sicilian pizza recipe.

 

Sicilian Pizza Recipe (Thick, Crispy & Cheesy)

Sicilian Pizza Recipe – Thick, Crispy & Cheesy Homemade Pizza

Make this easy Sicilian Pizza Recipe with a thick, airy crust, crispy golden bottom, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of mozzarella. Perfect for homemade pizza night!

Sicilian Pizza Recipe

This Sicilian Pizza Recipe makes a thick, airy, and wonderfully crispy pizza with a golden olive-oil crust, flavorful tomato sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese. Unlike thin New York-style pizza, Sicilian pizza is traditionally baked in a rectangular pan, giving it its signature thick crust and crisp edges.

It's an excellent homemade pizza for family dinners, parties, game days, and weekend pizza nights.

Why You'll Love This Sicilian Pizza

• Thick, soft, and airy crust
• Crispy, golden bottom and edges
• Rich tomato sauce and melted cheese
• Easy to prepare in a rectangular baking pan
• Great for family pizza night
• Customizable with your favorite toppings
• Delicious served hot or at room temperature

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1½ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1½ cups lukewarm water
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

For the Tomato Sauce

• 1½ cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Topping

• 2½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh basil, optional
• Red pepper flakes, optional

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• 13 × 18-inch rimmed baking sheet or Sicilian pizza pan
• Small saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter

How to Make Sicilian Pizza

1. Make the Dough

Add bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl.

Pour in the lukewarm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

Knead the dough gently for about 5–7 minutes, until it becomes smoother and elastic.

2. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it.

Allow it to rise at room temperature for approximately 1–2 hours, or until it becomes noticeably puffy.

For deeper flavor, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and bring it back toward room temperature before continuing.

3. Prepare the Sauce

Combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a small saucepan.

Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Let the sauce cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Pan

Generously coat a 13 × 18-inch rimmed baking sheet with olive oil.

The oil helps create the characteristic crispy, golden bottom of Sicilian pizza.

5. Stretch the Dough

Transfer the dough to the oiled pan.

Using lightly oiled fingertips, gently stretch the dough toward the corners.

If the dough springs back, allow it to rest for 10–15 minutes and then continue stretching.

Avoid pressing all the air out of the dough.

6. Let the Dough Rise Again

Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rest for another 30–45 minutes.

The dough should become soft and puffy.

7. Add the Sauce

Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Don't use an excessive amount of sauce because too much moisture can interfere with browning.

8. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the sauce.

Add Parmesan and dried oregano.

Add pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, or other toppings if desired.

9. Bake

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

Bake the Sicilian pizza for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and crisp around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

For an extra-crispy bottom, place the pan on a lower oven rack.

10. Cool and Slice

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5–10 minutes.

Add fresh basil or red pepper flakes if desired.

Cut into rectangular slices and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Sicilian Pizza

Use plenty of olive oil

Oil is important for creating the crispy bottom and flavorful edges characteristic of pan-baked Sicilian pizza.

Give the dough enough time to rise

A properly risen dough produces a lighter and airier crust.

Don't press the dough flat

Handle it gently to preserve the air bubbles that give the crust its soft texture.

Use a dark metal pan

A dark metal pan can help the bottom brown and crisp nicely.

Don't overload the toppings

Too many wet or heavy toppings can prevent the thick crust from becoming properly crisp.

Bake until deeply golden

Don't remove the pizza too early. The crust should be well browned around the edges and underneath.

Sicilian Pizza Topping Ideas

Classic Cheese Sicilian Pizza

Use tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and oregano.

Sicilian Pepperoni Pizza

Add sliced pepperoni over the cheese.

Sausage Sicilian Pizza

Top with cooked crumbled Italian sausage.

Vegetable Sicilian Pizza

Add mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives.

Spicy Sicilian Pizza

Add pepperoni, red pepper flakes, and sliced hot peppers.

Margherita Sicilian Pizza

Finish with fresh basil, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and olive oil.

What to Serve With Sicilian Pizza

Serve this pizza with:

• Garlic knots
• Caesar salad
• Italian salad
• Antipasto salad
• Marinara sauce
• Garlic bread
• Mozzarella sticks
• Italian vegetable soup
• Homemade lemonade

Storage

Place leftover Sicilian pizza in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

For the best texture, reheat slices in a preheated oven or toaster oven until the cheese is hot and the bottom is crisp.

Can You Freeze Sicilian Pizza?

Yes. Let the pizza cool completely before cutting it into individual slices.

Wrap each slice tightly and place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheat in a hot oven until warmed through and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sicilian pizza?

Sicilian pizza is a thick, pan-baked pizza traditionally associated with Sicily and Sicilian-American pizza traditions. It is generally characterized by a thick, airy crust, a crisp olive-oil-coated bottom, and a rectangular shape.

What makes Sicilian pizza different from New York pizza?

The biggest difference is the crust and shape. Sicilian pizza is typically thick and rectangular, while New York-style pizza is usually thin, large, and round.

Does Sicilian pizza have to be rectangular?

Traditional Sicilian-style pizza is commonly rectangular because it is baked in a large pan. However, variations exist.

Why is my Sicilian pizza not crispy?

Insufficient oil, an oven that isn't hot enough, too many wet toppings, or underbaking can result in a less-crispy crust.

Can I use all-purpose flour?

Yes. Bread flour provides a chewier structure, but all-purpose flour can also produce delicious homemade Sicilian pizza.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the dough, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to warm and become puffy before stretching it into the pan.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes. Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient shortcut. Allow it to come close to room temperature before stretching.

What cheese is best for Sicilian pizza?

Low-moisture mozzarella works especially well because it melts smoothly without releasing excessive water. Parmesan can be added for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Approximate nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary according to ingredients, toppings, and portion sizes.

Similar Recipes

• Brooklyn Pizza
• New York Style Pizza
• New York Pizza Dough
• New York White Pizza
• Margherita Pizza
• Pepperoni Pizza
• Homemade Pizza Sauce
• Garlic Knots
• Pizza Hut Pizza
• Detroit Style Pizza

Final Thoughts

This Sicilian Pizza Recipe is perfect when you're craving a thick, airy, crispy, and cheesy homemade pizza. Baking the dough in a generously oiled pan creates beautifully golden edges and a crisp bottom while keeping the inside soft and light.

For the best results, allow the dough enough time to rise, handle it gently, use plenty of olive oil, and bake until deeply golden. Serve it hot with garlic knots, salad, and your favorite pizza-night sides.

Recipe Card

Sicilian Pizza Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Cuisine: Italian-American
Category: Main Course, Pizza

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1½ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1½ cups lukewarm water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

• 1½ cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Topping

• 2½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
• ¼ cup Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh basil, optional
• Red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add water and 2 tablespoons olive oil to make a sticky dough.
3. Knead gently for 5–7 minutes.
4. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours.
5. Prepare the tomato sauce and let it cool slightly.
6. Generously oil a 13 × 18-inch baking pan.
7. Stretch the dough gently into the pan.
8. Let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.
9. Spread tomato sauce over the dough.
10. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, and desired toppings.
11. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 20–25 minutes.
12. Cool for 5–10 minutes, slice, and serve.