Neapolitan vs Sicilian Pizza: What’s The Difference?

When it comes to pizza, there are many different styles and variations to choose from.

Two of the most popular styles of pizza are Neapolitan and Sicilian.

While both styles have their own unique characteristics and flavors, they are both delicious in their own way.

In this article, we will explore the differences between Neapolitan and Sicilian pizza and help you decide which one is right for you.

What Is A Neapolitan Pizza?

Neapolitan pizza originated in Naples, Italy and is known for its thin crust, slightly chewy texture, and flavorful toppings.

The pizza is typically cooked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature, which gives the crust a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior.

The toppings on a Neapolitan pizza are simple and fresh, with a focus on high-quality ingredients.

The pizza is typically topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil, although other toppings such as sausage, mushrooms, and peppers can be added as well.

In order to be considered authentic Neapolitan pizza, the pizza must meet certain requirements set forth by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN).

These requirements include using specific types of flour, tomatoes, and cheese, as well as adhering to specific methods of preparation and cooking.

Neapolitan Pizza Base & Ingredients

The Neapolitan pizza base is thin and crispy, with a slightly chewy texture.

It is made with a dough that is typically made from 00 flour, which is a type of finely ground wheat flour that is low in gluten.

This gives the dough a soft, tender texture and allows it to cook quickly in a high-temperature oven.

In addition to 00 flour, the dough for Neapolitan pizza is typically made with water, salt, and yeast.

The yeast is responsible for leavening the dough, which gives it its airy texture and helps it to rise during the cooking process.

When it comes to toppings, Neapolitan pizza is known for its simplicity and use of high-quality ingredients.

The pizza is typically topped with San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their rich, sweet flavor and low acidity.

The tomatoes are typically pureed and spread on top of the pizza dough before being topped with fresh mozzarella cheese and basil leaves.

Other toppings that are commonly used on Neapolitan pizza include olive oil, garlic, oregano, and anchovies.

While some variations of Neapolitan pizza may include additional toppings, the focus is typically on simple, fresh ingredients that allow the flavors of the tomato sauce and cheese to shine through.

Which Flour to Use for Neapolitan Pizza

When it comes to making Neapolitan pizza, the type of flour used is an important consideration.

00 flour is the traditional flour used for Neapolitan pizza and is known for its low gluten content, which gives the dough a soft, tender texture.

While 00 flour is the most traditional choice, it can be difficult to find in some areas.

In these cases, it is possible to use other types of flour, such as all-purpose flour or bread flour, although the texture of the dough may be slightly different.

Ultimately, the key to making great Neapolitan pizza is to use high-quality ingredients and to focus on simplicity and balance of flavors.

With the right dough, sauce, and toppings, anyone can make delicious Neapolitan pizza at home that rivals the best pizzerias in Italy.

Different Types of Neapolitan Pizzas

While the classic Neapolitan pizza is made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, there are many variations of Neapolitan pizza that have become popular over the years.

Here are a few of the most common types of Neapolitan pizzas:

• Margherita: The classic Neapolitan pizza is the Margherita, which is made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. The pizza is named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, who was said to have been impressed with the pizza’s colors and flavors.
• Marinara: The Marinara pizza is a simple pizza that is made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. It does not include cheese and is often served as a starter or appetizer.
• Diavola: The Diavola pizza is a spicy pizza that is made with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and spicy salami or pepperoni. The pizza is often topped with red pepper flakes or chili oil for an extra kick of heat.
• Capricciosa: The Capricciosa pizza is a pizza that is loaded with toppings, including ham, mushrooms, artichokes, olives, and sometimes even hard-boiled eggs. It is a hearty pizza that is perfect for feeding a large group.
• Calzone: While not technically a pizza, the Calzone is a popular variation of Neapolitan pizza. It is made with the same ingredients as a pizza, but is folded over and baked like a turnover. The Calzone is often filled with cheese, ham, and other ingredients, and can be served as a meal or as a snack.

No matter which type of Neapolitan pizza you prefer, the key is to use high-quality ingredients and to focus on simple, bold flavors that allow the taste of the tomato sauce and cheese to shine through.

What Is A Sicilian Pizza?

Sicilian pizza, on the other hand, originated in Sicily, Italy and is known for its thick, rectangular crust and generous toppings.

Unlike Neapolitan pizza, which is cooked at a high temperature for a short period of time, Sicilian pizza is typically cooked at a lower temperature for a longer period of time, which gives the crust a dense, bread-like texture.

The toppings on a Sicilian pizza are often more substantial than those on a Neapolitan pizza, with a focus on bold flavors and hearty ingredients.

The pizza is typically topped with a thick layer of tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings such as sausage, onions, and peppers.

Sicilian pizza is often cut into square slices, which are larger and thicker than traditional pizza slices.

This makes Sicilian pizza a popular choice for feeding large groups or for those who are looking for a more substantial meal.

Sicilian Pizza Base & Ingredients

Sicilian pizza is known for its thick, rectangular crust, which is typically made from a dough that is high in gluten.

The dough is often left to rise for an extended period of time, which gives it a dense, bread-like texture.

In addition to flour, water, and yeast, the dough for Sicilian pizza may also include additional ingredients such as sugar, oil, and salt.

These ingredients help to give the dough its characteristic flavor and texture.

When it comes to toppings, Sicilian pizza is known for its generous portions and hearty ingredients.

The pizza is typically topped with a thick layer of tomato sauce, which is often seasoned with garlic and oregano.

This is then topped with a layer of cheese, which may include mozzarella, parmesan, or provolone.

Other toppings that are commonly used on Sicilian pizza include sausage, onions, peppers, and mushrooms.

Some variations of Sicilian pizza may also include additional ingredients such as olives, anchovies, or even fried eggplant.

Which Flour to Use for Sicilian Pizza

When making Sicilian pizza, the type of flour used is an important consideration.

While some recipes may call for all-purpose flour, bread flour is typically the best choice for achieving a thick, chewy crust.

Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which gives the dough its characteristic texture and allows it to rise properly.

Some recipes may also call for the addition of semolina flour, which gives the crust a slightly crunchy texture.

Ultimately, the key to making great Sicilian pizza is to use high-quality ingredients and to focus on bold, flavorful toppings.

With the right dough, sauce, and toppings, anyone can make delicious Sicilian pizza at home that rivals the best pizzerias in Italy.

Different Types of Sicilian Pizzas

Like Neapolitan pizza, there are many different types of Sicilian pizza that have become popular over the years.

Here are a few of the most common types of Sicilian pizzas:

• Traditional: The traditional Sicilian pizza is a thick, rectangular pizza that is topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings. The crust is typically thick and chewy, with a slightly crispy exterior.
• Sfincione: The Sfincione pizza is a popular variation of Sicilian pizza that is made with a thick, spongy dough that is similar to focaccia bread. The pizza is typically topped with tomato sauce, onions, and breadcrumbs, and is often served as a street food in Sicily.
• Pizza al taglio: Pizza al taglio is a popular variation of Sicilian pizza that is sold by the slice. The pizza is typically made with a thin, crispy crust and is topped with a variety of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
• Focaccia: While not technically a pizza, focaccia is a popular bread that is often served as an appetizer or snack in Italy. It is made with a thick, spongy dough that is topped with olive oil, salt, and sometimes even herbs or vegetables.
• Scaccia: Scaccia is a type of stuffed pizza that is popular in Sicily. It is made with a thin, crispy crust that is stuffed with cheese, vegetables, or meat, and is often served as a snack or appetizer.

No matter which type of Sicilian pizza you prefer, the key is to use high-quality ingredients and to focus on bold, flavorful toppings that complement the thick, chewy crust.

With the right dough, sauce, and toppings, anyone can make delicious Sicilian pizza at home that rivals the best pizzerias in Italy.

Pizzas Similar to Sicilian Pizza

While Sicilian pizza is unique in its thick, chewy crust and hearty toppings, there are other types of pizza that share some similarities.

Here are a few pizzas that are similar to Sicilian pizza:

• Detroit-style pizza: Detroit-style pizza is a rectangular pizza that has a thick, crispy crust that is similar to Sicilian pizza. It is typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings, and is often baked in a square or rectangular pan.
• Grandma pizza: Grandma pizza is a thin-crust pizza that is similar in texture to Sicilian pizza. It is often topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings, and is typically baked in a square or rectangular pan.
• Chicago-style pizza: While Chicago-style pizza is typically known for its deep-dish crust, some variations of Chicago-style pizza have a crust that is similar in texture to Sicilian pizza. The pizza is typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings, and is often baked in a deep dish or cast iron skillet.
• Focaccia: Like Sicilian pizza, focaccia is a type of bread that is thick and spongy in texture. While focaccia is not typically topped with tomato sauce or cheese, it can be served with a variety of toppings, including olive oil, herbs, and vegetables.

While each of these pizzas has its own unique characteristics, they share some similarities with Sicilian pizza in terms of texture and thickness of the crust.

No matter which type of pizza you prefer, the key is to use high-quality ingredients and to focus on bold, flavorful toppings that complement the crust.

Differences Between Neapolitan and Sicilian Pizza

While both Neapolitan and Sicilian pizza are delicious in their own way, there are some key differences between the two styles.

Here are a few:

• Crust: The crust on a Neapolitan pizza is thin and crispy, while the crust on a Sicilian pizza is thick and doughy.
• Toppings: The toppings on a Neapolitan pizza are typically simple and fresh, while the toppings on a Sicilian pizza are often more substantial and flavorful.
• Cooking Method: Neapolitan pizza is typically cooked at a high temperature for a short period of time, while Sicilian pizza is cooked at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.
• Shape: Neapolitan pizza is typically round, while Sicilian pizza is rectangular.

Which Style of Pizza is Right for You – Neapolitan or Sicilian?

Choosing between Neapolitan and Sicilian pizza ultimately comes down to personal preference.

If you prefer a crispy, thin crust and simple, fresh toppings, then Neapolitan pizza may be the right choice for you.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more substantial meal with hearty toppings and a thick, doughy crust, then Sicilian pizza may be more your style.

Regardless of which style you prefer, both Neapolitan and Sicilian pizza are delicious and satisfying meals that are sure to please any pizza lover.

So the next time you’re in the mood for pizza, consider trying both styles and deciding for yourself which one is the ultimate winner.