Mastering the Sicilian Square: A Noble Roman’s Copycat Dough Recipe

The scent of baking pizza has always been a time machine for me, instantly transporting me back to my college days. My tiny apartment kitchen, usually a disaster zone of textbooks and late-night study snacks, transformed into a makeshift pizzeria every Friday. We’d cram around a rickety table, devouring thick-crusted, square-cut slices, debating everything from philosophy to football. This particular Sicilian-style pizza, or rather, our desperate attempt to recreate a local favorite, Noble Roman’s, became a tradition – a weekly ritual fueled by cheap beer and even cheaper ingredients. Though the results were always a little…rustic, the joy of sharing those imperfect pies is a memory I’ll forever cherish.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes (plus rising time)
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 (12-14 inch) square pizza
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be vegan with substitutions)

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package dry yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder
• 1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature (or vegan butter substitute)
• 1 1/4 cups warm water

For Topping (amounts as desired)

• Virgin Olive Oil
• Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• Muenster Cheese, shredded
• Oregano, dried
• Pizza Sauce
• Your favorite pizza toppings!

Equipment Needed

• Breadmaker (optional, but recommended)
• Lightly floured cutting board
• Clean, moist towel
• Cake pan (12-14 inch square or round)
• Oven

Instructions

1. Combine the Dough: If using a breadmaker, place all dough ingredients into the breadmaker in the order listed: warm water, butter, nonfat dry milk powder, kosher salt, sugar, all-purpose flour, and finally dry yeast.
2. Knead and Rise: Allow the breadmaker to knead the dough and let it rise slightly before removing it, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Important: Don’t forget to remove the dough before the bake cycle starts!
3. Second Rise: Remove the dough from the breadmaker and place it on a lightly floured cutting board. Cover the dough with a clean, moist towel and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes or so before forming it in the pizza tray.
4. Prepare the Pan: While the dough is rising the second time, prepare your baking pan. This is crucial for achieving that signature Noble Roman’s crust! Paint the inside of a cake pan with a thin coat of virgin olive oil.
5. “Varnish” the Pan: Bake the prepared pan at 450 degrees F (232 degrees C) until the oil has “varnished” the pan. This might require additional coats of virgin olive oil. What this means is, heat the pan until the oil has polymerized, creating a non-stick layer and flavoring the pan.
6. Shape the Dough: Before placing your dough in the pan, paint it again generously with virgin olive oil. Place the dough in the pan and let it rise once inside the oiled pan.
7. Press the Dough: After the dough has risen, gently push the dough down, working it towards the pan edges. Try to get it evenly distributed throughout the pan.
8. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a mixture of shredded mozzarella (approximately 2/3) and muenster cheese (approximately 1/3) directly onto the dough, covering it entirely. Add a dash of dried oregano.
9. Add Toppings and Sauce: Add your desired toppings. Then, ladle the pizza sauce in dots on top of the cheese and toppings, ensuring the sauce does not contact the edges of the pan. This will prevent burning.
10. Bake: Bake the pizza. If baking at 500 degrees F (260 degrees C), bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. At a slightly lower temperature of 450 degrees F (232 degrees C), you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• The Pan is Key: The pre-baked, oiled pan is essential for achieving that characteristic crispy, almost fried, crust. Don’t skip this step! The oil creates a barrier and fries the crust as it bakes.
• High Heat = High Flavor: The high baking temperature helps to quickly caramelize the cheese and toppings, enhancing their flavor. Monitor closely to avoid burning, especially if your oven runs hot.
• Cheese Distribution: Don’t be shy with the cheese! A generous layer of mozzarella and muenster is crucial for replicating the Noble Roman’s experience. The muenster adds a distinct flavor that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
• Sauce Placement: Dotting the sauce on top helps to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Using a thick, high-quality sauce is also recommended.
• Airflow is Important: Baking this pizza at high heat can produce a lot of smoke, especially during the initial baking of the oiled pan. Make sure you have good airflow in your kitchen and turn on the overhead fan.
• Pan Dedication: It is recommended that the pan used is retained only for this use, as the repeated oiling and high-heat baking will affect its performance for other recipes.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the pizza immediately after baking. Cut into squares and enjoy hot! Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in a skillet over medium heat for a crisper crust. While freezing is possible, it may slightly alter the texture of the crust and cheese. If freezing, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw completely before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	380 kcal	19%
Total Fat	18g	28%
Saturated Fat	9g	45%
Cholesterol	35mg	12%
Sodium	500mg	21%
Total Carbohydrate	45g	15%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	3g	N/A
Protein	15g	30%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Option: Substitute vegan butter for regular butter and use your favorite vegan mozzarella and muenster cheese alternatives. You can also use a plant-based milk powder substitute or omit it entirely.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid depending on the blend.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough or sprinkle some on top of the finished pizza for a little heat.
• Garlic Infusion: Infuse the virgin olive oil with garlic by heating minced garlic in the oil over low heat for a few minutes before brushing it on the pan.
• Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh herbs like basil or rosemary to the dough for a more aromatic pizza.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is it important to “varnish” the pan with olive oil?
A: “Varnishing” the pan creates a non-stick surface and infuses the crust with olive oil flavor. It also helps to achieve that signature crispy crust.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: While mozzarella and muenster are the traditional choices for a Noble Roman’s copycat, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina.

Q: What if I don’t have a breadmaker?
A: You can knead the dough by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Q: How do I know when the pizza is done?
A: The pizza is done when the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the crust is crispy. The bottom of the crust should also be golden brown.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping it in the pan.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is a labor of love, a journey back in time to simpler, more delicious days. While it might take a few tries to perfect the technique, the end result – a crispy, flavorful Sicilian-style pizza reminiscent of Noble Roman’s – is well worth the effort. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and cheese combinations to create your own signature pizza. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to pizza paradise! Enjoy this copycat Noble Roman’s Sicilian Pizza with a cold beer or your favorite beverage, and share it with friends and family. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out!