Detroit Style Pizza is a rich, cheesy delight that becomes even better with thoughtful pairings. These companions enhance the flavors and balance the dish’s richness perfectly.
Craft beer, with malty undertones, complements the savory pizza—choose a smooth lager or a hoppy IPA for a perfect match. A fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
Garlic bread brings buttery, herby flavor that pairs beautifully with the pizza’s cheese and sauce. For wine lovers, a dry red like Chianti enhances the savory notes and adds a refined touch to the meal.
Originating from Detroit in the 1940s, Detroit Style Pizza is not your average pie. Picture a rectangular shape with a thick crust that bakes up crisp on the edges while remaining soft inside.
The cheese is typically layered over the dough before the sauce, a technique that keeps the crust perfectly moist without turning soggy. It breaks all the pizza rules, and that’s precisely what makes it endearing.
You take a bite, and the warm cheese stretches as if it’s saying, “Welcome to pizza heaven.”
Here’s why my Detroit Style Pizza recipe will become your go-to.
1. Perfectly Balanced Flavors
The combination of savory tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and smoky pepperoni creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat. Each bite delivers something different—garlic from the sauce, richness from the cheese, and spice from the pepperoni.
2. An Easy Prep
Making dough can seem intimidating, but with this recipe, you have a straightforward process. The rapid-rise yeast allows you to whip up the dough in no time. It’s perfect for those of us who might not have hours to spend in the kitchen.
3. Versatile Topping Options
This pizza is a canvas waiting for your creativity. While I love the classic pepperoni, feel free to add veggies, different meats, or even go fully vegetarian. The recipe adapts to whatever you have on hand or your cravings.
4. The Crispy Edge
Detroit Style Pizza is known for its standout crispy edges. Using high-gluten bread flour makes all the difference. It adds structure and a delightful crunch without compromising the softness inside. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
For the Dough:
220 g lukewarm water
300 g high-gluten bread flour
9 g fine sea salt
5 g rapid-rise instant yeast
Extra-virgin olive oil, as required
For the Sauce:
1 can artisan crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons premium extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium garlic cloves, finely minced
Kosher salt, adjusted to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons dried Italian oregano
Pinch of crushed red chili flakes
1 tablespoon raw cane sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
To Finish:
12 ounces all-natural casing pepperoni slices
12 ounces brick-style cheese, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
Freshly cracked black pepper, to sprinkle
Now, let’s get our hands doughy!
In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water and rapid-rise yeast. Stir it gently and wait for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy. This moment is where the magic begins.
Next, add the high-gluten flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until it forms a rough dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use your hands, which adds a personal touch.
On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes. The goal here is to develop gluten, which gives the pizza its fantastic texture. You want it smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Lightly oil a bowl and place your kneaded dough inside. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is when you can daydream about that pizza.
While you wait, let’s whip up that sauce. In a pan, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes and remaining ingredients. Simmer for 15 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mingle. You might want to taste it—no one is watching!
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) as you’re prepping the toppings. Having a hot oven is crucial. It ensures that crust cooks properly and gets that beautiful golden color.
After the first rise, punch down the dough to expel the air. On a well-floured surface, shape it into a rectangle that fits your baking pan. Gently stretch the dough into the corners of a well-greased rectangular baking pan.
Cover the pan with a clean cloth and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes. This step will make the crust fluffier and delightful.
After rising, layer the diced cheese over the dough. Don’t skimp; this is where the goodness is. Then, pour the sauce over the cheese, being careful not to disturb the layer.
Pop the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You're looking for a bubbly, golden pizza.
In the last five minutes of baking, throw on the pepperoni slices. Let them crisp up. This is where you get that incredible contrast of textures.
When it’s done, take the pan out. Let it cool slightly before slicing. Trust me; a hot pizza can burn your mouth faster than a speeding ticket.
Leftovers? I thought you’d never ask! After dinner, let the pizza cool down to room temperature. Then wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to three days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the slices. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last up to three months. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready for your next slice.
Here are four side dishes that pair beautifully with your pizza:
Don't have everything on hand? No worries! Here are some easy substitutes:
Making Detroit Style Pizza is more than a cooking project; it's an adventure that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas and your heart with pride.
From shaping the dough to savoring that first bite, every step is an opportunity to create something beautiful.
So whip up a batch, gather friends and family, and dig into a slice that connects you to a vibrant city and its deep-rooted pizza culture. Enjoy this delicious journey the Motor City brings right to your table!
Ah, Detroit Style Pizza. Just saying the name conjures up images of golden, crispy edges and a gooey, cheesy center that stands tall like its birthplace—the Motor City. Growing up, I loved indulging in this unique style of pizza, with its distinctive shape and delightful toppings.
It’s a slice of my roots, and today, I'm excited to share how you can recreate this delicious dish at home.
In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water and rapid-rise yeast. Stir it gently and wait for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy. This moment is where the magic begins.
Next, add the high-gluten flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until it forms a rough dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use your hands, which adds a personal touch.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I’m Crystal Ivers, a registered dietitian and the creator of Easy Family Meal. Living in Chicago with my family, I’m passionate about helping busy families create simple, nutritious, and delicious meals. Through my blog, I share easy-to-make recipes and practical tips to make family mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.