Square Sicilian-Style Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A thick, airy Sicilian-style square pizza topped with crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 108 minutes, pairs bread flour, warm water, active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 90 min Cook: 18 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp sugar in 1 1/4 cups warm water. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups bread flour, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir to form a dough, then knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes until elastic.
  3. Step 3: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and rise for 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 475°F. Oil a 13x9-inch baking pan with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Press the dough into the pan evenly, creating a thick base.
  6. Step 6: Spread 1 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes over the dough, then sprinkle 1 clove minced garlic and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
  7. Step 7: Layer 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly on top.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
  9. Step 9: Remove from oven and scatter 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza.
  10. Step 10: Let cool 5 minutes, slice into squares, and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Square Sicilian-Style Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 108 minutes (90 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Square Sicilian-Style Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bread flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Square Sicilian-Style Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Square Sicilian-Style Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Square Sicilian-Style Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella?

Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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