Sicilian-Style Savory Pizza Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

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 Sicilian-Style Savory Pizza Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection



When it comes to pizza, there's something special about the Sicilian style. With its thick, pillowy crust and bold flavors, this version of pizza offers a delicious, hearty alternative to the thin-crust variety. The Sicilian-Style Savory Pizza Bake is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or a weekend treat. In this post, we’ll dive into the cooking methods behind making a perfect Sicilian-style pizza right at home.

What Makes Sicilian Pizza Different?

Unlike the traditional Neapolitan pizza, which has a thin and crisp crust, Sicilian pizza is known for its thick, spongy base. It's often baked in a rectangular pan, giving it a unique, focaccia-like texture. Another key feature is that the toppings, particularly the sauce and cheese, are layered generously, offering a full, flavorful bite every time. Let’s break down the cooking process into easy steps to help you master this recipe.

Ingredients for Sicilian-Style Pizza

Before we get into the cooking method, you’ll need the following ingredients for a basic Sicilian pizza bake:

  • For the dough:

    • 4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
    • 2 teaspoons sugar
    • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
    • 1 ¼ cups warm water
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • For the toppings:

    • 1 ½ cups of tomato sauce (preferably homemade or San Marzano tomatoes)
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • Olive oil for drizzling
    • Optional toppings: pepperoni, olives, anchovies, onions, or any of your favorites

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

A great Sicilian pizza starts with the dough, which needs a little time to rise to get that fluffy, thick crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, which indicates that the yeast is activated. Then, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until the dough begins to form.

Once the dough has come together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape and Pre-Bake the Crust

After the dough has risen, it's time to shape it. Sicilian pizza is traditionally rectangular, so lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan with olive oil. Stretch and press the dough out into the pan, ensuring it's evenly distributed. The thickness should be about ½ to 1 inch.

Before adding the toppings, pre-bake the dough. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the dough and bake it for 8–10 minutes. This helps set the base, ensuring it doesn't become soggy when the toppings are added.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

Once your crust is partially baked, remove it from the oven. Spread an even layer of tomato sauce over the top. Sicilian pizza uses a heartier amount of sauce compared to other styles, so don't skimp! Next, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface, followed by a generous layer of Parmesan. Add oregano for that authentic Italian flavor.

If you're using additional toppings like pepperoni, olives, or anchovies, now is the time to layer them on. The key is not to overload the pizza, as the dough is thick and will need time to cook through.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes at 450°F (230°C). You’ll know the pizza is ready when the crust turns a golden brown and the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly browned in spots. The thicker crust takes a bit longer to cook, so keep an eye on it to avoid undercooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

After baking, remove your Sicilian pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for added richness, then slice it into squares for serving. The crust should be crispy on the outside but soft and airy on the inside, with each bite bursting with rich flavors from the sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Final Tips

  • Make the dough ahead: The dough for Sicilian pizza can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This allows the flavors to develop even more.
  • Experiment with toppings: While the classic version is simple, don’t hesitate to add your favorite toppings. Just be sure to balance the moisture of the ingredients to avoid a soggy crust.
  • Use quality ingredients: Because Sicilian pizza relies on simple flavors, using high-quality cheese, tomatoes, and olive oil makes a noticeable difference.

Mastering the Sicilian-Style Savory Pizza Bake takes a little time, but the results are well worth it. Enjoy the process, and savor every slice!




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