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sicilian-style-pizza-recipe

Sicilian-Style Pizza Recipe

Make the best Sicilian Style Pizza Recipe with a thick, airy crust, crispy edges, homemade tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella. Easy step-by-step recipe.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 Slices
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 445

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups bread flour
  • cups warm water
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Sauce
  • 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Toppings
  • 12 ounces whole milk mozzarella shredded
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil for the pan
  • Fresh basil optional
  • Red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking pan or quarter sheet pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Rubber spatula
  • Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
  • Pizza cutter

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
  2. Add the bread flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Since this dough is slightly wetter than traditional pizza dough, avoid adding too much extra flour.
    mixing-sicilian-pizza-dough
Step 2: First Rise
  1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
  2. Cover and let rise for 1½–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
    sicilian-pizza-dough-first-rise
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
  1. While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a saucepan.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Allow the sauce to cool before assembling the pizza.
    homemade-sicilian-pizza-sauce
Step 4: Stretch the Dough
  1. Generously coat your baking pan with olive oil.
  2. Transfer the risen dough into the pan.
  3. Using lightly oiled fingertips, gently stretch it toward the corners.
  4. If it resists stretching, let it rest for 15 minutes before trying again.
  5. Cover and let rise for another 45–60 minutes.
  6. The dough should become puffy and nearly fill the pan.
    stretching-sicilian-pizza-dough-in-pan
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
  2. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the dough.
  3. Spread the tomato sauce over the cheese.
  4. Finish with grated Parmesan.
  5. Add any optional toppings if desired.
    assembling-sicilian-style-pizza
Step 6: Bake
  1. Bake for 18–25 minutes, or until:
  2. The crust is golden brown
  3. The cheese is bubbling
  4. The edges are crisp
  5. The bottom is deeply browned
  6. If needed, bake for an extra 2–3 minutes for a crispier crust.
    baking-sicilian-style-pizza
Step 7: Cool and Serve
  1. Allow the pizza to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil, drizzle with olive oil, and enjoy.
    sliced-sicilian-style-pizza-ready-to-serve

Notes

Use bread flour for the best chewy, airy crust. All-purpose flour works, but the texture won't be quite as light.