Scachatta Pizza Recipe

Jennifer Segal

16 May, 2024

Discover the mouthwatering world of Scachatta pizza – a Sicilian delight with a twist! Learn how to create this culinary masterpiece.

Scachatta Pizza

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Sicilian
Category: Main Dish
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 300 calories

Scachatta pizza is a delectable variation of the classic Sicilian-style pizza, known for its unique and savory twist on traditional pizza recipes.

The name "Scachatta" is derived from the Sicilian word "scaciata," which means "to crush" or "press down." This pizza stands out due to its distinctive feature of being topped with a crunchy breadcrumb and cheese mixture, providing a delightful contrast of textures.

The base of Scachatta pizza typically consists of a thick, fluffy, and rectangular crust. This crust is made by using a simple yet flavorful dough, which is left to rise until it doubles in size, resulting in a light and airy interior while maintaining a satisfyingly crispy exterior during baking.

The hallmark of Scachatta pizza is its topping, a flavorful combination of tomato sauce, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, garlic, fresh breadcrumbs, olive oil, and fresh parsley. The sauce is spread evenly over the dough, followed by the breadcrumb-cheese mixture, which adds a delightful crunch to each bite. The result is a pizza with a wonderful interplay of flavors, textures, and aromas.

Scachatta pizza is a beloved traditional Sicilian dish that's perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a snack, it offers a taste of Sicilian culinary heritage that's sure to please your palate with its satisfying and unique character.

Recipe

Unleash your inner pizzaiolo with our Scachatta pizza recipe! Sicilian flavors meet crispy goodness in this unique culinary journey.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Method Instructions

In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until it's doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a separate bowl, combine the grated Pecorino Romano cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle and place it on a baking sheet.
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture over the sauce, and drizzle olive oil on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the toppings are bubbly.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy your Scachatta pizza!

Recipe Video

Scachatta Pizza

This is a video about Scachatta Pizza.

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Recipe Tags: Scachatta Pizza, Scachatta Pizza Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving Scachatta pizza is a delightful experience, and here's how to do it:

Slice into Portions: After baking your Scachatta pizza to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice it into individual portions. The size of the slices can vary based on your preference, but rectangular slices are typical for this style of pizza.
Serve Warm: Scachatta pizza is best enjoyed when it's still warm. The contrast of the crispy crust and the savory toppings is at its finest right out of the oven.
Plate and Garnish: Place the individual slices on serving plates or a large platter. To add a touch of freshness and color, you can garnish the pizza with some extra chopped fresh parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the flavors.
Accompaniments: Scachatta pizza is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with some optional accompaniments. A simple salad with fresh greens, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar pairs wonderfully. You can also offer some red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Enjoy: Invite your guests to savor the Scachatta pizza while it's still warm and the flavors are at their peak. The crispy breadcrumb and cheese topping, combined with the flavors of the sauce and the airy crust, make for a delightful and memorable dining experience.
Leftovers: If you have any leftover Scachatta pizza, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven to maintain its texture and flavors when you're ready to enjoy it again.

You may also pair your Scachatta pizza with a good bottle of wine or a refreshing beverage of your choice to complete the experience. It's a unique and delicious Sicilian pizza that's sure to be a hit at your table!

Tips

Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the tomato sauce and cheese. Fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor of your Scachatta pizza.
Dough Consistency: Pay attention to the consistency of your pizza dough. It should be elastic and not too sticky. You can adjust the amount of flour or water as needed during the dough-making process.
Dough Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving the desired light and airy texture in the crust.
Even Topping Distribution: When spreading the tomato sauce and topping mixture, make sure it's distributed evenly to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
Customization: Feel free to get creative with your Scachatta pizza. Add your favorite toppings like olives, capers, anchovies, or even some sautéed vegetables to make it uniquely yours.
Baking Temperature: Preheat your oven well and bake the pizza at a high temperature to get that crispy crust. Around 425°F (220°C) is a good starting point.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the pizza while it's baking. The baking time may vary based on your specific oven, so aim for a golden-brown crust and bubbling toppings.
Cooling Time: Allow the Scachatta pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to handle.
Pairing: Consider pairing your Scachatta pizza with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing salad for a well-rounded meal.
Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutes

Dough:
- Flour: You can use whole wheat flour or bread flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Yeast: Instant yeast can replace active dry yeast in the same quantity, and you won't need to proof it in warm water.
Topping:
- Cheese: If you can't find Pecorino Romano, you can use Parmesan or Asiago cheese as alternatives.
- Breadcrumbs: Fine breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed croutons can replace fresh breadcrumbs.
Tomato Sauce:
- Canned Tomato Sauce: If you don't have fresh tomato sauce, you can use canned tomato sauce or even canned crushed tomatoes as a substitute.
Olive Oil:
- Butter: In a pinch, you can use melted butter as a substitute for olive oil, although it will alter the flavor slightly.
Garlic:
- Garlic Powder: If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, with 1/8 teaspoon of powder typically equaling one clove of fresh garlic.
Fresh Parsley:
- Dried Parsley: You can use dried parsley flakes, but use them sparingly, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.