What Is Sicilian Pizza?

Welcome, pizza lovers! Have you ever wondered what is Sicilian pizza? Are you a fan of thick, cheesy slices with a slightly sweet tomato sauce and bold toppings? Then you have come to the right place. 

In this blog post, we will be exploring one of Italy’s most famous regional pizzas – Sicilian Pizza. From its origins in Palermo, Italy, to its popularity all over the world, this slice of heaven has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. 

So sit back, grab a slice (or two), and join me on this journey as we uncover what makes Sicilian Pizza so special and unique from other styles of pizza. Whether you’re already a die-hard fan or new to the game, get ready to indulge in all things Sicilian Pizza!

What Is Sicilian Pizza?

sicilian pizza

Sicilian pizza, also known as “sfincione” in Italian, is a thick and rectangular-shaped pizza that originated from Sicily, Italy. It is typically made with a thicker crust compared to other styles of pizza, resulting in a chewy and doughy texture. 

The crust is often topped with a slightly sweet tomato sauce and generous amounts of cheese, making it a favorite among those who love a good cheese pull. 

The toppings are then added on top of the cheese, which can vary from traditional pizza toppings such as pepperoni and mushrooms to more unique ingredients like eggplant or artichokes.

History Of Sicilian Pizza

By the middle of the 1800s, sfincione and pizza were widely consumed in Sicily. Scincione most likely developed from focaccia, an Italian yeast bread baked on a flat sheet pan, which is considerably older. 

Then, sfincione developed into what Americans now refer to as Sicilian-style pizza.

Sicilian immigrants introduced Sicilian-style pizza to the United States. The mozzarella was probably included because, in the early 20th century, New York State’s dairy cow industry provided inexpensive mozzarella to Italian bakeries in New York City. 

Before long, any kind of bread crust topped with cheese and sauce was referred to as pizza.

In New York, Boston, and Detroit, returning World War II troops who had been stationed in Italy demanded to sample pizza – Sicilian or otherwise – and a gastronomic craze was born. 

Actually, Sicilian pizza is the ancestor of Detroit-style pizza. 

Ingredients Used On Sicilian Pizza

homemade sicilian pizza

Pizza is a food that is meant to be played with! So is Sicilian Pizza! Use your personal preferences to inspire something new and exciting. 

Just about anything can be spread onto this base. However, here are some wonderful options for you:

1. Mozzarella Cheese: This classic cheese is a must-have on Sicilian Pizza. It adds a gooey and stringy texture that makes for the perfect cheese pull.

2. Tomato Sauce: The base of any good pizza starts with tomato sauce. Sicilian-style pizza typically uses a slightly sweet tomato sauce, but you can use whatever kind you prefer.

3. Fresh Basil: For added freshness and flavor, top your pizza with some fresh basil leaves. This herb pairs perfectly with tomato sauce and cheese.

4. Meat: Sicilian Pizza is often topped with traditional pizza toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, or ham. But feel free to get creative and try out different types of meat on your pizza, like bacon or prosciutto.

5. Pepperoni: This classic topping adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the pizza.

6. Parmesan: Sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pizza adds a rich and nutty flavor that compliments the other toppings perfectly.

7. Green Pepper & Onion: For a touch of freshness and crunch, add some green pepper and onion slices on top of your pizza. These toppings also add a pop of color to make your pizza even more visually appealing.

8. Italian Seasoning: No pizza is complete without some herbs and spices. Add a sprinkle of Italian season top to your pizza for added flavor.

In addition to these classic toppings, Sicilian Pizza can also be topped with more unique ingredients such as eggplant, artichokes, or even seafood. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination!

How Do You Make Sicilian Pizza?

sicilian pizza recipe

Making Sicilian Pizza at home is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to create your very own slice of Sicily:

Step 1: Prepare The Dough

Start by making a thick and sturdy dough that will hold up all your toppings. Mix flour, yeast, water, and olive oil in a bowl until you get a smooth and elastic consistency. 

Let it rise for about an hour!

Step 2: Dough-It-Up

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangular shape and place it on a greased baking sheet. Use your fingers to press down on the dough to create indentations all over.

Step 3: Add The Sauce and Cheese

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce onto the dough, leaving some space around the edges. Then top it with shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.

Step 4: Add Your Desired Toppings

This is where you can get creative! Add your favorite toppings on top of the cheese, making sure to distribute them evenly.

Step 5: Bake It

This pizza can be prepared up to 30 minutes in advance. Keep it warm in the oven at a very low temperature, around 150 to 160°F.

Step 6: Let It Cool, Slice, and Enjoy!

Once the pizza has cooled down a bit, cut it into squares or rectangles and serve hot. And there you have it – your very own homemade Sicilian Pizza!

What Are The Features That Define Sicilian Pizza?

Sicilian Pizza is known for its distinct features that set it apart from other styles of pizza. These features include:

1. Thick Crust: Sicilian Pizza has a thick and sturdy crust, often referred to as “pan pizza”. This allows for a chewy and doughy texture, making each bite satisfying.

2. Rectangular Shape: Unlike traditional round pizzas, Sicilian Pizza is typically rectangular in shape, making it perfect for sharing with a group.

3. Light Sauce Coverage: Sicilian Pizza often has a lighter amount of sauce compared to other styles of pizza. This allows for the crust to shine and be the star of the show.

4. Generous Amounts Of Cheese: Sicilian Pizza is known for its abundance of cheese, resulting in a gooey and cheesy slice with every bite.

5. Unique Toppings: While traditional pizza toppings such as pepperoni and mushrooms are popular, Sicilian Pizza also allows for more unique ingredients like eggplant or artichokes to be used as toppings. This adds an element of creativity and variety to the pizza.

6. Oil-Infused Crust: To add even more flavor, the crust of Sicilian Pizza is often brushed with olive oil before baking. This gives it a crispy and slightly salty taste that pairs perfectly with the other toppings.

7. Authentic Seasoning: Sicilian Pizza is often seasoned with traditional Italian herbs and spices like oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the pizza that is unique to this style.

Why Should You Try Sicilian Pizza?

delicious sicilian pizza

If you haven’t tried one, there are plenty of reasons to try Sicilian pizza. Here are just a few:

1. Unique And Delicious Flavor: The combination of a thick crust, light sauce coverage, and generous amounts of cheese make for a truly unique and delicious flavor that will have your taste buds singing.

2. Variety Of Toppings: Sicilian Pizza allows for a wide variety of toppings, allowing you to get creative and try out new flavors. You can stick with classic toppings or experiment with more unconventional ones.

3. Great For Sharing: The rectangular shape of Sicilian Pizza makes it perfect for sharing with a group. This also makes it a great option for parties or gatherings where you need to feed a large number of people.

4. Easy To Make At Home: With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can easily make Sicilian Pizza at home. This allows you to customize the toppings and create your unique version of this classic dish.

5. Brings a Taste Of Italy To Your Table: Sicilian Pizza originated in Sicily, Italy, and is a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine. By trying out this style of pizza, you can bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table.

So why wait? Grab some dough, sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, and try making Sicilian Pizza at home today!

Tips For Making The Perfect Sicilian Pizza

perfect sicilian pizza

Baking Sicilian Pizza might be intimidating, but don’t let it discourage you! With these tips, you’ll be making delicious Sicilian Pizza in no time:

1. Use A Baking Stone Or Steel: For an authentic crispy crust, use a baking stone or steel instead of a traditional baking sheet. These materials conduct heat more evenly and create the perfect texture for Sicilian Pizza.

2. Let The Dough Rise Overnight: For even better flavor, let the dough rise in the fridge overnight before using it to make your pizza. This allows the gluten to develop and creates a more flavorful dough.

3. Don’t Overdo It On The Toppings: Sicilian Pizza is meant to be simple and not overloaded with too many toppings. Stick to a few key ingredients for best results.

4. Experiment With Different Sauces And Cheese: While traditional tomato sauce and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to try out different types of sauces like pesto or alfredo, and cheeses like gouda or feta. These can add a unique twist to your Sicilian Pizza.

5. Serve With Marinara Sauce: For even more flavor, serve your Sicilian Pizza with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. This adds an extra punch of tomato flavor and complements the pizza perfectly.

Trust me, with these tips above, your Sicilian Pizza won’t disappoint you!

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have discovered all about the question of what is Sicilian pizza.  From its distinct features to its unique toppings and flavor, Sicilian Pizza is a must-try for any pizza lover. 

Whether you make it at home or order it from a pizzeria, savor each bite of this delicious Italian-American dish. Don’t forget to use these tips for making the perfect Sicilian Pizza and impress your family and friends with your newfound pizza-making skills. 

So go ahead and give Sicilian Pizza a try – you won’t be disappointed!

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