Sicilian Scaccia Bread Recipe

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Published: 3/12/2023

Updated: 11/27/2023

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Scaccia Bread Recipe step-by-step

Scaccia has been a beloved staple in cafes and restaurants across Italy for centuries. This Sicilian delicacy combines crispy pastry dough with a savory filling, resulting in a delectable treat.

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Type of Cuisine:

Mediterranean

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Prep Time: 45 minutes.

Cook Time: 45 minutes

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How Many Servings?

8 servings

Table of Contents

I reached out to my Sicilian friend, Kenny, known for his expertise in local cuisine, in search of an authentic Italian recipe. He introduced me to Sicilian Scaccia bread, a dish that instantly piqued my interest. With my recent success in crafting Kesra, an authentic Algerian bread made with semolina flour, I was eager to tackle the challenge of mastering this rustic Sicilian bread.

Sicilian Scaccia, deeply rooted in Italian culinary history, has evolved from a pizza-style lasagna into the beloved cheese and tomato pizzas found in Sicilian cafes today. This versatile bread exemplifies the flavorful simplicity of Sicilian cuisine. Thin semolina flour dough serves as the canvas, allowing for a delectable filling of ingredients like olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, onions, and your choice of toppings. Folding it over creates a pocket that seals in those mouthwatering flavors. Once baked to perfection, you can slice and savor Sicilian Scaccia for breakfast, lunch, or as a delightful snack. Embrace the authentic tastes of Italy by giving it a try in your own kitchen!

Sicilian Scaccia bread recipe Ingreidnts

  • Semolina Flour: Semolina flour, a high-protein flour, forms the base of the dough, providing structure and a hearty texture to the bread.
  • Yeast: Yeast serves as the leavening agent, helping the dough rise and achieve its airy, fluffy consistency.
  • Sugar: Sugar not only adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors but also feeds the yeast, aiding in the fermentation process.
  • Warm Water: Warm water is used to dissolve the yeast and sugar, activating the yeast and allowing it to rise. Additional water may be needed to achieve the desired dough consistency.
  • Onion: Chopped onion contributes a savory, aromatic element to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic cloves infuse the filling with a robust, garlicky essence, elevating its taste.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil imparts a rich, Mediterranean flavor to the filling and helps sauté the onions and garlic to perfection.
  • Canned Tomatoes (28 oz): Canned tomatoes are used to create a flavorful tomato sauce, adding a delightful, tangy dimension to the filling.
  • Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil enhances the filling with its aromatic and herbaceous notes, providing a fresh and vibrant contrast.
  • Mild Provolone Cheese: Small pieces of mild provolone cheese contribute a creamy and slightly tangy flavor to the filling, making it irresistibly cheesy.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano: Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano, known for its nutty and savory taste, adds depth and complexity to the filling’s flavor profile.

These ingredients come together to create the delectable Sicilian Scaccia bread, with layers of flavor and a perfect blend of savory and cheesy goodness.

What is semolina flour?

Semolina flour is a coarse-ground wheat flour made from durum wheat’s endosperm (inner part). It has a gritty texture and yellowish color. Semolina can be used for various dishes, such as pasta, couscous, and pizza dough.

What is semolina flour, and what is it with? Semolina flour is coarse ground wheat flour. Suppose you want a replaceable alternative with all the health benefits of its components. The acacia bread recipe is perfect as a snack or side dish and great for picnics or dinner parties. Can you substitute it? Whole wheat flour is a suit. Try making your own Sicilian.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sicilian Scaccia Bread

Transition: Now that you’re ready to embark on your Sicilian Scaccia bread-making adventure, here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out perfect every time.

  • Use a small amount of yeast to avoid excessive dough puffiness.
  • As semolina flour is dense, allow it to rise warmly and cover it for two hours before working on it.
  • If you can’t find Italian cheeses, consider combining mild provolone cheese cut into small slices and primo Regina.
  • When making the tomato sauce, cook until the water evaporates, resulting in a rich, thick sauce. Add fresh basil at the end.
  • Rolling the dough into a large rectangular piece can be challenging. After the initial roll, start rolling from the center in all four directions to maintain dough integrity and achieve a thin layer.
  • When assembling the dough and layering it with sauce, if you find it challenging to fold, you can fold it on top of each other without worrying about which side to fold first. Try not to press too hard on the dough.

Serving Suggestions for Sicilian Scaccia Bread

Enjoy the versatility of Sicilian Scaccia bread, which is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack and offers multiple serving options to suit your taste. Here are some ideas on what you can pair it with:

  •  Breakfast: Scrambled or fried eggs, Sliced avocado, Fresh fruit, such as berries or melon company with a cup of coffee or tea
  •  Lunch or as a Snack: A green salad with vinaigrette dressing, maybe some sliced prosciutto or ham with olives or pickles. Why not enjoy it with a glass of red wine or sparkling water

Enjoy your Sicilian Scaccia bread with any of these options, or get creative and come up with your favorite pairings!

How to keep Your bread fresh

To keep your Sicilian Scaccia bread fresh, store it in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to two days. Please place it in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it longer. Before you get it, please ensure the bread has cooled completely to prevent condensation and moisture from building up. To revive stale or dry bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and heat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, sprinkle a little water on the bread and heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will help to restore the moisture and freshness of the bread, making it just as delicious as when it was first baked.

How to Make Sicilian Scaccia Bread Recipe
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Preparation

1.
Sicilian Scaccia Bread Recipe
Mix 1⁄2 teaspoon sugar, yeast, and water in a large bowl. Let rest for about 10 minutes or until foamy.
Add the semolina flour and one tablespoon of olive oil, and mix until the dough just comes together.
Mark as complete
2.
Sicilian Scaccia Bread Recipe
Transfer to a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-8 minutes. Lightly rub a bowl with oil, place the dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
Mark as complete
3.
Sicilian Scaccia Bread Recipe
While the dough rests, make the sauce. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to a medium skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until it turns golden about 5 minutes; add the garlic and saute for another minute.
Break the whole tomatoes with your hands or spoon, then add to the onion and garlic. Add one teaspoon of sugar and season with salt. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Mix in the fresh basil, remove keep aside until ready to use
Mark as complete
4.
Sicilian Scaccia Bread Recipe
Preheat your oven to a sizzling 450 degrees F. Prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a sizeable lightly-floured surface - make it as thin and comprehensive as possible!
Mark as complete
5.
Sicilian Scaccia Bread Recipe
When ready, position the sheet horizontally before you and spread half of the sauce over the middle third; sprinkle the cheese evenly.
Mark as complete
6.
Tap both sides onto the center so they overlap by just a few inches for an enveloped effect.. Add the remaining sauce on the left two-thirds, followed by the cheeses, before folding the right-hand side into the sauced midsection and finally capping off with the left-hand section.
Mark as complete
7.
Sicilian Scaccia Bread Recipe
Gently fold your dough and wrap it snugly in the prepared loaf pan. Brush the top with olive oil, then carefully place it into a preheated oven for 45 minutes of baking magic.
Mark as complete
8.
Sicilian Scaccia Bread Recipe
After swiftly flipping the Scaccia onto a cooling rack, peel off the parchment paper and leave upside-down to cool for 10 minutes before serving warm slices of deliciousness! Enjoy.
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
2 cups semolina flour 13 oz
1 teaspoon yeast
1 ½ teaspoons sugar
½ cup warm water plus more if needed
1 onion (chopped)
3 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 can 28 oz tomatoes
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup fresh basil (chopped)
4 oz mild provolone cheese (cut into small pieces)
4 oz primo Reggiano shredded

Preparation

1
Mix 1⁄2 teaspoon sugar, yeast, and water in a large bowl. Let rest for about 10 minutes or until foamy. Add the semolina flour and one tablespoon of olive oil, and mix until the dough just comes together.
2
Transfer to a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-8 minutes. Lightly rub a bowl with oil, place the dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
3
While the dough rests, make the sauce. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to a medium skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until it turns golden about 5 minutes; add the garlic and saute for another minute. Break the whole tomatoes with your hands or spoon, then add to the onion and garlic. Add one teaspoon of sugar and season with salt. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Mix in the fresh basil, remove keep aside until ready to use
4
Preheat your oven to a sizzling 450 degrees F. Prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a sizeable lightly-floured surface - make it as thin and comprehensive as possible!
5
When ready, position the sheet horizontally before you and spread half of the sauce over the middle third; sprinkle the cheese evenly.
6
Tap both sides onto the center so they overlap by just a few inches for an enveloped effect.. Add the remaining sauce on the left two-thirds, followed by the cheeses, before folding the right-hand side into the sauced midsection and finally capping off with the left-hand section.
7
Gently fold your dough and wrap it snugly in the prepared loaf pan. Brush the top with olive oil, then carefully place it into a preheated oven for 45 minutes of baking magic.
8
After swiftly flipping the Scaccia onto a cooling rack, peel off the parchment paper and leave upside-down to cool for 10 minutes before serving warm slices of deliciousness! Enjoy.

Rana’s Notes!

Storing and freezing Scaccia bread Storing and freezing Scaccia bread is simple and easy! The best way to keep it is to wrap the bread in parchment paper and then in plastic wrap or place it into an airtight container for up to one week. To freeze, it is better to cut the bread into individual servings, wrap each in parchment paper, then tightly in aluminum foil, or place in a freezer bag and seal. To defrost, remove from the foil or freezer bag and leave it on the counter. It should be ready to enjoy within an hour.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

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By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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    1 Comment

    • Kenny
      April 13, 2023

      My Sicilian family makes this Scaccia bread. Rana has been able to duplicate it perfectly. Takes me right back to Sicily. It’s a must try recipe. 5 Stars….
      Reply

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