School Cafeteria Breakfast Pizza

This school cafeteria breakfast pizza takes me straight back to busy mornings when the lunch ladies seemed to know just what we needed a warm flaky slice loaded with creamy gravy cheese and plenty of breakfast sausage. It is no wonder this classic is still requested in so many homes and cafeterias because it is hearty feels special and comes together so quickly you can make it any day of the week.

The first time I made this at home my family devoured the entire pan before I could grab seconds and now it is a weekend must have for brunch or even breakfast for dinner

Ingredients

• Refrigerated classic pizza crust: gives a golden chewy base with zero kneading look for a brand that says classic or original avoid thin crust for best results
• White country gravy mix: brings that creamy craveable flavor that makes this pizza so unique use a reputable brand for flavorful results or homemade if you have the time
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and gives great stretch choose whole milk mozzarella for the richest flavor
• Cooked crumbled pork sausage: adds smoky savory bites go for a breakfast style sausage with plenty of seasoning and brown it well for lots of flavor
• Nonstick cooking spray: ensures the crust does not stick to the pan use a high quality spray to avoid any sticking nightmares

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Sheet Pan:

Spray an eleven by fifteen inch rimmed baking sheet generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy

Shape the Dough:

Open and carefully unroll the pizza dough place it in the center of your pan then use your fingers to gently stretch and press the dough evenly across the bottom and up the sides about one quarter inch for a nice sturdy edge

Pre Bake the Crust:

Slide the pan into a four hundred degree oven and bake for six minutes this step starts setting the dough so it does not get soggy

Make and Spread the Gravy:

While the crust prebakes prepare your white country gravy mix according to the package directions whisk until smooth and thick then spread a generous layer over the hot crust making sure to go right to the edges

Add Cheese and Sausage:

Scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly over the gravy then sprinkle the cooked sausage crumbles over the cheese try to distribute everything so that each slice gets plenty of topping

Final Bake:

Return the pan to the four hundred degree oven and bake for another ten to twelve minutes until the crust turns golden brown the cheese is bubbly and everything smells amazing

Rest and Slice:

Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for five minutes this waiting time allows the cheese to set so you will get neat slices and no toppings sliding off

Slice and Serve:

Cut the pizza into squares serve warm and watch it disappear

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Cheese is always my favorite part and I love piling on extra mozzarella before baking My kids and I sometimes set up a fun toppings bar and everyone customizes their own corner it turns breakfast into a party

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be cooled completely then wrapped or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven for best results as microwaving can make the crust chewy You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly they reheat best from thawed

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap mozzarella for any melty cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack Try turkey sausage or crumbled bacon if you do not have pork sausage If you want a from scratch touch make your own country gravy with milk flour and plenty of black pepper

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Serving Suggestions

Pair this pizza with a fresh fruit salad or a big platter of citrus for balance Offer hot sauce or salsa on the side for those who like a little kick and serve with orange juice or chocolate milk for a real cafeteria flashback

Cultural and Historical Context

Breakfast pizza became popular in American schools in the late twentieth century as a creative way to serve classic breakfast flavors in an easy to eat form It makes sense that it continues to thrive since it combines two beloved meals pizza and breakfast into one comforting dish

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pizza crust works best?

Refrigerated classic pizza crust offers a quick, fluffy base, but homemade or store-bought dough will also work well.

→ Can I use a different gravy?

While white country gravy is traditional, sausage or pepper gravy also delivers savory flavor and creamy texture.

→ What cheese melts best for this dish?

Mozzarella creates a gooey, satisfying melt, but cheddar or Colby Jack can be added for extra richness.

→ How do I keep the cheese from sliding off?

Let the pizza rest for five minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes slicing neater.

→ Can I add extra toppings?

Absolutely! Crumbled bacon, scrambled eggs, or diced ham make great additions. Set out a toppings bar for variety.

→ Is this suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, leftovers can be refrigerated and briefly reheated; the crust stays soft and flavors meld overnight.