Detroit-Style Pizza is a Midwestern treasure that has taken the pizza world by storm. Known for its thick, airy crust, caramelized cheese edges, and signature rectangular shape, this pizza offers the perfect balance of crispy and chewy. Each bite delivers layers of melted cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and golden perfection that defines comfort food at its finest.
Detroit-Style Pizza:
This pizza isn’t your typical slice—it’s hearty, bold, and baked in a deep, steel pan. With cheese baked right to the edges and sauce poured on top, Detroit-Style Pizza flips the traditional pizza order upside down. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and truly one of America’s most iconic regional pizzas.
History of Style Pizza:
Detroit-Style Pizza was born in the Motor City in 1946 at Buddy’s Rendezvous, a bar owned by Gus Guerra. Inspired by Sicilian-style pizza, Guerra baked his pizza in blue steel pans originally used in Detroit’s auto industry. The result? A crispy, cheesy crust that quickly won over locals.
As the years passed, this distinctive style gained legendary status across Michigan. Its signature features—rectangular shape, edge-to-edge cheese, and sauce on top—became trademarks of Detroit pride. Today, it’s a nationwide favorite, rivaling New York and Chicago with its own unique personality and irresistible taste.
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Detroit-Style Pizza – Crispy, Cheesy, and Authentically Delicious
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2¼ cups bread flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups brick or mozzarella cheese, cubed
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- 1½ cups pizza sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil for greasing the pan
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, sugar, water, and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead lightly and place in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 2 hours until doubled.
- Grease a rectangular (9x13-inch) steel or cast-iron pan with olive oil.
- Spread the dough evenly to the edges of the pan and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Press cubed cheese right up to the edges to create caramelized borders. Add pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes, until edges are dark golden brown.
- Spoon warm pizza sauce over the baked pizza in thick stripes or dollops.
- Slice into squares and serve hot.
Notes
- Use Wisconsin brick cheese for authentic flavour, or substitute with mozzarella and Monterey Jack.
- A well-oiled pan ensures that signature crispy, buttery crust.
- Sauce goes on top after baking—never before!
- Let the dough rest fully for a light, airy texture.
- Don’t skip cheese on the edges—it creates the caramelized crunch.
Tips for Detroit-Style:
- Use a dark steel pan for the crispiest crust.
- Add toppings sparingly—Detroit pizza focuses on cheese and sauce.
- Allow pizza to cool slightly before slicing to keep the crust intact.
- For extra flavour, mix herbs like oregano or basil into the sauce.
- Serve with a side of ranch or marinara for dipping.
FAQs for Pizza:
Q: What makes Detroit-Style Pizza different from Chicago deep-dish?
Detroit pizza is lighter, airier, and baked in a rectangular pan with cheese to the edges, while Chicago’s is thicker and pie-like.
Q: Can I make Detroit-Style Pizza without a special pan?
Yes, use a cast-iron skillet or rectangular cake pan for similar results.
Q: Why is the sauce on top of the cheese?
Placing the sauce last prevents the crust from getting soggy and helps keep the cheese caramelized.
Q: Can I freeze leftover pizza?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to crisp it up again.
Q: What toppings are most traditional?
Classic Detroit-style pizza features pepperoni and cheese, but you can add mushrooms, sausage, or veggies.
Conclusion:
Detroit-Style Pizza is a masterpiece of texture and flavor—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and topped with molten cheese and tangy sauce. Its rectangular shape and caramelized edges make it stand out from any other pizza style. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated for leftovers, this iconic pizza delivers the comforting taste of Detroit in every bite.