What is Grandma Pizza vs Sicilian Pizza? This is a common question among pizza lovers who appreciate these two popular styles. While both share Italian origins and a rectangular shape, Grandma pizza and Sicilian pizza differ significantly in their crust thickness, toppings, and preparation methods. Understanding these differences will help you choose which pizza style best suits your preferences.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Grandma pizza vs Sicilian pizza, exploring their unique characteristics and why each has become a beloved favorite.
For those interested in making their own pizzas at home, check out the sourdough recipes available on Elga Easy Recipes to elevate your pizza dough game. If you’re specifically looking to master Sicilian pizza, you’ll find this guide incredibly helpful.
History of Grandma Pizza and Sicilian Pizza
Sicilian Pizza Origins
Sicilian pizza, or Sfincione, originated in Sicily, Italy. Sicilians typically baked this pizza in large rectangular pans. The thick, spongy dough earned its name Sfincione, meaning sponge, because of its light texture. Toppings were simple and included tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, and breadcrumbs.
When Italian immigrants brought Sicilian pizza to the United States, they adjusted it to fit American tastes. The crust became thicker, and more robust toppings like mozzarella, sausage, and pepperoni were added. This made the pizza heartier and more filling.
Today, Sicilian pizza remains popular for its thick, doughy crust and substantial toppings. Cities like New York and Detroit made it their own, offering a richer, heavier version of this pizza. To learn more about traditional Sicilian pizza and its variations, visit the Sicilian Pizza Guide on Elga Easy Recipes.
Grandma Pizza Origins
In contrast, Grandma pizza was born in New York, specifically in the kitchens of Italian-American families. Grandmothers (or nonna) made this pizza at home, which gave it its name. Unlike Sicilian pizza, the dough for Grandma pizza doesn’t rise for long. This gives it a thin, crispy base that bakes quickly in a rectangular pan.
With its garlicky tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs, Grandma pizza quickly became a favorite in Long Island pizzerias. Its appeal lies in its rustic simplicity, which delivers both flavor and texture in every bite.
To try your hand at making a classic Grandma pizza at home, follow the Serious Eats recipe for step-by-step instructions.
Crust Differences
Sicilian Pizza Crust
The most striking difference between Sicilian pizza and Grandma pizza is the crust. Sicilian pizza features a thick, airy, spongy crust that resembles focaccia. Bakers use dough with higher hydration, allowing it to rise longer and bake into a light, fluffy texture.
The longer fermentation period results in a thick crust that holds substantial toppings. The pizza is baked in a well-oiled rectangular pan, which crisps the bottom of the crust while leaving the inside soft and airy.
This thicker crust supports heavier toppings like mozzarella, pepperoni, and sausage. The crust’s structure prevents it from becoming soggy under the weight of these ingredients, making Sicilian pizza a hearty option.
Grandma Pizza Crust
On the other hand, Grandma pizza boasts a thin, crispy crust. Since the dough is not given time to rise for long, it remains flat and compact. Baked in a thin sheet pan, the dough cooks quickly, creating a crust that’s crisp and light.
The simplicity of Grandma pizza lies in the balance between the crunchy crust and the lighter toppings. The quick baking process produces a pizza that feels lighter and crisper than the doughy Sicilian pizza.
For pizza lovers who enjoy a crisp bite, Grandma pizza is the ideal choice. Explore sourdough sandwich bread recipes on Elga Easy Recipes to try different dough variations for your pizzas.
Toppings and Ingredients
Toppings on Sicilian Pizza
Traditional Sicilian pizza uses simple toppings inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, and breadcrumbs are spread on top, allowing the flavor of the dough to stand out.
In America, the toppings have evolved to become heartier and more indulgent. Mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, and various vegetables are common choices. The thick crust holds these toppings well, offering a filling and satisfying pizza experience. The dough absorbs the sauce’s flavor, enhancing each bite.
Toppings on Grandma Pizza
Grandma pizza keeps the toppings minimal and fresh. Its classic toppings include a garlicky tomato sauce, a light layer of mozzarella, and fresh herbs like basil. The simplicity allows the pizza’s crust and sauce to shine, offering a balance between flavor and texture.
Where Sicilian pizza offers a rich and hearty experience, Grandma pizza keeps things light and simple. The focus remains on the pizza’s crisp base and its fresh, rustic flavors.
Cooking Techniques
How Sicilian Pizza is Cooked
Sicilian pizza takes a little more time to prepare due to the thickness of the dough. Bakers allow the dough to rise longer, which gives the crust its fluffy texture. The dough is then par-baked, meaning it’s baked briefly before the toppings are added. This step ensures that the crust becomes crispy on the bottom while staying soft on the inside.
After the toppings are added, the pizza goes back into the oven to finish baking. The well-oiled pan creates a golden, crispy crust, while the longer bake time lets the toppings meld together. This results in a pizza with a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
How Grandma Pizza is Cooked
Grandma pizza, on the other hand, cooks much faster. The dough doesn’t rise as long, so it doesn’t require par-baking. It goes directly into the oven in a thin sheet pan, where it bakes quickly, producing a crisp crust.
The quick bake time makes Grandma pizza a great option for those who want a fast, homemade pizza without waiting for the dough to rise. Its garlicky tomato sauce and crispy base make it a popular choice for pizza lovers who prefer a lighter meal.
Regional Differences and Popularity
Sicilian Pizza: Italy vs. America
In Sicily, Sicilian pizza maintains its traditional form, with light toppings and a focaccia-like crust. When it came to America, the pizza evolved into a much thicker and cheesier version. The American adaptation often includes robust toppings, making it a hearty and filling meal.
New York-style Sicilian pizza remains the most popular American version. Known for its thick crust and generous layers of mozzarella, this style has become a favorite in New York. Similarly, Detroit-style pizza follows a similar approach but incorporates caramelized cheese edges and a crispier base.
Grandma Pizza’s New York Popularity
Although it began as a home-cooked dish, Grandma pizza quickly became a staple in Long Island pizzerias. Italian-American families introduced it to restaurants, where its simplicity and quick preparation made it a customer favorite.
Unlike Sicilian pizza, which feels indulgent with its thick crust and heavy toppings, Grandma pizza offers a lighter, crispier alternative. Its garlicky flavor and crispy base resonate with pizza lovers who enjoy a more rustic style.
Sicilian Pizza vs. Grandma Pizza: A Side-by-Side Comparison
- Crust Thickness: Sicilian pizza has a thick, airy crust, while Grandma pizza is thin and crispy.
- Toppings: Sicilian pizza features heavier toppings like mozzarella, sausage, and pepperoni, while Grandma pizza sticks to simple ingredients like tomato sauce, garlic, and mozzarella.
- Cooking Time: Sicilian pizza requires a longer bake time due to its thick dough and often includes par-baking. Grandma pizza cooks quickly because of its thinner crust.
- Flavor Profile: Sicilian pizza offers a rich, doughy flavor with hearty toppings, while Grandma pizza delivers a crisp, garlicky bite with lighter toppings.
FAQs About Grandma Pizza vs Sicilian Pizza
1. What is the difference between Grandma and Sicilian pizza?
The main difference lies in the crust. Sicilian pizza has a thick, airy crust, while Grandma pizza features a thin, crispy crust. Their toppings and baking methods also vary, with Sicilian pizza supporting heavier ingredients and requiring a longer bake time.
2. Is Grandma pizza the same as Sicilian pizza?
No, Grandma pizza and Sicilian pizza differ significantly. While both are baked in rectangular pans, Grandma pizza has a thin crust and lighter toppings, while Sicilian pizza is thick and heartier.
3. Why is Grandma pizza called Grandma pizza?
Grandma pizza gets its name from Italian grandmothers who made it without letting the dough rise. The pizza’s simplicity reflects its home-cooked origins.
4. Which pizza is crispier, Grandma or Sicilian?
Grandma pizza is crispier due to its thin crust, while Sicilian pizza has a thicker, softer crust.
Conclusion
Both Sicilian pizza and Grandma pizza offer distinct and delicious pizza experiences. If you prefer a pizza with a thick, airy crust and rich toppings, Sicilian pizza is a great choice. However, if you’re craving something lighter and crispier, Grandma pizza will satisfy. Whichever style you choose, both bring unique flavors to the table.
For more pizza-making tips, explore the sourdough recipes on Elga Easy Recipes to elevate your pizza dough game.