Scacce Ragusane (Sicilian Stuffed Flatbread)

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Scacce Ragusane is not your average pizza or flatbread—it offers something completely different while still delivering all those comforting, familiar flavors. The dough’s texture is thick yet tender, while the filling provides a wonderful combination of sauce and gooey cheese. The edges of the flatbread get crispy and golden in the oven, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect for a fun dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup warm water, or more as needed
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 ¾ cups semolina flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal, or as needed
• ½ cup prepared pizza sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, or to taste
• 6 ounces aged provolone cheese, sliced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Pour ⅓ cup warm water into a bowl and sprinkle the yeast over top. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure the yeast is active.
2. Add 1 ½ cups semolina flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with your hands to form a stiff dough ball, adding more water if needed to bring it together.
3. Transfer the dough to a work surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover it with a bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. After the resting period, uncover the dough and knead it for another 3 to 4 minutes. Divide the dough into 2 portions and shape each into smooth balls.
5. Dust a kitchen towel with semolina flour and place the dough balls on top. Sprinkle the tops with more semolina flour and cover with the other half of the towel. Let the dough rise for about 2 hours, until nearly doubled in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and sprinkle with cornmeal.
7. Roll out each dough ball into a very thin circle or oval on a lightly floured surface.
8. In a bowl, combine the pizza sauce and chopped basil. Spread a thin layer of sauce over each dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Scatter provolone slices over the sauce.
9. Fold the opposite dough edges toward the middle to form a rectangle and press lightly to flatten. Repeat by spreading sauce and adding provolone to the dough.
10. Fold both ends toward the center to make a square shape. Spread another thin layer of sauce and scatter more cheese on one half. Fold the flatbread in half, overlapping the edges by about 1 inch.
11. Transfer the flatbread to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the second dough ball, sauce, and cheese.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, until very well browned. Some spots may become charred, but this is desirable as it mimics the traditional wood-fired oven technique.
13. Let the scacce rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Additional Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Variations

1. Meat-Filled Scacce: Add thinly sliced meats like prosciutto, salami, or sausage to the filling for an extra savory flavor.
2. Cheese Variety: Swap the provolone for mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, or any cheese you prefer. Mixing different cheeses will give the scacce a unique taste.
3. Vegetarian Scacce: Include other vegetables like roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a lighter, veggie-packed filling.
4. Spicy Scacce: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy sausage to add heat to the filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover scacce in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat scacce in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it for a few seconds, though the edges will lose some of their crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?

You can substitute semolina flour with all-purpose flour, though the texture and flavor may change slightly. Semolina gives the dough a unique, slightly gritty texture that’s traditional for scacce.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

3. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Absolutely! You can use any pizza or tomato sauce you like, whether homemade or store-bought. Just be sure to use a sauce that’s not too watery.

4. Can I freeze scacce for later?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked scacce. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

5. How do I know when the scacce is done?

Scacce is done when it’s a deep golden-brown color with some crispy, charred spots on the edges. You can also check by tapping the crust—it should sound hollow.

6. Can I use different herbs?

Yes! You can use a variety of fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary in place of or in addition to basil to add more flavor.

7. Can I cook scacce on a pizza stone?

Yes, you can cook scacce on a preheated pizza stone for even crispier results. Just make sure to use parchment paper to transfer the scacce onto the stone.

8. Can I make scacce smaller?

Absolutely! You can divide the dough into smaller portions and make individual-sized scacce, reducing the cooking time slightly.

9. Is scacce traditionally made with other fillings?

Yes, scacce can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, meats, and cheeses. The fillings can be customized to your taste.

10. How can I serve scacce?

Scacce is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, some olives, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Scacce Ragusane offers an irresistible combination of crispy crust and flavorful, cheesy filling that’s sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re looking for something unique for dinner or a fun dish to impress guests, this Sicilian stuffed flatbread delivers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

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