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Sicilian pizza

sicilian pizza

Sicilian pizza with fluffy dough and rustic tomato sauce. Bring Italian charm to your table with this classic homemade recipe!
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Total Time 1 hour 31 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 315
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 3.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2.25 teaspoon instant yeast
Topping
  • 1.5 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup sliced black olives
  • 0.5 cup diced bell pepper
  • 0.5 cup sliced onions
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method
 

Preparing the dough
  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preparing the topping
  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
  2. Grease a rectangular baking pan with a little olive oil.
  3. Gently spread the risen dough in the pan, pressing it into the corners.
  4. Spread crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough.
  5. Top with mozzarella cheese, black olives, bell peppers, and onions.
  6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle dried oregano over the top.
Baking and serving
  1. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Let it cool for a few minutes, slice into portions, and serve warm.

Notes

Sicilian pizza is renowned for its thick, airy crust and rustic toppings, offering a hearty slice perfect for sharing at gatherings. This classic Italian favorite stands out for its adaptability—add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or even meats to make it truly your own.

Smart tips for the perfect Sicilian pizza

Let the dough rise fully—patience pays off here! A warm, draft-free spot will help your dough double in size, creating that trademark fluffy texture. If you’re short on time, you can refrigerate the dough overnight for an even more developed flavor.
Choose quality tomatoes for your sauce. Canned San Marzano tomatoes or ripe fresh tomatoes make all the difference, giving a naturally sweet touch to the base.
Don’t overload the toppings: Sicilian pizza is all about balance. A light layer ensures the crust bakes evenly and holds its airy structure.

Technique insights

If the dough resists spreading in the pan, let it rest for five minutes. This relaxes the gluten, making it easier to shape. For a crispier base, drizzle a little olive oil on the pan before pressing in the dough.

Serving and variations

Serve your Sicilian pizza straight from the oven with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Experiment with toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, anchovies, or even strips of roasted eggplant for a personal twist. If you prefer a spicy touch, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking.
If any slices are leftover, reheat them on a hot skillet—this restores the pizza’s crispy bottom and melty cheese, making it nearly as good as fresh!