No kneading or yeast required.
- It's fast: Start to finish, this recipe takes no more than half an hour. The kids (and adults!) will be fed in no time.
- It's healthier than the original: The school pizza at my elementary school was frozen and full of processed ingredients. We incorporate greek yogurt in the dough of our school pizza to lighten it up and add in some protein. Because you're making it at home, you get to control what ingredients go into it.
- It's delicious: This rectangle pizza is way better than anything to come out of a school cafeteria, but it's still got the nostalgia factor. It's soft, cheesy, and perfect for kids and adults alike.
Looking for other great unique pizza recipes? Try our plantain pizza dough or pizza sheet pan eggs.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
All-purpose flour: We use all-purpose flour to make this pizza dough. If you are gluten-free, you can substitute 1-1 gluten-free flour. Bob's Red Mill 1-1 Baking Flour works well.
Greek yogurt: We use greek yogurt in our pizza dough to lighten it up and add in some protein. Make sure you buy plain greek yogurt, not anything sweetened or flavored. Additionally, make sure you buy greek yogurt, not plain yogurt. Plain yogurt has a thinner, runnier texture and is not a good substitute in this recipe.
Marinara or pizza sauce: We love Rao's marinara sauce. Use your favorite brand of marinara or pizza sauce brand. We also love using crushed up San Marzano tomatoes in place of sauce.
See recipe card for full ingredient list and amounts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F.
Step 2: Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Then add greek yogurt and mix until the dough forms a ball. I find it helpful to use my hands to pull everything together.
Step 3: Generously oil the bottom and sides of a half sheet pan (18"x13") with olive oil or non-stick spray (we use olive oil or avocado oil). Don't skip this step, or your pizza will stick to the sheet pan.
Step 4: Place the dough ball into the center of the sheet pan, and work the dough to the outsides of the pan with your hands until it's spread to the edges of the pan and an even thickness throughout.
Step 5: Top the dough with sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings, then bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges and bottom.
Step 6: Cut the pizza into 9 even rectangles with a pizza cutter (cut into thirds lengthwise and crosswise). Use a spatula to scoop each piece of pizza out of the sheet pan. Enjoy!
Top Tips
- Make sure you oil your sheet pan well on the bottom and sides, or the pizza crust will stick. If yours sticks a little, use a heavy metal spatula to separate the crust from the sheet pan. Even when ours sticks initially, we are able to get it off the pan clean with a spatula.
- Make sure you use greek yogurt, and if yours has any liquid on the top, drain it before using. You want thick yogurt for this recipe.
- If your dough is too dry, add a little bit of extra yogurt until the dough comes together. If it's sticking to your hands, add a little bit more flour.
Topping Suggestions
We love this pizza with just cheese. If you want to mix it up a little, here are some topping ideas:
- Pepperoni
- Italian sausage or hamburger
- Pineapple and Canadian bacon
- Bacon
- Veggies (peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives, etc.)
- Supreme (meat of your choice and veggies)
Frequently asked questions
This dough sticks if you don't grease the sheet pan well. Sometimes just the edges get stuck—if that happens, use a heavy duty spatula to separate the edges from the pan. Ours always comes off the pan clean!
If your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it's too dry, add a bit more yogurt or a few drops of water.
This pizza is way better than frozen pizza rectangles. It's soft and slightly doughy (in a good way), and has a simple tomato and cheese flavor. It's the perfect nostalgic comfort food.
More Comfort Food
📖 Recipe
School Cafeteria Pizza (No Yeast)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 rectangular slices 1x
Description
This school cafeteria pizza will make you nostalgic for back-to-school season. We don't use any yeast in the dough, so there is no rise time, and the whole thing comes together in less than 30 minutes. Cut it into perfect rectangles for that classic school pizza look.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups plain greek yogurt (we use 0%)
½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella or pizza cheese
Olive oil or non-stick spray
Toppings of choice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Then add greek yogurt and mix until the dough forms a ball. I find it helpful to use my hands to pull everything together.
- Generously oil the bottom and sides of a half sheet pan (18"x13") with olive oil or non-stick spray (we use olive oil or avocado oil). Don't skip this step, or your pizza will stick to the sheet pan.
- Place the dough ball into the center of the sheet pan, and work the dough to the outsides of the pan with your hands until it's spread to the edges of the pan and an even thickness throughout.
- Top the dough with sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings, then bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges and bottom.
- Cut the pizza into 9 even rectangles with a pizza cutter (cut into thirds lengthwise and crosswise). Use a spatula to scoop each piece of pizza out of the sheet pan. Enjoy!
Notes
Make sure you oil your sheet pan well on the bottom and sides, or the pizza crust will stick. If yours sticks a little, use a heavy metal spatula to separate the crust from the sheet pan. Even when ours sticks initially, we are able to get it off the pan clean with a spatula.
Make sure you use greek yogurt, and if yours has any liquid on the top, drain it before using. You want thick yogurt for this recipe.
If your dough is too dry, add a little bit of extra yogurt until the dough comes together. If it's sticking to your hands, add a little bit more flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rectangular slice
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 3.2 g
- Sodium: 533.4 mg
- Fat: 2.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 26.1 g
- Protein: 17.4 g
- Cholesterol: 7.9 mg
Mollie says
Love making this for an easy weeknight meal!
Michael says
This was nostalgic and delicious!
Sarah K says
Love this recipe so much. Easy and kids love it!
Mike says
Reminds me of my childhood!