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Sicilian pizza

sicilian pizza

Sicilian pizza recipe made lighter, fluffy crust, flavorful sauce, simple toppings. Try this delicious, easy Mediterranean dish at home now!
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Total Time 1 hour 31 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.25 cup lukewarm water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus extra for greasing
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet active dry yeast about 7g
Sauce and toppings
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes canned or fresh
  • 2 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup part-skim mozzarella shredded
  • 6 piece anchovy fillets optional
  • 0.5 cup pitted black olives chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling

Method
 

Dough preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
  2. Add lukewarm water and olive oil. Stir with a spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Shape into a ball, drizzle with olive oil, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Sauce and toppings preparation
  1. In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Stir well and set aside to allow flavors to blend while dough rises.
Pizza assembly and baking
  1. Preheat oven to 250°C (480°F) or as high as possible.
  2. Grease a large rectangular baking pan with olive oil. Gently stretch the dough into the pan, pressing evenly with your fingers to fill the corners.
  3. Spread prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
  4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Add anchovy fillets and chopped black olives if using.
  5. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for extra flavor.
  6. Bake in the hot oven for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  7. Let cool briefly, then slice and serve your homemade Sicilian pizza while hot.

Notes

Sicilian pizza is famed for its thick, airy crust and crave-worthy combination of simple flavors. Its versatility makes it perfect for family meals, parties, or whenever you want a taste of rustic Italy at home. This recipe is ideal for beginners and home cooks who love traditional pizza but want something a little more substantial and satisfying.

Practical Tips for the Perfect Sicilian Pizza

Let your dough rise fully: The signature light texture comes from proper proofing. If your kitchen is chilly, place the bowl inside a turned-off oven with a bowl of warm water to speed up the rise.
Stretch gently: When pressing your dough into the pan, avoid overworking it. If it resists, let it rest for 5-10 minutes—this relaxes the gluten and makes the dough easier to shape without tearing.
Customize the toppings: Classic Sicilian pizza features anchovies and olives, but you can skip either for a milder flavor, or try sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra color and freshness.

Flavor & Technique Insights

Par-bake the crust: For extra crispiness, bake the dough for 7–8 minutes before adding your sauce and toppings.
Use high-quality tomatoes: Opt for San Marzano or other richly flavored canned tomatoes for the sauce, and consider blending them for a smoother texture.
Fresh mozzarella vs. part-skim: Either works; fresh gives stretchiness and subtle flavor, while part-skim melts evenly and browns beautifully.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This Sicilian pizza is a showstopper served fresh from the oven, cut into generous squares. Pair it with a bright arugula salad drizzled with lemon and olive oil, or a bowl of minestrone soup for a true Italian feast.
Want to experiment? Try a "white" version: skip the tomato sauce and use ricotta, mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil with fresh herbs. For a touch of heat, add thinly sliced Calabrian chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Homemade Sicilian pizza is a delicious canvas—get creative and make it your own!