Description
New York Bakery-Style Sicilian Pizza features a thick, airy dough baked in a rectangular pan with a crispy golden crust, topped with vibrant tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs. This hearty, flavorful, and versatile pizza delivers an iconic New York bakery experience that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing and brushing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups high-quality tomato sauce, well seasoned
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh herbs such as basil or oregano, chopped or torn
Optional Additional Ingredients
- Vegetables: sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives
- Meats: pepperoni, sausage, bacon
- Cheese variations: provolone, fontina, parmesan
- Spices: red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Activate the active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Wait until the mixture becomes bubbly and frothy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, olive oil, and the yeast mixture. Knead thoroughly until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Shape and Proof the Dough: Generously grease a rectangular baking pan with olive oil. Stretch and press the dough evenly across the pan, reaching all corners. Allow the dough to rest and rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed and airy.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Toppings: Spread a generous layer of seasoned tomato sauce evenly over the risen dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by any additional desired toppings. Avoid overloading to maintain the crust’s crispness.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles. For extra crispy edges, broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes while watching carefully.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set for cleaner slices and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Use a heavy-duty thick metal or cast-iron pan for the best crispy crust.
- Don’t overload toppings to avoid soggy pizza and ensure a perfectly crisp crust.
- Use room temperature ingredients for faster cooking and better cheese melting.
- Extending the rise time by refrigerating the dough enhances flavor and texture.
- Brush crust edges with olive oil before baking for a shiny, crunchy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: New York style Sicilian pizza, bakery-style Sicilian pizza, thick crust pizza, rectangular pizza, homemade pizza, Sicilian pizza
