Name: Spicy Salami and Herbed Ricotta Sicilian Pizza
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 serving squares
Cuisine: Italian cuisine
Ingredients: 500 g thick pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, suitable for a 9x13 inch pan); 250 g ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta); 1 cup tomato sauce (marinara or crushed tomatoes, seasoned); 100 g calabrian salami (thinly sliced); 150 g mozzarella cheese (shredded low-moisture); 0.25 cup fresh basil (chopped, plus extra for garnish); 1 tsp oregano (dried); 2 tbsp olive oil; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice); 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper

A rustic Sicilian pizza, rectangular and topped with vibrant red chili flakes, crumbled spicy salami, and dollops of creamy herbed ricotta, rests on a dark surface.

Experience the robust flavors of Sicily with this hearty Sicilian pizza. A thick, focaccia-like crust provides the perfect base for a rich tomato sauce, layered with creamy, herb-infused ricotta cheese and generous slices of spicy Calabrian salami. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the soft, yielding crust, the tangy sauce, the smooth ricotta, and the piquant salami, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying culinary masterpiece. This pizza is a testament to the simple yet profound flavors of Southern Italian cuisine, perfect for a family dinner or an impressive appetizer. The addition of fresh basil brightens the entire dish, making it a standout. Its substantial nature ensures it's not just a snack, but a full meal that will leave everyone craving more.

Preparation time: 30 min
Cooking time: 35 min
Total time: 1 hr 5 min
Servings: 8

Instructions

Preparation

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with olive oil.
2In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the fresh basil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture. Mix well and set aside.

Assemble and Bake

1Gently stretch or roll out the thick pizza dough to fit the prepared 9x13-inch baking pan. Press the dough evenly into the pan, creating a slightly raised edge.
2Spread an even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
3Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce.
4Place dollops of the herbed ricotta mixture evenly over the mozzarella cheese. Arrange the slices of Calabrian salami on top of the ricotta and mozzarella.
5Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the pizza for added flavor and a crispier crust.
6Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and the salami is slightly crispy. The thick crust of a Sicilian pizza requires thorough cooking.

Finishing

1Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set and prevents toppings from sliding off.
2Garnish with the remaining fresh basil before serving. Cut into thick squares, characteristic of Sicilian pizza, and enjoy.

Instructions

Preparation

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with olive oil.
2In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the fresh basil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture. Mix well and set aside.

Assemble and Bake

1Gently stretch or roll out the thick pizza dough to fit the prepared 9x13-inch baking pan. Press the dough evenly into the pan, creating a slightly raised edge.
2Spread an even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
3Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce.
4Place dollops of the herbed ricotta mixture evenly over the mozzarella cheese. Arrange the slices of Calabrian salami on top of the ricotta and mozzarella.
5Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the pizza for added flavor and a crispier crust.
6Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and the salami is slightly crispy. The thick crust of a Sicilian pizza requires thorough cooking.

Finishing

1Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set and prevents toppings from sliding off.
2Garnish with the remaining fresh basil before serving. Cut into thick squares, characteristic of Sicilian pizza, and enjoy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 651 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Fat: 35 g
Carbs: 56 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	651 kcal
Protein	30 g
Fat	35 g
Carbs	56 g

Tips

Ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature before stretching; this makes it much easier to work with and prevents it from shrinking back.
For an extra crispy bottom crust, preheat your baking pan in the oven for 10-15 minutes before adding the dough.
Serve this hearty Sicilian pizza with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors.