The number of calories in a slice of Sicilian pizza can vary greatly depending on the size of the slice, the specific ingredients used, and how it is prepared. Sicilian pizza tends to have a thick, bread-like crust and is often loaded with cheese, making it higher in calories than a typical slice of thin crust pizza. On average, a single slice of Sicilian pizza from a pizzeria contains 500-800 calories. However, slices can range from 300 calories for a small, plain cheese slice to over 1000 calories for a large, loaded slice with extra cheese and toppings.
Average Calories in Sicilian Pizza Slices
Here are some general estimates for calories in one slice of Sicilian pizza from a pizzeria:
- Small (4-6 inch) cheese slice: 300-400 calories
- Medium (6-8 inch) cheese slice: 400-600 calories
- Large (8-10 inch) cheese slice: 600-800 calories
- Slice with meat toppings like pepperoni or sausage: Add 50-100 calories
- Slice with veggie toppings like mushrooms or onions: Add 20-50 calories
- Slice with extra cheese: Add 100-200 calories
As you can see, a plain cheese slice averages 500-600 calories for a typical medium or large slice. Adding lots of extra cheese or meats can quickly bring a single slice over 800 or even 1000 calories.
What Factors Affect the Calories in Sicilian Pizza?
There are several factors that contribute to the calorie content in Sicilian pizza slices:
Crust
The thick, bready crust used for Sicilian pizza contains a significant amount of calories. The more dough in the crust, the more calories it will have. Large slices cut from a Sicilian pizza pan will have a higher calorie crust than smaller slices.
Cheese
Cheese is often piled high on Sicilian pizza, adding a lot of calories. Using full-fat cheeses like mozzarella adds more fat and calories vs. low-fat cheeses. Extra cheese means extra calories.
Sauce
The tomato sauce on Sicilian pizza is relatively low in calories, but can contribute some depending on the amount used. Creamy sauces like alfredo are higher in calories than tomato sauce.
Meat Toppings
Popular meat toppings like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, and meatballs add a significant amount of calories, especially in the larger portions used on Sicilian pizza. Going light on meats will save calories.
Veggie Toppings
Onions, peppers, mushrooms and other veggies provide nutrition with minimal calorie impact. Loading up a Sicilian pizza with veggie toppings instead of meats can reduce the calories substantially.
Portion Size
As mentioned earlier, the actual size of the slice makes a major difference in calories. A small 4-inch cheese slice may have around 300 calories, while a large 10-inch slice might have over 600 calories. Opt for smaller slices to cut calories.
Cooking Method
A Sicilian pizza cooked in a deep dish pan with olive oil will add more calories vs. one baked on a flat sheet pan. Fried or oiled dough absorbs more fat during cooking.
Nutrition Facts for Sicilian Pizza
To get a better idea of the nutrition details in Sicilian pizza, here are some sample nutrition facts for a slice from two major pizza chains:
Pizza Hut Sicilian Pizza (1 slice – 107g)
| Calories | 430 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbs | 51g |
| Protein | 15g |
Domino’s Brooklyn Style Pizza (1 slice – 140g)
| Calories | 370 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbs | 41g |
| Protein | 15g |
As you can see, even basic cheese slices from big pizza chains are high in calories, averaging 400-500 calories per slice. The thick crust and generous cheese provide the majority of calories.
Tips for Ordering Lower Calorie Sicilian Pizza
Here are some tips to reduce the calories when ordering Sicilian style pizza for delivery or takeout:
- Choose small or medium pizza sizes instead of large or extra large
- Order a cheese slice instead of loaded specialty slices
- Add veggie toppings instead of high-calorie meats
- Ask for light cheese or half the normal cheese amount
- Avoid upgrades to extra cheese or double cheese
- Order a side salad instead of garlic bread or wings
- Split one pizza with a friend instead of each getting your own
- Take leftovers home instead of overeating extra slices
Being mindful of portion sizes and topping choices when ordering Sicilian pizza can lead to significant calorie savings. A small or medium plain cheese slice with veggies is your best bet for keeping calories in check.
Making Lower Calorie Sicilian Pizza at Home
An even better option for controlling calories and eating healthier is to make Sicilian style pizza at home. Here are some tips for lighter homemade Sicilian pizza:
- Use half whole wheat flour in the crust for more fiber and nutrients
- Load up the pizza with veggies like mushrooms, peppers, onions, spinach, etc.
- Use reduced-fat mozzarella cheese and go light on the amount
- Use turkey pepperoni instead of pork pepperoni to reduce fat
- Make mini individual pizzas instead of large slices to control portions
- Try cauliflower crust or zucchini crust for an ultra low-carb option
- Use Greek yogurt instead of oil in the crust to cut about 100 calories per slice
Baking Sicilian pizza at home lets you control the ingredients and get creative with healthier substitutions. Building your pizza on a vegetable crust or thin flatbread can also slash the calories substantially.
Low Calorie Sicilian Pizza Options
If you don’t want to sacrifice the great taste of Sicilian pizza, here are some of the lowest calorie menu items found at popular pizza chains:
Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread
- 1 slice (1/8 pizza) = 310 calories
Domino’s Brooklyn Style Pizza – Small (6 slices)
- 1 slice = 250 calories
Pizza Hut Thin ‘N Crispy Veggie Lover’s Pizza – Medium (8 slices)
- 1 slice = 180 calories
Papa John’s Cheeseburger Pizza – Small (6 slices)
- 1 slice = 260 calories
As you can see, there are some ways to enjoy Sicilian style pizza while limiting your calorie intake. Sticking with thin crust styles, smaller sizes, and loading up on veggie toppings are the best strategies for lighter options.
Conclusion
Sicilian pizza is known for its crispy, thick crust, fluffy dough, and abundant cheese – all factors that can add up in calories. While a single slice can pack 500 calories or more, there are ways to enjoy this pizza style without overdoing it on calories. Choosing small or medium sizes, avoiding extra cheese, and topping with veggies instead of fatty meats can all help lighten up this indulgent pizza option. Making your own healthier versions at home gives you even more control over calories. With some adjustments to ingredients and portions, you can satisfy your Sicilian pizza cravings guilt-free.
