Sicilian pizza homemade

September 5, 2025

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sicilian pizza

Sicilian pizza: discover how to prepare this thick crust classic with tomato sauce, cheese and Mediterranean herbs. Taste and tradition!

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Total Time 1 31

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 340

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Dough

3.5 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water
2.25 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1.5 teaspoon salt

Topping

1.5 cup tomato sauce preferably rustic style
2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.5 cup sliced black olives
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves torn by hand
2 tablespoon olive oil

Method

Preparing the dough

In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Form the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Preparing the topping

Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F). Drizzle a baking sheet or rectangular pizza pan with olive oil.
After the dough has doubled, punch it down and press it into the prepared baking pan, making sure it covers the whole surface and forming a thick edge.
Spoon the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, spreading it to the edges.
Sprinkle the mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and black olives over the sauce.
Season with dried oregano and drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor.

Baking and finishing

Bake the pizza for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then top with fresh basil leaves.
Cut into 8 slices and serve warm.

Notes

Sicilian pizza is beloved for its thick, airy crust, bold tomato sauce, and flavorful toppings. Its rustic appeal and ease of preparation make it a great choice for casual family dinners, friendly gatherings, or anytime you crave authentic Italian comfort food. The beauty of Sicilian pizza lies in its versatility—you can easily swap or add your favorite ingredients without losing that traditional charm.

Dough Proofing Secrets

For a fluffier, well-developed crust, give your dough plenty of time to rise and don’t rush the process. A warm, draft-free environment helps the yeast work its magic. If you want an even more pronounced flavor and texture, let the dough rest overnight in the refrigerator—this slow fermentation enhances both aroma and chewiness.

Ingredient Substitution Tips

No mozzarella? Try shredded provolone or fontina. Don’t hesitate to use jarred or homemade tomato sauce, but always look for a thick, rustic consistency. For variety, you can replace olives with roasted peppers, sliced onions, or even thinly sliced Italian sausages for deeper flavor.

Preparation Techniques

When stretching out your dough, use your hands instead of a rolling pin for a more authentic texture and an airy, bubbly edge. To prevent the bottom from getting soggy, preheat your baking tray in the oven before placing the dough. If you crave extra crispness, sprinkle a thin layer of semolina flour or cornmeal on the pan.

Serving & Variations

Serve Sicilian pizza hot, topped with freshly torn basil and a drizzle of olive oil for that classic Mediterranean flair. Pair it with an arugula salad tossed in lemon and parmesan for a refreshing balance, or add a side of roasted vegetables. For a creative twist, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or add marinated artichokes for extra depth.

Experiment, have fun in the kitchen, and remember that Sicilian pizza is as much about enjoyment as it is about tradition!

Tagged:healthy mediterranean diet recipe

Mileni Sabatini

Milena is a passionate home cook who finds joy in turning simple ingredients into wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meals. Writing on the blog lets her share not just recipes, but her love for balance and everyday wellness.

Sicilian pizza homemade