What is Sicilian Pizza? Everything You Need to Know

If you love pizza, you have probably tried Neapolitan or New York style. But have you ever had Sicilian pizza? It’s a completely thick, square, soft-crust pizza that is so hearty one slice might just be enough to fill you up. Let’s dive into everything that you need to know.

The history of Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza comes straight from the island of Sicily, Italy, where food has always been about flavor and tradition. The Greeks and Romans first bought flatbreads with toppings, which eventually evolved into the pizza that we know today.

Over centuries this pizza absorbed influences from the Arabs and the Spanish colonizers, adding spices, herbs, and olive oil. In the 19th century, a version called sfinciune actually became popular. It was made by chefs influenced by monastery recipes.

What Makes The Pizza So Sicilian Prominent?

Unlike Neapolitan pizza, this pizza is completely soft and airy like focaccia. Baked and rectangular, the pizza is very easy to share at gatherings. You can get simple, flavorful toppings like tomatoes, onions, bread crumbs, and sometimes 1 mozzarella.

Slow-rising dough makes the bread light even if it’s thick. A typical slice is just about 3 to 4 times thicker than a regular thin-crust pizza.

Traditional vs American Sicilian Pizza

Traditional Sicilian pizza focuses on flavor rather than cheese. Toppings like tomato sauce, onions, bread crumbs, and anchovies steal the show. Cheese was optional so it wasn’t overly heavy.

On the other hand, American Sicilian pizza is evolved in New York and other Italian American communities. You can expect thick crust and lots of mozzarella cheese to become standard. People love it because it’s indulgent, filling, and perfect for sharing.

Why Sicilian Pizza is Loved Worldwide

The beauty of Sicilian pizza is its versatility and heartiness. It’s great for:

• Family dinners
• Parties and gatherings
• Lunchboxes
• Late-night snacks

Sicilian Toppings You Will Love

Traditionally, Sicilian pizza is simple. But you can mix it up. Classic toppings generally include tomatoes, onions, and bread crumbs. If you want to make it cheesy, use mozzarella or provolone. Italian sausage or pepperoni is perfect if you want something meaty. Veggies include mushrooms and bell peppers.

How To Serve Sicilian Pizza?

Sicilian pizza is best hot and fresh. You can pair it with medium-bodied red wine or cold beer. A light salad can balance the heaviness. It is just perfect for sharing, cutting into squares, and serving on a platter. Don’t pile too many toppings. It’s all about balance between thick crust and flavorful toppings.

Making Sicilian Pizza At Home

Yes, you can truly make it yourself. Prepare the dough using high-quality flour and let it rise slowly. You can use a rectangular pan for that classic square shape.

Start with sauce, then onions, herbs, and cheese on anything that you like. Bake your pizza at a moderate temperature, as it ensures that the crust is golden and fluffy. Slice and enjoy.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Making Sicilian Pizza

Even seasoned home cooks can slip up and make Sicilian pizza. The pizza dough is completely thick and a well-oiled pan ensures a golden, slightly crisp bottom so skipping the oil in the pan is a mistake that you should avoid.

Too many toppings way down the crust, making it soggy instead of airy; less is always more.

Always let your dough come to room temperature before baking to help it rise evenly. Sicilian pizza requires moderate to high heat so cook around 425°F to get the thick crust thoroughly.

Flavor Layering

Sicilian pizza is not just about cheese and the crust; it’s all about layering the flavors. Traditional Sicilian sauce is rich but very simple. You need tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt.

Then you need to add some toppings like onions, herbs, and bread crumbs. Modern variations add meats and veggies.

Mozzarella is common but a mix of ricotta can add depth. Don’t forget the cheese is always last. This method ensures that every bite is balanced with crust, sauce, toppings, and cheese all complementing each other.

How to Make Sicilian Pizza Healthier?

Even though a Sicilian pizza is indulgent, you can still enjoy it without guilt.

• Load up on mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers if you want vegetable-heavy toppings.
• You can even swap some or all white flour for whole wheat to increase the fiber content.
• Use a moderate amount of mozzarella or try to use vegan cheese.
• Cut into smaller squares and paired with a salad to balance your meal.

Pairing drinks with Sicilian pizza

A medium-bodied Italian red wine complements the tomato and herbs. If you want to try something nonalcoholic, then you can go for sparkling water or lightly sweetened soda, as it cuts through the heaviness. You can even try a glass of lemonade for a refreshing twist. The acidity brightens the flavors of toppings and sauce.

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Conclusion

Sicilian pizza is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Thick crust, balanced toppings, and square pieces make it stand out from other pizza styles.

Whether you order it at the restaurant or make it at home, this pizza is a culinary experience worth savoring. Check out allHungry today and order it in minutes.