If you’re a fan of Sicilian pizza and want to replicate the famous recipe from Prince Street Pizza in New York City, here’s a simplified version you can try.
The key to making this pizza is getting the crust just right – crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. To achieve this, you’ll need to use a high-hydration dough.
You’ll then top the crust with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and pepperoni and bake it until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a delicious Sicilian pizza that will impress everyone.
Homemade Sicilian Pizza Recipe
Sicilian pizza is a delicious thick-crust pizza similar to sourdough pizza from Sicily, Italy. It’s known for its rectangular shape and unique flavor. Here’s a basic recipe to make a homemade Sicilian pizza.
Ingredients For the Dough
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour (500g)
- One tablespoon of kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp of instant or rapid-rise yeast
- 2.1 ounces extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup plus seven tablespoons of room-temperature water
For the Sauce
- Two tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Nine medium cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- One tablespoon of dried oregano
- Two teaspoons red pepper flakes
- One 28-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes
- One teaspoon sugar
- Kosher salt to taste
To Assemble and Bake
- 1 pound sliced deli-style mozzarella cheese
- 12 ounces natural-casing pepperoni, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces ground Pecorino Romano cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
Combine flour, salt, yeast, and 20g of olive oil in a mixing bowl. Add water gradually and process/mix until a dough forms. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise
Cover the pizza dough and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours.
Prepare the Pan
Pour 40g of olive oil into a 13×18-inch rimmed baking sheet. Spread the oil over the inner surface of the pan with your hands.
Shape the Dough
After preparing the dough, transfer it to the baking sheet and gently spread it with your hands. Make sure to cover the bottom of the pan and start to spread it towards the edges. Let it rest for 2-3 hours, allowing the dough to relax and fill the pan.
Make the Sauce
Heat olive oil, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan for 1 minute on medium heat. Add tomatoes and break them into chunks. Stir in sugar and simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and let it cool slightly.
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 550°F (290°C) with the rack in the lower position.
Assemble and Bake
Layer mozzarella cheese slices evenly over the Pizza dough. Spoon sauce on top and spread it with the back of a spoon. Add pepperoni slices and sprinkle half of the Romano cheese.
Bake for about 10 minutes until the pepperoni is crispy and the bottom of the pizza is golden brown. If needed, tent the top with aluminum foil and continue baking until the bottom is crisp.
Serve
Bring out the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining Romano cheese, cut into slices using a pizza wheel, and serve immediately.
Topping Ideas
Toppings for Sicilian-style pizza can be more generous compared to Neapolitan pizza. Here are some favorite topping combinations:
- Six ounces of pepperoni with crushed red pepper flakes (add after baking).
- Sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
- A combination of pepperoni and sautéed vegetables.
- Pickled jalapeños with pepperoni, drizzled with hot honey.
Conclusion
Creating the best Sicilian pizza at home is a rewarding culinary adventure. By using high-quality ingredients, paying attention to dough preparation, and following proper techniques for topping and baking, you can achieve a delicious and authentic Sicilian pizza with a crispy, flavorful crust. Remember to get creative with your toppings and seasonings to make it truly your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Sicilian pizza?
If you run short of time, you can use store-bought pizza dough. Just follow the dough instructions on the packaging and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
What’s the difference between Sicilian and Grandma-style pizza?
Both Sicilian and Grandma-style pizzas have a thick crust. Still, Grandma-style pizzas are usually smaller, cooked in a rectangular or square pan, and feature a thinner crust than a Sicilian pizza.
How can I store leftover Sicilian pizza?
Leftover Sicilian pizza slices can be stored for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic and aluminum foil before freezing.
How do I reheat leftover Sicilian pizza?
To reheat, set your oven to 375°F, place the slices on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-7 minutes or until heated. Alternatively, use a toaster oven for quick reheating.
