Sicilian Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup semolina flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for pan
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center and add yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with olive oil.
- Press dough into the pan, stretching to cover the bottom and up the sides.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Add toppings and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Special Notes
This authentic Sicilian pizza dough recipe creates the thick, airy crust characteristic of Sicilian-style pizza. The combination of all-purpose flour and semolina creates the perfect texture and flavor. The long rise time allows the dough to develop flavor and create the signature airy texture. The dough is pressed into a rectangular pan and rises again before baking, creating the thick, focaccia-like crust. This recipe is perfect for those who love thick-crust pizza with a crispy bottom and soft, airy interior. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for even better flavor development.