Detroit-style pizza is a special and unique variety of pizza that hails from the Motor City, Detroit. It has its own distinct characteristics, making it stand out from other types of pizza, such as the classic Neapolitan or New York-style. The combination of its square shape, thick crust, and delicious toppings has earned Detroit-style pizza a place in the hearts of pizza lovers around the world. In this article, we will explore what makes Detroit-style pizza so unique, including its history, ingredients, preparation method, and why it’s become such a popular choice among pizza enthusiasts.
The History Behind Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza has a fascinating origin story that dates back to the 1940s. It was first introduced by a man named Gus Guerra, the owner of Buddy’s Rendezvous, a local Detroit bar. The story goes that Gus wanted to create a unique pizza that would stand out from the traditional Italian-style pizza. He decided to use a rectangular pan that was originally intended for holding automotive parts. This unusual pan helped to create the signature shape and thick, crispy crust that defines Detroit-style pizza.
Gus’s pizza caught the attention of many, and soon, Detroit-style pizza became a beloved local staple. Over the years, its popularity spread beyond Detroit, and now it is enjoyed by people all over the world. The original Buddy’s Rendezvous still serves Detroit-style pizza to this day, and it has become a place of pilgrimage for pizza lovers wanting to experience the authentic version of this famous pizza.
What Makes Detroit-Style Pizza Unique?
Detroit-style pizza is easily recognizable because of its square shape, thick crust, and hearty toppings. Unlike round pizzas, which are often served with a thin or medium crust, Detroit-style pizza is characterized by its deep-dish crust, which is light and airy on the inside, with a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The combination of a thick crust and a generous amount of toppings makes this pizza more filling than the typical pizza.
Another key feature that sets Detroit-style pizza apart is the way it is assembled. The toppings are layered in a specific order, with the cheese placed directly on the dough, followed by the sauce on top of the cheese. This is different from many other pizza styles, where the sauce is spread directly on the dough before the cheese and toppings are added.
The cheese used for Detroit-style pizza is typically a blend of mozzarella and a special type of cheese known as Wisconsin brick cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and helps create the characteristic crispy cheese edges along the sides of the pizza. The sauce, on the other hand, is usually a tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based sauce, often made with crushed tomatoes and a blend of herbs and spices.
The Perfect Crust: A Key Feature of Detroit-Style Pizza
One of the most defining characteristics of Detroit-style pizza is its crust. The dough used for this pizza is typically made with a high-hydration formula, which means that the dough has more water than traditional pizza dough. This extra moisture helps the dough to become soft and airy on the inside while achieving a wonderfully crispy exterior when baked in a well-oiled pan.
The dough is spread out into a rectangular or square pan, and as it bakes, the crust forms a golden, crispy crust on the bottom and along the edges of the pizza. This results in a crust that is both light and fluffy on the inside, with a satisfying crunch on the outside. The combination of the crust’s texture and the rich, cheesy flavor makes each bite of Detroit-style pizza a true delight.
The Layers: Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings
Detroit-style pizza is all about layering, and this layering process is key to its distinctive taste and texture. The first layer of the pizza is the dough, which is pressed into the rectangular pan. Next, a generous amount of cheese is spread over the dough. Traditionally, the cheese used is Wisconsin brick cheese, which is known for its meltability and flavor. The cheese is spread all the way to the edges of the pan, where it melts and crisps up, creating those signature cheese “frico” edges.
After the cheese comes the toppings, which can vary depending on personal preference. Traditional Detroit-style pizzas often include pepperoni, sausage, or mushrooms, but other toppings such as vegetables, olives, and anchovies are also popular. The sauce is then ladled over the top of the pizza, usually in a zigzag pattern, covering the toppings but not the crust. This layer of sauce is what gives Detroit-style pizza its tangy and slightly sweet flavor, and the combination of cheese, sauce, and toppings creates a perfect balance of flavors.
Cooking Method: Baking in a Pan
Another defining characteristic of Detroit-style pizza is the way it is baked. Unlike traditional pizzas, which are often baked directly on a stone or in a wood-fired oven, Detroit-style pizza is baked in a well-oiled rectangular pan. This method of baking helps the pizza achieve its signature thick crust and crispy edges.
The pan used for Detroit-style pizza is often a seasoned steel or aluminum pan, which helps retain heat and ensures even cooking. As the pizza bakes, the dough rises and becomes airy on the inside, while the cheese on the edges melts and crisps up, creating a golden, crunchy crust. This method of baking also ensures that the toppings are cooked perfectly, with the sauce staying on top of the cheese rather than soaking into the dough.
The Role of the Sauce
The sauce used for Detroit-style pizza is an important part of the flavor profile. It is typically a tangy, slightly sweet tomato sauce that complements the rich, cheesy flavor of the pizza. The sauce is often made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a blend of herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme. It is ladled over the pizza after the cheese and toppings have been added, ensuring that the sauce does not overwhelm the crust or the cheese.
The unique way in which the sauce is applied to the pizza is one of the things that sets Detroit-style pizza apart. Instead of being spread directly on the dough like traditional pizzas, the sauce is drizzled over the cheese and toppings in a zigzag pattern. This technique allows the sauce to stay on top of the cheese, preserving its fresh flavor and preventing the crust from becoming soggy.
Why Is Detroit-Style Pizza So Popular?
Detroit-style pizza has gained a devoted following not only in Detroit but across the country and even internationally. So, why is this style of pizza so beloved by so many? There are a few key reasons:
The Flavor: The combination of a thick, airy crust, rich cheese, tangy sauce, and delicious toppings makes Detroit-style pizza a flavor-packed experience. The unique layering process and the crispy cheese edges give the pizza a satisfying texture that is unlike any other type of pizza.
The Variety: While traditional Detroit-style pizzas often feature classic toppings like pepperoni or sausage, there is plenty of room for experimentation. Many pizzerias offer unique variations of Detroit-style pizza, with toppings ranging from vegetables to gourmet ingredients. This makes it a versatile choice for people with different tastes.
The Texture: The crispy crust, combined with the soft, airy interior, gives Detroit-style pizza a satisfying texture that is both crunchy and chewy. The cheese edges, or “frico,” add an extra layer of texture, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
The Tradition: Detroit-style pizza has a long history and is deeply rooted in the culture of Detroit. For many people, eating Detroit-style pizza is about more than just the flavor – it’s about connecting with the city’s culinary history and traditions.
How to Make Detroit-Style Pizza at Home
Making Detroit-style pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. While it may take some time to perfect the technique, anyone can create a delicious Detroit-style pizza with the right ingredients and equipment. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups Wisconsin brick cheese (or a good substitute)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions)
Instructions
Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. Then, add the flour, olive oil, and salt, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth, then place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a rectangular pan, lightly oil it. If not, a square pan will work as well.
Assemble the pizza: Once the dough has risen, press it into the pan, making sure it reaches the edges. Spread a generous amount of cheese over the dough, covering the entire surface. Add your desired toppings, then drizzle the pizza sauce over the top.
Bake the pizza: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Conclusion
Detroit-style pizza is a unique and delicious pizza style that has earned a loyal following. Its square shape, thick crust, flavorful cheese, and tangy sauce make it a standout choice for pizza lovers. Whether you’re enjoying it at a local pizzeria in Detroit or making it at home, Detroit-style pizza is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings with its bold flavors and satisfying texture.
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