When it comes to pizza, Sicilian Pizza offers a completely different experience from its thinner, wood-fired counterparts like Neapolitan. Known for its thick, airy crust, rectangular shape, and hearty toppings, Sicilian Pizza is a filling and flavorful meal. It’s a comfort food that captures the essence of traditional Sicilian cuisine while appealing to pizza lovers who enjoy a bolder, heartier slice.
A Brief History of Sicilian Pizza
Sicilian Pizza, or Sfincione as it’s traditionally known, originated in Sicily, Italy, during the 17th century. This pizza was a staple of the working class, made with thick dough and topped with simple ingredients like tomatoes, onions, anchovies, and breadcrumbs. Unlike the more widely recognized Neapolitan pizza, Sicilian Pizza is known for its rustic, rectangular shape and its thick, spongy crust.
When Sicilian immigrants brought their cuisine to the United States in the early 1900s, the pizza evolved into the version that’s more familiar today. The American version often features generous layers of mozzarella cheese and toppings like pepperoni or sausage, baked in a rectangular pan, making it perfect for serving larger groups.
What Makes Sicilian Pizza Unique?
Sicilian Pizza stands out for its unique characteristics, which set it apart from other pizza styles:
- Thick, Soft Crust: The most defining feature of Sicilian Pizza is its thick, airy crust. The dough is made with a higher water content, resulting in a soft, fluffy interior and a slightly crispy exterior. It’s more like focaccia than the thin, crispy crusts found in other pizza varieties.
- Rectangular Shape: Unlike traditional round pizzas, Sicilian Pizza is typically baked in a rectangular or square pan, making it perfect for cutting into large, square slices.
- Toppings Under the Cheese: In traditional Sicilian Pizza, toppings like sauce and onions are placed under the cheese to prevent them from burning during the longer baking time required for the thicker dough.
- Generous Toppings: Sicilian Pizza is known for its generous portions of sauce, cheese, and toppings. Whether it’s classic tomato sauce or other bold ingredients like anchovies, olives, and herbs, this pizza is all about big, hearty flavors.
How to Make Sicilian Pizza at Home
Want to bring the bold, comforting flavors of Sicilian Pizza to your kitchen? Here’s a simple recipe to try at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing the pan)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: pepperoni, sausage, onions, olives, anchovies
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. Gradually add the flour, salt, and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a rectangular baking sheet or pizza pan with olive oil.
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out onto the greased baking sheet, stretching it to the edges to create an even layer.
- Add the sauce and toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Add your toppings, placing them under the cheese if you want to maintain a more traditional approach. Top with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice into large, square pieces and enjoy the delicious, comforting flavors of Sicilian Pizza.
Why Sicilian Pizza is a Fan Favorite
Sicilian Pizza is a true crowd-pleaser thanks to its thick, satisfying crust and bold flavors. The airy, soft dough makes every bite hearty and filling, while the generous toppings and rich cheese layer add to its comforting appeal. It’s the kind of pizza that’s perfect for feeding a group, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or a pizza night with family.
Beyond its delicious taste, Sicilian Pizza is also highly versatile. You can customize it with a variety of toppings to suit your preferences, from traditional ingredients like anchovies and onions to more modern options like pepperoni or sausage. Its thick crust can hold up to heavier toppings, making it ideal for those who like their pizza loaded with flavor.
Variations to Try
While classic Sfincione features simple toppings like tomatoes, onions, and anchovies, here are a few modern twists you can experiment with:
- Sicilian Pepperoni Pizza: Add layers of crispy pepperoni on top of the cheese for a meaty, spicy flavor.
- Sicilian White Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and opt for a white pizza with ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic for a creamy, savory alternative.
- Vegetarian Sicilian Pizza: Load up on veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives for a fresh, hearty slice.
- Sausage Sicilian Pizza: Crumbled sausage adds a rich, savory kick that pairs perfectly with the thick, chewy crust.
Conclusion
Sicilian Pizza offers a bold and satisfying alternative to other pizza styles, with its thick, airy crust, hearty toppings, and robust flavors. Whether you enjoy the classic version or prefer to load it up with your favorite toppings, Sicilian Pizza is sure to please pizza lovers looking for a comforting, flavorful meal. Give this recipe a try and experience the rustic charm of this Italian classic in your own home.
