Rectangle Pizza

Rectangle pizza is a sheet pan pizza that feeds a lot of kids. Using pre-made pizza dough, tons of cheese, then loaded with pepperoni, it is a kid favorite! Gluten-free instructions.

Our recipe for school pizza is the ideal meal for any upcoming slumber party, family gathering or birthday party. It is delicious, quick to make, and is always a huge hit with kids of any age.

You can even turn this into a fun cooking activity to keep kids busy! With simple step-by-step instructions, kids can roll out the dough, spread with sauce then top with their favorite toppings.

For other tasty recipes to serve with pizza on a sheet pan, our Watermelon Cubes, Frozen Cheesecake Bites, and Fruit Kabobs are all great picks!

Start off by gathering the equipment and ingredients. For our recipe, we keep things easy by using a pre-made pizza crust. Another option would be to make pizza dough from scratch. Check out this recipe to find the ingredients for Homemade Pizza Dough.

**To make this recipe gluten-free use a prepackaged mix then roll the dough out to fit your pan.

Ingredients

• 2 13.8 ounce refrigerated pizza crust dough or prepackaged gluten-free pizza dough mix
• 15 ounce pizza sauce
• 8 ounce shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Colby jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 30 pepperoni slices optional
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings

How To Make

First things first, preheat the oven to 425°F. The oven temp for pizza should be high as it is the key to a crispy crust and cheesy middle.

Par bake the crust

Next, unroll the package of crust and place it onto the baking sheet, stretching it to cover more space. This is a super fun step for kids – they love seeing how much the dough will stretch without it tearing!

Then, unroll the second package and using the kitchen scissors, cut it to fit, then use the extra pieces to fill in. Have kids use clean hands to seal it together. You can make an edge around the lip of the pan if desired.

Bake the dough for 8 minutes then remove from the oven.

Add the pizza toppings

Once the crust is removed from the oven, spread the pizza sauce onto the par-baked crust. If you have younger chefs making this recipe, we recommend letting the sheet pan cool before adding the sauce to prevent kids from touching the hot pan.

After spreading the sauce, add the mozzarella cheese, Colby jack, and parmesan cheese. Add the pepperoni slices if using and sprinkle with the Italian seasonings. This is also a great time to add any additional pizza toppings that kids have requested.

Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. You can slice the pizza while on the sheet pan or place on a piece of parchment paper before slicing.

Pizza Topping Ideas For Kids

• sausage crumbles
• diced ham
• spinach
• broccoli
• pineapple
• black olives
• diced bell peppers

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Experiment with Herbs and Garlic: Infuse the olive oil with minced garlic or herbs like rosemary or oregano for an extra layer of flavor. Brush this mixture over the crust edges before baking.

Cheese Blending Techniques: Consider blending different types of cheeses not only for the topping but also mixing some into the pizza sauce. This adds depth to the overall cheesy experience.

Customize Your Sauce: Add a personal touch to your pizza sauce by mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a drizzle of honey for sweetness. Adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences.

Prevent Sogginess: If using watery toppings like tomatoes or fresh mozzarella, consider patting them dry with a paper towel before placing them on the pizza. This helps prevent excess moisture, ensuring a crisp crust.

Crust Reinforcement: If you enjoy an extra crispy crust, sprinkle a bit of grated parmesan or cornmeal on the baking sheet before placing the dough. This creates a subtle crunchy layer on the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage Instructions

If you find yourself with leftover pizza or need to store your unbaked or partially baked pizza for later use, here are some storage instructions to ensure it stays fresh:

Unbaked or Par-Baked Pizza Dough:

• Refrigeration: Store unused pizza dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezing: Pizza dough can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then place it in a resealable plastic bag. Label with the date. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Fully Baked Pizza:

• Refrigeration: If you have leftover fully baked pizza, let it cool to room temperature. Wrap individual slices or the whole pizza in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze fully baked pizza. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or wrap with aluminum foil. Label with the date. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Reheating:

• Oven: For the best results, reheat pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to crisp up the crust and maintain the original texture.
• Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Place a microwave-safe cup of water in the microwave with the pizza to help prevent the crust from becoming too chewy. Heat in short intervals until warmed through.
• Skillet: Reheat pizza in a skillet over medium heat. Cover with a lid to help melt the cheese evenly. This method is excellent for achieving a crispy crust.

More Quick Dinner Ideas For Kids

• Homemade Low-Sodium Ramen Noodles
• Pork Chop Sheet Pan Dinner
• Kid-Friendly Meatloaf
• Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Ground Turkey (Air Fryer)
• Mini Corn Dogs
• Par Baked Pizza