Detroit-style pizza is a unique and delicious pizza that stands out from others. It has a thick, fluffy crust, crispy edges, and a rich, cheesy flavor. This pizza was born in Detroit, Michigan, in the 1940s and has gained popularity across the country.
Unlike New York or Chicago-style pizza, Detroit-style pizza is rectangular, baked in a deep pan, and layered differently. The cheese goes directly on the dough, covering the entire surface, followed by the toppings. The tomato sauce is added last, often in stripes or dollops.
This article will explore what makes a Detroit-style pizza special, including its dough, cheese, sauce, toppings, and baking process.
The History of Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza was created in 1946 at Buddy’s Rendezvous, a bar in Detroit. Gus Guerra, the owner, wanted to make a different kind of pizza. He used blue steel pans from local auto factories, which were originally used to store industrial parts. These pans gave the pizza its signature crispy edges and airy crust.
Gus Guerra’s original recipe became a local favorite. Over time, other pizzerias in Detroit, such as Loui’s and Cloverleaf, adapted the style and added their own twists. Today, Detroit-style pizza is a beloved dish found in restaurants across the U.S.
The Crust: Thick, Airy, and Crispy
The crust is one of the most important parts of a Detroit-style pizza. It is thick but light, with a crunchy bottom and soft interior. This is achieved using a high-hydration dough, which means the dough has more water than regular pizza dough.
The dough is stretched and pressed into a well-oiled pan. As it bakes, the oil creates a crispy, almost fried bottom. The crust is also slightly chewy, making it different from a typical deep-dish pizza.
The Cheese: A Unique Blend
Detroit-style pizza uses Wisconsin brick cheese, which is known for its rich, buttery taste. This cheese melts well and creates a caramelized crust along the edges of the pizza.
Unlike other pizzas where the sauce goes on first, the cheese is layered directly onto the dough. It covers the entire surface, including the edges, allowing it to melt and crisp against the pan. If brick cheese is unavailable, some pizzerias use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar to get a similar texture and flavor.
The Sauce: Added on Top
Another key feature of Detroit-style pizza is how the sauce is applied. Instead of being spread under the cheese, the sauce is added on top in thick stripes or dollops. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and allows the cheese to caramelize properly.
The sauce is usually a rich tomato sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. It has a slightly chunky texture, balancing the buttery cheese and crispy crust.
The Toppings: Classic and Creative Options
Detroit-style pizza can be topped with a variety of ingredients. The most traditional version is pepperoni, but other toppings work well too.
Some popular options include:
Classic Pepperoni – Crispy, curled pepperoni slices that add a smoky, spicy flavor.
Vegetarian – Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and olives for a fresh and colorful option.
Meat Lovers – Sausage, bacon, ham, and pepperoni for a hearty and flavorful pizza.
Gourmet – Unique toppings like goat cheese, arugula, truffle oil, or BBQ chicken for a modern twist.
No matter the toppings, they are placed over the cheese rather than under it, ensuring an even bake.
The Pan: The Secret to Crispy Edges
Detroit-style pizza is baked in a deep, rectangular steel pan. Originally, these pans were used in Detroit’s auto industry, but they turned out to be perfect for pizza.
These steel pans retain heat well, helping the dough cook evenly while creating a crispy edge. They also allow the cheese to caramelize against the sides, forming a crunchy, golden-brown crust.
If you don’t have a Detroit-style pan, a deep, well-oiled metal baking pan can work as a substitute. However, for the most authentic results, a steel pan is best.
The Baking Process: Perfecting the Pizza
To achieve the perfect Detroit-style pizza, the baking process is just as important as the ingredients.
Prepare the Dough – The dough is mixed, kneaded, and allowed to rise until it doubles in size.
Press into the Pan – The dough is stretched into a well-oiled pan and left to proof, making it light and airy.
Add Cheese and Toppings – Cheese is placed directly on the dough, followed by any desired toppings.
Bake at High Heat – The pizza is baked at around 450°F (232°C) for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Add Sauce Last – The tomato sauce is spooned on top in thick stripes or dollops after baking.
This method ensures a crispy crust, caramelized cheese, and a perfectly balanced flavor.
Why People Love Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza has gained a loyal following because of its unique texture and bold flavors. The crispy, buttery edges, fluffy interior, and rich, cheesy top make it different from any other type of pizza.
Many people love how versatile it is. It can be made with different cheeses, sauces, and toppings while still maintaining its signature style. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni or creative gourmet toppings, there’s a Detroit-style pizza for everyone.
Conclusion
Detroit-style pizza is a one-of-a-kind dish that combines a thick, airy crust with crispy edges, rich cheese, and a flavorful sauce. Its unique baking method and deep-dish steel pans give it a distinctive taste and texture.
If you’ve never tried Detroit-style pizza, it’s worth experiencing. Whether you make it at home or visit a restaurant, this delicious pizza is sure to impress.
Now that you know what makes a Detroit-style pizza, why not try baking one yourself? Grab a pan, some Wisconsin brick cheese, and your favorite toppings, and enjoy this Motor City classic!
Related topic:
- The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Cheese: Types, Uses, and Tips
- How Much Oil in Pizza Dough?
- What Type of Cheese Do You Use on Pizza?
