D11 Cheese Pizza

Brian Axworthy, executive chef and assistant director, developed this recipe so the district could make this kid-favorite lunch staple from scratch. The district had been purchasing a clean-label version. “We’ve been able to greatly reduce our food cost,” says Rick Hughes, director of food and nutrition services. “We’ve drastically improved our nutritional value by using the whole grains. It’s a non-GMO flour. We have total control over sodium, sugar and everything that’s in that recipe.” The men got the idea for revamping the recipe after purchasing two pizza presses they saw at the NAFEM show. The department is now making 2,000 pizza crusts per week.
 

Steps

1. Spread ¾ cup D11 Pizza Sauce all the way to end of each crust.
2. Top with 1 pound cheese.
3. Bake in 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese has slightly browned around edges. Cut each pizza into 10 pieces.  

D11 pizza crusts:

1. In large mixing bowl with dough hook, add water, yeast, liquid egg, olive oil and melted margarine, and mix lightly. Add flours, sugar, salt and milk solids. Mix on low speed until ingredients are mixed. Mix on medium speed until bread dough forms, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Scale dough into 15-ounce increments and shape into even dough balls. While shaping dough, it will soften and rise for pressing.
3. Place dough ball into pizza press. Remove finished pizza crust and cool. Place cooled pizza crust into box lined with bag and place ¼ piece of parchment paper on top. Repeat process, filling each box with 20 pizza crusts.
4. Once box is filled, close bag, tape box, attach label with day’s date. 

D11 pizza sauce:

1. In tilting skillet or large stockpot on high heat, add water, oil, bases and seasonings, and bring to a boil.
2. Place tomato paste in mixer bowl with whisk or paddle and add seasoned liquid; mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.