Pizza Ciccio Recipe Guide

Ciccio is an Italian classic with a unique twist: the dough is thicker and softer, with a crust that stays pillowy even after baking. It’s a comforting and hearty meal, ideal for gatherings or weekend treats. From my own personal experience, Pizza Ciccio is one of the most fun pizzas to make because it’s versatile and forgiving in its thickness and toppings. So, let me show you how I make Pizza Ciccio, step-by-step, so you can bring a bit of Italy into your kitchen.

What to Expect

Pizza Ciccio has a thicker and softer crust compared to traditional thin-crust pizzas. It should be pillowy on the inside with a crispy exterior. The cheese and sauce meld beautifully, creating a deliciously comforting bite. From my overall experience, the simplicity of ingredients allows each flavor to shine.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approx. 400
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Kitchen scale
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Rolling pin
• Clean kitchen towel
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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 cup warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably Italian-style)
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, or until foamy. This is a sign the yeast is active and will give the dough a good rise.
2. Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture, and gradually add flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or by hand. Continue mixing until the dough starts coming together.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If it sticks too much, sprinkle in a bit more flour as needed.
4. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) about 30 minutes before you’re ready to bake. Place your baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat as well; this helps to achieve a crisp bottom crust.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out to form a thick circle, around ½-inch thick, for the traditional Pizza Ciccio style.
2. Carefully place the shaped dough onto a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

1. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to form the crust.
2. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then top with grated Parmesan cheese. Add any other desired toppings or season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

1. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
2. Carefully remove the pizza from the oven, and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. Top with fresh basil for a burst of flavor, if desired.

Dietary Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free pizza flour blend.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese instead of mozzarella and Parmesan. Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace the crust with a cauliflower crust to reduce the carb count significantly.
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Tips for the Perfect Pizza Ciccio

• For Extra Flavor: Add garlic powder or Italian herbs to the dough while mixing.
• Crispy Base Tip: Brush olive oil on the baking sheet or pizza stone before placing the dough. This will give a crispier crust.
• Adjusting Dough Thickness: If you prefer a thinner pizza, roll the dough out thinner than ½-inch and reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: ~400 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg

I Hope This Guide Helps!

I hope this guide has made making Pizza Ciccio seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before, or was this your first time making it? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!