Sicilian Pizza Vs Neapolitan: The Benefits And Drawbacks

The world of pizza is a vast and diverse one, with countless variations and styles to choose from. Two of the most popular and iconic pizzas are Sicilian pizza and Neapolitan pizza. Both have their own unique flavors, textures, and histories, making them beloved by pizza enthusiasts worldwide. But which one is truly the better choice? In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between Sicilian pizza vs Neapolitan pizza and help you decide which one suits your taste buds the best.

History and Origins

Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza, also known as “sfincione,” originated in the 16th century in the city of Palermo, Sicily. It was originally a street food made with simple ingredients such as dough, tomato sauce, onions, and anchovies. Over time, it evolved into the thick, square-shaped pizza we know today.

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza, on the other hand, has an even longer history dating back to the 18th century. It was created in the city of Naples, Italy, and was originally known as “pizza marinara.” This pizza was made with a thin, crispy crust, tomato sauce, oregano, and garlic.

Crust

Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza has a thick, focaccia-like crust that is typically square or rectangular in shape. The crust is made with a higher proportion of semolina flour, which gives it a slightly grainy texture. The crust is also often topped with sesame seeds.

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza has a thin, crispy crust that is made with a high-gluten flour. The crust is cooked in a wood-fired oven at a very high temperature, which gives it its characteristic leopard-spotting.

Sauce

Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza sauce is typically made with tomatoes, onions, and anchovies. The sauce is cooked for a long time, which gives it a thick, rich flavor.

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza sauce is made with tomatoes, oregano, and garlic. The sauce is cooked for a shorter time, which gives it a lighter, fresher flavor.

Toppings

Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza is typically topped with mozzarella cheese, onions, and anchovies. However, it can also be topped with a variety of other ingredients, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and olives.

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza is typically topped with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, oregano, and garlic. However, it can also be topped with a variety of other ingredients, such as basil, prosciutto, and artichokes.

Cooking Method

Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza is baked in a regular oven at a moderate temperature. The pizza is cooked for a long time, which allows the crust to become thick and crispy.

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at a very high temperature. The pizza is cooked for a short time, which gives it its characteristic thin, crispy crust.

Taste and Texture

Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza has a thick, chewy crust with a slightly grainy texture. The sauce is thick and rich, and the toppings are flavorful and plentiful.

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza has a thin, crispy crust with a chewy interior. The sauce is light and fresh, and the toppings are delicate and flavorful.

Which One is Better?

Ultimately, the choice between Sicilian pizza vs Neapolitan pizza comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a thick, chewy crust with a hearty sauce and toppings, then Sicilian pizza is a great choice. If you prefer a thin, crispy crust with a light, fresh sauce and delicate toppings, then Neapolitan pizza is a better option.

Variations

Sicilian Pizza

There are many different variations of Sicilian pizza, including:

• Sfincione Bianco: A Sicilian pizza without tomato sauce.
• Pizza al Forno: A Sicilian pizza baked in a wood-fired oven.
• Pizza alla Norma: A Sicilian pizza topped with eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta cheese.

Neapolitan Pizza

There are also many different variations of Neapolitan pizza, including:

• Pizza Marinara: A Neapolitan pizza with tomato sauce, oregano, and garlic.
• Pizza Margherita: A Neapolitan pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
• Pizza Capricciosa: A Neapolitan pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, ham, and artichokes.

Recommendations: The Ultimate Pizza Showdown

Whether you prefer the thick, chewy crust of Sicilian pizza or the thin, crispy crust of Neapolitan pizza, there’s no denying that both styles are delicious and iconic. The best way to decide which one you like better is to try them both!

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. What is the difference between Sicilian pizza and Neapolitan pizza?

Sicilian pizza has a thick, focaccia-like crust, while Neapolitan pizza has a thin, crispy crust. Sicilian pizza sauce is typically made with tomatoes, onions, and anchovies, while Neapolitan pizza sauce is made with tomatoes, oregano, and garlic.

2. Which pizza is better, Sicilian or Neapolitan?

It depends on your personal preference. If you prefer a thick, chewy crust with a hearty sauce and toppings, then Sicilian pizza is a great choice. If you prefer a thin, crispy crust with a light, fresh sauce and delicate toppings, then Neapolitan pizza is a better option.

3. What are some popular toppings for Sicilian pizza?

Popular toppings for Sicilian pizza include:

• Mozzarella cheese
• Onions
• Anchovies
• Pepperoni
• Sausage
• Mushrooms
• Olives

4. What are some popular toppings for Neapolitan pizza?

Popular toppings for Neapolitan pizza include:

• Mozzarella cheese
• Tomatoes
• Oregano
• Garlic
• Basil
• Prosciutto