Sicilian Pizza Recipe: Homemade, Fluffy & 100% Halal

If you are looking for a pizza that is thick, soft, and satisfying enough to feed a hungry crowd, you need to try this Sicilian pizza recipe.

Here is why this guide is perfect for your home kitchen:

• Famous for a tall, airy interior and a bottom fried to a golden crunch in a sheet pan.
• Replaces traditional meats with delicious halal beef and chicken alternatives.
• Uses simple ingredients and standard kitchen equipment to recreate an authentic Italian bakery taste.
• Thick, filling slices that are perfect for parties or special family dinners.

What Is Sicilian Style Pizza?

Sicilian pizza, or Sfincione, is an authentic Italian classic originating from Sicily. Unlike thin, round pizzas, this style is baked in a rectangular sheet pan with generous amounts of olive oil, which “fries” the bottom to a golden crunch. The dough is highly hydrated, resulting in a tall, airy, and fluffy interior that is much more substantial than Neapolitan pizza. It is traditionally served in thick, square slices and is a favorite for family gatherings and festive holidays because it is both filling and fully customizable.

Ingredients & Substitutions

To get that professional “pan pizza” look, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. All items listed here are halal-safe.

For the Dough

For the Toppings

Halal Note: Always verify that your meats (beef bacon, chicken pepperoni) are zabiha halal and that your cheeses do not contain animal-derived rennet from non-halal sources.

Instructions – How to Make Sicilian Pizza Recipe

Follow these steps for a perfect Sicilian pizza recipe result.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This proves your yeast is alive and ready to work!

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: The First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Pan Prep and Second Rise (Crucial!)

Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large rectangular sheet pan. Place the dough in the pan and gently stretch it toward the corners. If it shrinks back, let it rest for 10 minutes and try again. Once stretched, cover and let it rise in the pan for another 30 to 45 minutes. This “pan rise” is the secret to a thick, fluffy Sicilian crust.

Step 5: Sauce and Toppings

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the garlic-olive oil over the dough. Add a layer of sliced mozzarella, then spread the crushed tomatoes over the cheese (this prevents the crust from getting soggy). Top with your shredded mozzarella, halal beef bacon, pepperoni, and vegetables.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes on the lower rack of the oven. This ensures the bottom gets crispy while the cheese melts perfectly. The pizza is done when the edges are dark golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of halal parmesan.

Tips for Perfect Sicilian Pizza

• Oil the Pan Generously: Don’t be afraid of the olive oil in the pan. It’s what gives the bottom that amazing “fried bread” texture.
• Don’t Over-Load: Because the crust is thick, too many heavy toppings can make the center hard to cook. Keep it balanced!
• Patience is Key: Let the dough rest properly. If you rush the rise, your pizza will be dense instead of fluffy.
• Lower Rack Baking: Baking on the lowest rack helps the heat hit the bottom of the pan directly, creating that signature Sicilian crunch.

How to Serve It

Sicilian pizza is best enjoyed warm and fresh. Here are some serving suggestions:

• The Perfect Slice: Cut the pizza into uniform squares using a pizza wheel or a sharp knife. Square slices are the trademark of this style!
• Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves and a final sprinkle of red chili flakes or extra halal Parmesan just before serving.
• Pairings: Serve alongside a fresh Mexican Salad or a light vegetable soup to balance the rich, thick crust.
• Dips: Provide a side of garlic butter sauce or a balsamic glaze for dipping the edges of the fluffy crust.

Storing & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For the best results, use an oven at 350^ F or an air fryer for 3–5 minutes. This brings back the crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the fluffy crust rubbery and tough.

FAQs

Q1: Is this Sicilian pizza recipe halal?

A: Yes! By using certified halal meats (beef bacon, chicken pepperoni) and ensuring your cheese uses microbial rennet, this entire recipe is 100% permissible.

Q2: Can I make it vegetarian?

A: Absolutely. Simply skip the meats and add extra bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or even roasted zucchini for a delicious veggie version.

Q3: Why is my pizza crust so thick?

A: That is the goal of a Sicilian pizza recipe! The combination of high-hydration dough and baking it in a pan allows the dough to rise much taller than a standard thin-crust pizza.

Q4: Can I freeze Sicilian pizza?

A: Yes. You can freeze fully baked slices in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Reheat them directly in the oven for a quick snack.

Conclusion

The Sicilian pizza recipe is a celebration of texture and flavor. It provides a hearty, homemade meal that is much more satisfying than store-bought alternatives. By following this easy, halal-friendly guide, you can serve a professional-looking rectangular pizza that your whole family will love. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your halal toppings, try making a batch tonight and enjoy the incredible, fluffy crunch of an authentic Sicilian slice!

Sicilian Pizza Recipe

Mary

This Sicilian pizza recipe is thick, fluffy, and baked in a sheet pan for a perfectly crispy bottom and soft interior. Made with simple ingredients and 100% halal toppings, it’s ideal for family dinners, parties, or special occasions. Easy to prepare, filling, and customizable, this homemade Sicilian-style pizza delivers authentic Italian bakery flavor right from your kitchen.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 10

Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1½ cups warm water lukewarm
• 2 tsp sugar
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp coarse salt

For the Toppings

• 2 cloves garlic finely minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 8 oz sliced mozzarella
• ¼ lb halal beef or chicken pepperoni
• ¼ lb halal beef or chicken sausage optional
• 2 sliced mushrooms optional
• ½ sliced green bell pepper optional
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan microbial rennet
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Rest 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• Combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until smooth.
• Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1–1½ hours).
• Oil a rectangular sheet pan generously. Stretch dough into pan.
• Let dough rise again in pan for 30–45 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Brush dough with garlic oil, add sliced mozzarella, then crushed tomatoes.
• Top with shredded mozzarella, halal meats, and vegetables.
• Bake on lower rack for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Garnish with basil and Parmesan. Slice into squares and serve.

Keyword pizza recipe, sicilian pizza recipe​