Name: Sfincione Sicilian Pizza
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 1/2 teaspoons (10 grams) active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon (5 grams) white sugar; 1 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons warm water, divided; 3 cups (400 grams) 00 flour; 1 cup (110 grams) semolina flour; 2 teaspoons (10 grams) sea salt; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; 8 oil-packed anchovy filets, minced; 1 large garlic clove, crushed and peeled; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 tablespoons water; 1 28-ounce can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 2 teaspoons white sugar; 2 to 3 fresh basil leaves, torn; 3/4 cup freshly grated pecorino cheese; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 tablespoons plain bread crumbs

Why You’ll Love Sfincione Sicilian Pizza Recipe

This recipe gives you a soft, airy dough with crispy edges and a deeply savory topping. The anchovies melt into the sauce, adding rich flavor without overpowering the pizza. Pecorino cheese, oregano, and breadcrumbs create a classic Sicilian-style finish that feels hearty and satisfying.

It is great for family dinners, parties, holidays, or anytime you want a homemade pizza that feels special but still comforting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

Active dry yeast
White sugar
Warm water
00 flour
Semolina flour
Sea salt
Extra virgin olive oil

For the sauce and topping:

Extra virgin olive oil
Oil-packed anchovy filets
Garlic
Yellow onion
Water
Whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
Sea salt
White sugar
Fresh basil leaves
Freshly grated pecorino cheese
Dried oregano
Plain bread crumbs

Directions

Activate the yeast by mixing it with sugar and a small amount of warm water. Let it sit until frothy.

In a large bowl, combine the 00 flour, semolina flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and remaining warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead until smooth. Let the dough rest in a warm place for 1 hour.

While the dough rises, make the sauce. Cook the anchovies, garlic, and onion in olive oil until fragrant. Add a little water, cover, and cook until the onion softens. Lightly crush or pulse the tomatoes, then add them to the pan with salt, sugar, and basil. Simmer until thickened.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 10 x 15-inch rimmed sheet pan with olive oil. Stretch the dough into the pan, cover, and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Spread the sauce over the dough from edge to edge. Sprinkle with pecorino cheese, oregano, and breadcrumbs. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp.

Let the pizza cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8

Prep time: about 1 hour 30 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

For a cheesier version, add a light layer of shredded mozzarella before the pecorino. For extra savory flavor, add more anchovies or a few sliced olives. You can also add thinly sliced onions on top before baking for a sweeter finish.

For a vegetarian-style version, leave out the anchovies and add a pinch of extra salt or capers to keep the sauce flavorful.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover sfincione in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place slices in a 350°F oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat to crisp the bottom. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can make the crust softer.

FAQs

What is sfincione?

Sfincione is a traditional Sicilian-style pizza with a thick, fluffy crust, tomato sauce, cheese, oregano, and breadcrumbs.

Is sfincione the same as regular pizza?

No. Sfincione is usually thicker, baked in a pan, and topped with breadcrumbs instead of being finished like a typical round pizza.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before stretching it into the pan.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of 00 flour?

Yes, though the texture may be slightly less delicate. The pizza will still be delicious.

Why are breadcrumbs used on top?

Breadcrumbs give sfincione its classic texture and help create a lightly crisp, rustic topping.

Do anchovies make the pizza taste fishy?

Not strongly. They melt into the sauce and add savory depth more than a fishy flavor.

Can I skip the anchovies?

Yes. You can leave them out or replace them with capers for a salty, briny flavor.

What size pan should I use?

A 10 x 15-inch rimmed sheet pan works well for this recipe.

How do I know when the pizza is done?

The crust should be golden and crisp, and the topping should look darker and deeply baked.

Can I freeze sfincione?

Yes. Freeze cooled slices in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until hot and crisp.

Conclusion

Sfincione Sicilian Pizza is a bold, comforting pan pizza with a fluffy crust, rich tomato sauce, salty pecorino, and a crisp breadcrumb topping. It is simple enough for a relaxed dinner and impressive enough to share with guests.