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Detailed view of the focaccia-like crumb and golden crispy crust of a Sicilian Pizza Recipe.

Sicilian Pizza Recipe: The Ultimate Crispy and Airy Thick Crust

Master the Sicilian Pizza Recipe with this guide to a deep, airy focaccia-style dough. Featuring a crispy fried crust, vibrant red sauce, and charred mozzarella bubbles, it's the perfect thick-crust square pizza for home cooks.
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Prep Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian, Sicilian
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Dough
  • 500 g Bread Flour approx 4 cups
  • 350 ml Warm Water 1.5 cups, approx 100°F
  • 7 g Instant Yeast 2.25 tsp
  • 30 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 tbsp for dough
  • 10 g Fine Sea Salt 2 tsp
  • 45 ml Olive Oil 3 tbsp for the pan
Sauce & Toppings
  • 400 g Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes 14 oz can
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Tiny dried flakes
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 340 g Low-Moisture Mozzarella 12 oz, shredded

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Metal Baking Pan Dark metal or blue steel preferred
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. Combine flour, yeast, salt, warm water, and 2 tbsp olive oil in a bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rise for 1.5-2 hours until doubled.
Pan Prep and Second Rise
  1. Coat a 9x13 metal pan with 3 tbsp olive oil. Place dough in the pan and let rest for 20 minutes.
  2. Dimple the dough to the corners of the pan. Cover and let rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy.
Bake the Pizza
  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Spread tomato sauce and oregano over the dough. Bake for 12 minutes.
  2. Top with shredded mozzarella. Bake for another 8-10 minutes until cheese has charred golden bubbles.

Notes

Use a metal pan for the crispiest crust.
Don't skip the second rise in the pan; it's essential for the airy crumb.