Detroit-style pizza is one of the most beloved regional pizza styles in the United States. Known for its thick, square-shaped crust, a rich layer of cheese, and the unique way the toppings are arranged, Detroit-style pizza has earned a special place in the hearts of pizza lovers worldwide. But how did this delicious creation come into existence? The story behind the birth of Detroit-style pizza is one of creativity, innovation, and a touch of local flair.
The Origins of Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza’s roots go back to the 1940s in Detroit, Michigan. To understand how this distinct pizza style came to be, it’s important to know a little about the city’s history and the cultural influences at play during that time. Detroit was a booming industrial city with a growing population of immigrants, especially Italians, who brought their culinary traditions with them.
The pizza culture in Detroit was heavily influenced by Italian immigrants, just like in many other American cities. These immigrants made traditional pizzas, which were round, thin-crust pizzas baked in wood-fired ovens. However, as the demand for pizza grew in Detroit, local entrepreneurs began experimenting with new ways to make pizza. This is where Detroit-style pizza comes into the picture.
The Birth of Detroit-Style Pizza
The true story behind the invention of Detroit-style pizza dates back to 1946, at a local pizzeria called Buddy’s Rendezvous. The pizzeria was founded by Gus and Anna Guerra, who had a vision to create a unique type of pizza that stood out from what other pizzerias were offering at the time. The Guerra family had a simple idea: they wanted to make a pizza that was hearty, filling, and could feed the hungry working-class families of Detroit.
The key moment came when the Guerra family started baking their pizza in a rectangular pan instead of the traditional round pizza pan. The pans they used were not typical pizza pans but rather deep-dish, industrial steel pans that were used in the automotive industry. These pans were durable, spacious, and perfectly suited for creating the thick crust that would become a hallmark of Detroit-style pizza.
Baking the pizza in these deep, square pans helped create the crispy, golden crust that set Detroit-style pizza apart from its Italian cousins. The sauce was another defining feature. Unlike many other pizzas, the sauce was spread on top of the cheese and toppings, rather than underneath. This helped the sauce retain its fresh taste and prevented it from soaking into the crust, giving the pizza its signature texture.
The Unique Ingredients and Methods Behind Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza is known for a few key characteristics that make it different from other types of pizza. First and foremost is the crust. The dough used for Detroit-style pizza is thicker and more bread-like than the traditional thin-crust pizza. This crust is light and airy on the inside but has a crispy, crunchy exterior, which is achieved by using a special method of baking. The dough is proofed for a longer time, which gives it that signature lightness.
The cheese used in Detroit-style pizza is another important feature. Traditionally, a mix of mozzarella and a more unique cheese called Wisconsin brick cheese is used. Wisconsin brick cheese has a higher fat content, which helps it melt perfectly and gives the pizza its rich, gooey texture. The cheese is spread all the way to the edges of the pan, where it caramelizes and forms a crispy, golden-brown edge that pizza lovers adore.
Another unique aspect of Detroit-style pizza is the sauce. Instead of spreading the sauce on top of the dough before baking, the sauce is ladled onto the pizza after it comes out of the oven. This method is called the “criss-cross” style, where the sauce is spread in stripes, creating a visually striking pattern that also helps keep the sauce fresh and flavorful.
Detroit-Style Pizza’s Rise in Popularity
For decades, Detroit-style pizza remained a local secret, beloved by the people of Detroit but not widely known outside the city. However, in recent years, Detroit-style pizza has started to gain popularity across the United States. A big part of this surge in popularity is thanks to pizzerias outside of Detroit that have embraced the style and adapted it to fit local tastes.
One of the main reasons Detroit-style pizza has become more popular is its unique characteristics. Unlike traditional round pizzas, which often have a thinner crust and a more delicate texture, Detroit-style pizza is hearty and filling. The thick, airy crust and crispy edges provide a satisfying eating experience that makes Detroit-style pizza stand out from other regional varieties, like New York or Chicago-style pizza.
As more and more pizzerias across the country began offering Detroit-style pizza, people started to take notice. The pizza’s growing popularity was also fueled by social media, where food bloggers and pizza enthusiasts shared pictures of the distinctive square pies. Detroit-style pizza quickly became a favorite for foodies looking for something new and different.
The Impact of Detroit-Style Pizza on the Pizza Industry
The rise of Detroit-style pizza has had a significant impact on the pizza industry. As more people discovered the style, many pizzerias began offering their take on the traditional recipe. This led to the creation of several variations of Detroit-style pizza, with different toppings, sauces, and even crust styles.
The growing popularity of Detroit-style pizza also sparked a trend in the pizza industry of offering more regional and artisan pizza varieties. Consumers started to crave unique, high-quality pizzas that weren’t just the traditional round pizza they were used to. Detroit-style pizza answered that demand, offering something that was both hearty and delicious.
In addition to its rise in popularity, Detroit-style pizza has also inspired a renewed interest in square pizzas in general. Many pizzerias have adopted the rectangular shape for other types of pizza, not just Detroit-style, further adding to the diversity and creativity in the pizza world.
Detroit-Style Pizza Today
Today, Detroit-style pizza is no longer just a regional favorite—it’s a nationwide phenomenon. Pizzerias in cities across the United States now serve their versions of Detroit-style pizza, and the style continues to grow in popularity. Some places even specialize exclusively in Detroit-style pizza, offering customers a variety of toppings and flavors to choose from.
Despite its growing presence outside of Detroit, the city of Detroit remains the heart and soul of this iconic pizza style. Many of the original pizzerias that served Detroit-style pizza, like Buddy’s Rendezvous, continue to operate, offering customers an authentic taste of Detroit-style pizza.
Detroit-style pizza’s enduring popularity is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the Guerra family and the other early pioneers of the style. Their invention has stood the test of time, evolving into a beloved pizza variety that is now known and enjoyed by pizza lovers around the world.
Conclusion
The story of Detroit-style pizza is a rich and fascinating one, filled with innovation, passion, and a touch of local flavor. From its humble beginnings in the 1940s at Buddy’s Rendezvous to its rise as a popular pizza style across the United States, Detroit-style pizza has become a symbol of creativity and regional pride. Whether you’re enjoying a slice at a local pizzeria in Detroit or trying it for the first time at a restaurant in another part of the country, Detroit-style pizza offers a unique and satisfying pizza experience that continues to win over new fans every day.
As Detroit-style pizza continues to grow in popularity, it is clear that its legacy is far from over. With its crispy crust, rich cheese, and flavorful sauce, Detroit-style pizza is a dish that will be loved for generations to come.
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