Detroit-style pizza is a unique and beloved variation of pizza that has gained popularity in recent years. Known for its rectangular shape, thick crust, and deliciously crispy edges, it’s different from other types of pizza in several ways. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes Detroit-style pizza special, its history, key ingredients, preparation methods, and why it stands out among other styles of pizza.
The Origins of Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza was born in the 1940s in Detroit, Michigan, by a man named Gus Guerra. Guerra, an Italian immigrant, was running a bar called Buddy’s Rendezvous when he decided to try something different from the usual round pizza. He used a rectangular steel pan, which was originally used for automotive parts, to bake his pizza. The pan was deeper than a traditional pizza pan, allowing the dough to rise higher, resulting in a thicker, airier crust.
Buddy’s Rendezvous became the first pizzeria to serve Detroit-style pizza, and over time, the style grew in popularity. Today, Detroit-style pizza can be found all over the country, and it has become a staple of Detroit’s food culture.
The Key Characteristics of Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza is characterized by several distinct features that set it apart from other types of pizza, such as New York-style or Chicago deep-dish pizza. These features include the rectangular shape, the thick crust, the cheese placement, and the use of tomato sauce. Let’s break down these key characteristics:
Rectangular Shape
Unlike traditional round pizzas, Detroit-style pizza is made in a rectangular shape. This gives it a distinct appearance and allows for a larger portion, making it ideal for sharing. The rectangular shape also helps to create a more even cook on the crust, with the edges becoming extra crispy.
Thick, Airy Crust
One of the most noticeable features of Detroit-style pizza is its thick, airy crust. The dough is made using a high-hydration method, meaning it has a higher water content than most pizza doughs. This results in a crust that is light, fluffy, and slightly chewy on the inside, with a crisp and crunchy exterior.
The dough is also allowed to rise for a longer period, which helps develop more flavor. The crust is typically brushed with olive oil before baking, giving it a golden-brown, crispy texture.
Cheese First, Sauce Later
Another hallmark of Detroit-style pizza is the way the cheese and sauce are layered. Unlike other pizza styles where the sauce is spread on the dough first, Detroit-style pizza has a unique approach: the cheese is placed directly on the dough first, covering the entire surface. This cheese typically consists of a blend of mozzarella and Wisconsin brick cheese, which melts beautifully and creates a rich, gooey layer.
After the pizza is baked, the tomato sauce is ladled on top, often in stripes or dollops. This technique keeps the crust crispy, as the cheese helps to seal the dough and protect it from the moisture of the sauce.
Crispy Edges
The rectangular steel pan used for baking the pizza is key to achieving the crispy, caramelized edges that Detroit-style pizza is famous for. The dough is spread all the way to the edges of the pan, and as it bakes, the cheese melts and crisps up against the sides of the pan, creating a deliciously crunchy, cheesy crust.
The result is a pizza with a thick, airy interior and a crispy, flavorful edge that many pizza lovers consider the best part of the pie.
Toppings and Sauces
Detroit-style pizza is often topped with classic ingredients such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions. However, unlike other pizza styles, the toppings are often placed under the cheese rather than on top. This ensures that the toppings remain juicy and flavorful, as they are cooked in the oven under the protective layer of cheese.
The tomato sauce used for Detroit-style pizza is typically a chunky, slightly sweet marinara sauce. Some pizzerias use a more traditional pizza sauce, while others add extra seasonings and spices to enhance the flavor.
How to Make Detroit-Style Pizza at Home
Making Detroit-style pizza at home may seem challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s entirely possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Detroit-style pizza from scratch:
Instructions
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with warm water and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture, then add olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of water.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Pan: While the dough is rising, grease a rectangular baking pan (typically 10×14 inches) with olive oil. You want a generous amount of oil to help achieve the crispy edges.
Assemble the Pizza: Once the dough has risen, gently stretch it out to fit the pan. Press it into the edges of the pan with your fingers. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by the Wisconsin brick cheese. Top with your desired toppings, such as pepperoni or sausage.
Bake the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place the pizza in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. The edges should be crispy and slightly caramelized.
Add the Sauce: Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle the tomato sauce on top in stripes or spoon it over the pizza. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into rectangular slices.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice your homemade Detroit-style pizza into squares, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Why Detroit-Style Pizza Stands Out
Detroit-style pizza has several features that make it stand out among other pizza styles. First, the thick, airy crust offers a satisfying contrast to the crispy, cheesy edges, making every bite a unique experience. The rectangular shape also sets it apart, offering larger slices that are perfect for sharing.
Another reason Detroit-style pizza has gained so much popularity is its versatility. While the basic style is simple, it’s easy to customize the pizza with different toppings and sauces. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni or want to try more adventurous options like buffalo chicken or BBQ pork, Detroit-style pizza can handle it all.
Furthermore, the balance of flavors in a Detroit-style pizza is excellent. The combination of rich, melty cheese, savory toppings, and the slightly sweet tomato sauce creates a harmonious flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Conclusion
Detroit-style pizza is a unique and delicious variation of pizza that offers a perfect combination of thick, fluffy crust, crispy edges, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings. Its history, distinctive features, and versatile nature have made it a favorite for pizza lovers around the world. Whether you’re enjoying a slice from a local pizzeria or making your own at home, Detroit-style pizza is sure to impress with its irresistible texture and flavor.
By understanding the key elements that make Detroit-style pizza special, you can appreciate why this style has earned its place as one of the most popular and beloved types of pizza in the world today. So, next time you crave pizza, give Detroit-style a try—it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds in a way that no other pizza style can.
Related topic:
- The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Cheese: Types, Uses, and Tips
- How Much Oil in Pizza Dough?
- What Cheese is Good for Pizza?
