If you're from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pennsylvania area this copycat Victory Pig Pizza recipe will bring your back to your roots. If you're not, read on to learn about one of my favorite Hometown Foods.
This weeks #SundaySupper is being hosted by Coleen from The Redhead Baker, and it's all about Hometown Food! My hometown, Wilkes-Barre, is full of all different cultures, and as you go to the surrounding towns it becomes even more diverse. For this theme I wanted something that is unique to my area, and I thought of Old Forge Style Pizza. Old Forge is about 25 minutes from Wilkes-Barre and full of restaurants with their own style of Old Forge pizza. The problem with this idea was I never really made it to Old Forge all that often, and there weren't very many recipes for it online. So I changed my plan just a bit.
I love Victory Pig Pizza! Victory Pig is a local family owned restaurant located in the city of Wyoming, about 20 minutes from me. It's been there for decades, and everyone in this area knows about Victory Pig Pizza. They are only open 3 days a week, so you know it's good pizza when they can stay in business for decades with limited hours. Victory Pig Pizza isn't healthy pizza in any way, shape, or form. When I asked on Facebook what my local friends thought the cheese was and what in the sauce, the best description I got came from my sister, "That's a hard question to answer. I honestly have no idea what the cheese & sauce are because you taste nothing but onions & grease, even if you get the pizza w/out onions. The "essence" of the onions are there. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE THE PIZZA!!" This description is spot on! Sicilian pizza is oily, loaded with carbs, and amazingly delicious. It's a once in awhile treat, and it's worth the wait! I suppose I could have tried to make this healthier in some way, but then it wouldn't be my hometown food. My sister tried my recipe, and said it was great and pretty identical to Victory Pig pizza. The real recipe is well guarded, although there are other copycat recipes out there.
First, I'll give you the Victory Pig Pizza recipe I came up with, then check out all the other recipes the Sunday Supper Contributors made from their hometown!
Adapted from Parade's Community Table
Victory Pig Sicilian Style Pizza
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 2 ½ cups sifted all purpose flour
- 1 cup warm (100-110 degrees) water
- ½ ounce active dry yeast (two packets)
- 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup olive oil plus additional for coating bowl and pizza
- For the topping:
- 1 28 ounce can whole tomatoes
- 1 large sweet yellow onion ,sliced into very thin strips about 2 inches long
- 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
- 6 ounces freshly shredded colby jack cheese
- 4 ounces freshly shredded muenster cheese
- dried oregano
- black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add ½ cup of the warm water, then mix remaining ½ cup water with the yeast until foamy; stir into the flour mixture. Stir the flour mixture until moistened, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, adding more flour if needed to keep the dough from becoming sticky. Lightly oil the bowl you mixed the flour in, then place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise for 1 hour.
- While the dough rises, prepare the sauce. Put the undrained tomatoes in a bowl and crush with your hands, then add the very thinly sliced onions and sugar and stir. Set aside.
- Coat a 17x11 inch or slightly larger baking sheet with the olive oil, adding more if necessary to thickly coat the sides and bottom.
- Punch the dough down and hand stretch it as much as possible. Place on the baking sheet and continue to press the dough down until it covers the sheet. The olive oil should have spilled over the top and covered the entire top of the dough, if it doesn't brush with additional. Let rise again for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
- Sprinkle half of the cheese over the top of the dough, then spoon the sauce/onion mixture on top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, oregano, and black pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition
Breakfast
- Alamo City Breakfast Tacos by The Weekend Gourmet
- Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bagels by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Mickey Mouse Waffles by Wallflour Girl
- New York Style Bagels by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Peanut Butter and Fluff French Toast by Momma’s Meals
Drinks
- Candied Kumquat Peels, Kumquat Syrup, and Kumquat-Ade by Recipe for Perfection
- Wine Pairing Recommendations for Hometown Food by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
Appetizers and Snacks
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Cuban Sandwich Crostini by Casa de Crews
- Cuban Sandwich Dip by Family Foodie
- South Jersey Boardwalk Popcorn by Take A Bite Out of Boca
Main Dishes
- Chicken and Dumplings by Food Lust People Love
- Crockpot Cincinnati Chili by Palatable Pastime
- Fried Rice Vermicelli with Vegetable Fritters by Brunch with Joy
- Honey Cola Baked Ham by Magnolia Days
- Hot Brown Ham Sliders by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Joe's Special by Nosh My Way
- Lentil, Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Curry by Mess Makes Food
- New England Beans and Cod by Cooking Chat
- Oven Toasted Ravioli by Curious Cuisiniere
- Philadelphia Tomato Pie by The Redhead Baker
- Pierogies by Hezzi D's Books and Cooks
- Portobello "Philly Cheese Steak" by PancakeWarriors
- Pozole Rojo by Simply Healthy Family
- Revved-up Poutine by Jane's Adventures in Dinner
- Rice with Pork and Pineapple by Basic N Delicious
- San Francisco Cioppino by Eat, Drink and be Tracy
- Seattle-Style Dungeness Crab Roll by Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
- Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas with Chile con Carne by The Texan New Yorker
- The Pittsburgh Devonshire Sandwich by Seduction in the Kitchen
- Upper Peninsula Pasties by Recipes Food and Cooking
- Victory Pig Sicilian Style Pizza by Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
- Xiang La Tu Zi // Hot & Spicy Rabbit by Curried Canteloupe
Side Dishes
- 1905 Salad by Supper for a Steal
- Chicken Rice Pilaf by Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Classic Italian Risotto in Bianco by La Bella Vita Cucina
- Greek Salad with Potato Salad by Ruffles & Truffles
- Korean Steamed Eggs by Hip Foodie Mom
- Smoke House Cheesy Garlic Bread by Peaceful Cooking
Desserts
- Apple Crisp by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- Buckeye Cupcakes by Desserts Required
- Carob Bumpy Cake by Pies and Plots
- Chocolate Earthquake Cake by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Chocolate Pocky Cake by NinjaBaker
- Grandma Sweeney's Chocolate Cream Pie by Lifestyle Food Artistry
- Lemon Buttermilk Bundt Cake by Alida's Kitchen
- Memories of Mom; Michigan Apple Cake by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Mile High Strawberry Pie by Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Pear Parkin by Happy Baking Days
- Vegan Timbits by Killer Bunnies, Inc
- Vernors Cake by Country Girl in the Village
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Kathy says
Pizza perfect uses blue pans to cook their pizza in I read on line from someone who worked there.PP copied Victory Pig recipe as the owner of PP worked for them I am told by home town people? I am also told it is Wisconsin cheese,whole tomatoes squeezed by hand. It's just getting the dough to fry and look and taste like either of these restaurants I am thinking??
Bernadette says
I know it's whole tomatoes from a can. I've only been to Pizza Perfect once, years ago. We tried to go there just a few weeks ago, but as we walked in I saw a sign on the door saying they only take cash. We will have to try again.
Karen says
OMG!!!! I'm from the valley. I've lived all over the world and haven't had victory pig in more years than I care to say. I can't wait to make this. Thank you for putting together this recipe. Will definitely be using peanut oil.
Bernadette says
Hi Karen, I hope you like it! I haven't been to Victory Pig myself in years, I will have to try to get there soon.
Bern says
Victory Pig pizza is made with hand crushed whole tomato's, Wisconsin cheddar chesse, sliced thin and layed down end to end, yes diced onions, peanut oil is used.
Linda says
Not to be rude, but this pizza looks nothing like Victory Pig Pizza from Wyoming Valley. The cheeses are not the same nor the tomato sauce. Victory Pig does not use tomato sauce they simply use canned tomatoes squeezed to break up.
Bernadette says
Hi Linda, thanks for your comment, I fully admit this pizza could look better, my photography skills have improved greatly since I wrote this recipe. I will try to update it soon. As far as the cheese, there is some debate over which cheeses are used in Victory Pig's recipe, like I said the real recipe is well guarded. I did not use tomato sauce at all, and did in fact use hand crushed tomatoes as in the instructions.
ken sebring says
Love the valley Pizza still trying to find Charlie DeMarcos recipe from the mid-1950s he was in Dunmore Pennsylvania on electric street. Its been 62 years and I can still taste it anybody knows who has anything close to it let me know thank you
Bernadette says
Hi Ken, I'm too young to remember that, but if you are on Facebook there is a group called Eat and Review N.E.P.A. you could join. Maybe someone there could help you.
Sarah says
I can't express how excited I am that there is an actual recipe of NEPA style pizza!! I've lived in MD for the past 17 years and the concept of a tray of pizza is completely foreign here. Apparently NEPA's pizza is an acquired taste; one my husband from Baltimore despises but I've converted my children. I just may have to try to make this tonight or tomorrow for supper as a surprise. I miss NEPA for trays of pizza, pierogies, kielbasa, and potato pancakes made by a little old lady from in a church kitchen 😉
Bernadette says
I'm so glad you found it, then!! Let me know if it reminds you of home when you do make it.
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
I'm from Lehigh Valley and I love your area. I didn't know pizza was that big there!
Bernadette says
Oh, yes, it is. There are at least 6 pizza places within 3 blocks of me!
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
This pizza is calling my name! It looks amazing!
Bernadette says
Thanks Serena!
Mary Ellen says
I love Pizza however it's made and this looks splendid!
Bernadette says
Thanks Mary Ellen!
Ala says
I honestly LOVE how you adapted a local restaurant's signature dish and made it into this wonderful make-at-home creation! That's the epitome of hometowny spirit. Victory, I'd say!
Bernadette says
Thank you Ala!
Martin Redmond says
O-M-G! I could hurt myself with one of these! It looks fantastic!
Bernadette says
Haha! I adore this comment!! Dont hurt yourself too bad, or don't sue me, either one! 🙂
Christie says
My sister lived in that are, but we never had this pizza. It looks fabulous! I'm a total sucker for pizza.
Bernadette says
You should definitely come back for a visit!
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
YUM just YUM
Bernadette says
Thank you!
Julie @ Texan New Yorker says
Okay, I actually wondered if your hometown was somewhere around eastern PA! Yea!
This looks so awesome and decadent, I love it!
Bernadette says
Yep, I've been here since I was 2. Thank you so much!
Shannon Cole says
I love that you didn't healthy up your recipe! Somethings you reserve as a treat and just enjoy. Thanks for sharing!!
Bernadette says
In all honesty, I wouldn't know how to healthy this up if you paid me, nor would I want to! You're welcome for sharing 🙂
Liz says
Oh, gosh, what good is a pizza without a little grease?? Yours looks divine!!!
Bernadette says
Thank you Liz!
Renee says
Okay, I have got to make this pizza. It sounds totally divine! And a little grease every now and this is fine - right?
Bernadette says
Yep! That's how I feel!
Deanna Samaan says
Ohhh myyy god! Wow am I drooling over this! Mmmmmm
Bernadette says
Thank you Deanna!
DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts says
I'm intrigued by this dish because I have never been to Wilkes-Barre and wasn't aware it had it's own unique pizza recipe.
Bernadette says
Come visit! I'll show you around the local food establishments!
DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts says
Maybe when the weather's warmer and you'll need to get out here to Seattle where the seafood doesn't get any fresher.
Bernadette says
I would love to!
Susan Preston says
Bernadette, I made this and accidentally used Peanut oil the second time around. I without a doubt, discovered one of the secrets of the original Victory Pig Pizza!!!
Bernadette says
Seriously?! I never use peanut oil so I never would have thought of that!
Nichole says
I'm from the North (live in Florida now) and I love how every northern town seems to have their own pizza recipe. I love this one!
Bernadette says
Not even town, 100's of restaurants in one area all claiming to have the best pizza recipe!