Detroit-style pizza is a unique and beloved variation of pizza that has earned a dedicated following across the United States and beyond. With its distinct features, this style of pizza stands out from the traditional options like New York or Chicago-style pizza. From its square shape to the rich, savory layers, Detroit-style pizza is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. But what exactly makes it different from other types of pizza? In this article, we’ll explore the history, characteristics, and key elements that make Detroit-style pizza so special.
The Origins of Detroit Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza has an intriguing history that goes back to the mid-20th century. It was created in Detroit, Michigan, in 1946 by a man named Gus Guerra. Gus was the owner of a pizzeria called Buddy’s Rendezvous, which would later become known simply as Buddy’s Pizza. Inspired by the deep-dish pizza of Chicago, Gus wanted to create something unique for the people of Detroit. He began baking his pizzas in square, blue steel pans that were traditionally used for automotive parts. These pans were perfect for cooking the dough evenly, giving the pizza a crispy crust.
The square shape of the pan became one of the signature features of Detroit-style pizza. Over time, the pizza’s popularity spread throughout the city, and it became a staple of Detroit’s food scene. Despite its humble beginnings, Detroit-style pizza is now recognized and celebrated across the country.
Key Features of Detroit Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza is instantly recognizable due to its distinct features. Unlike the round pizzas that most people are familiar with, Detroit-style pizza is served in a rectangular or square shape. This shape is not just for aesthetics; it plays a role in how the pizza is cooked and enjoyed.
The Crust
One of the defining characteristics of Detroit-style pizza is its crust. The crust is thick and airy, with a crispy, golden-brown exterior. What makes the crust even more unique is that it is often compared to focaccia bread due to its light and fluffy texture. The dough is made using a high-hydration recipe, meaning it contains more water than traditional pizza dough. This extra moisture helps create that airy, bread-like quality.
The dough is also allowed to rise for a longer period, which contributes to its soft interior and crisp outer layer. The use of steel pans plays a major role in achieving the perfect crust. These pans conduct heat more efficiently than traditional pizza stones or pans, resulting in an evenly cooked, crunchy crust on all sides.
The Sauce
Another defining feature of Detroit-style pizza is its sauce. Unlike most pizzas, where the sauce is spread over the dough before baking, Detroit-style pizza has its sauce placed on top of the cheese and toppings after the pizza is baked. This is known as the “sauce-on-top” method, and it helps keep the sauce from soaking into the crust and making it soggy.
The sauce itself is typically a rich, tangy marinara sauce. It is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. The sauce’s acidity balances out the richness of the cheese and toppings, creating a harmonious flavor profile that complements the hearty crust.
The Cheese
Detroit-style pizza is traditionally topped with a special blend of cheese called Wisconsin brick cheese. This cheese is known for its meltability and rich, savory flavor. It is spread generously over the dough, covering the pizza from edge to edge, which ensures that every bite has that perfect cheesy goodness.
The cheese is spread all the way to the edges of the pan, allowing it to caramelize and form a crispy, slightly browned edge that many people love. This creates a delicious contrast between the crispy cheese and the fluffy crust, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the pizza.
The Toppings
Detroit-style pizza is known for its generous use of toppings. While traditional toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and vegetables are common, Detroit-style pizza is often piled high with ingredients. The toppings are typically placed underneath the cheese and sauce, which ensures that they remain moist and flavorful during the baking process.
Pepperoni is a classic topping for Detroit-style pizza, and it is often used in a unique way. Instead of being scattered throughout the pizza, pepperoni slices are placed in a grid pattern, so each slice has its own piece of pepperoni. This not only ensures that every bite has a bit of meat, but it also gives the pizza a distinctive look.
The Cooking Method
Detroit-style pizza is baked in rectangular or square pans, which is a major departure from the traditional round pizza. The pans used for Detroit-style pizza are typically made of steel, which helps conduct heat efficiently and evenly. This results in a crispy crust that is golden brown on the bottom and edges, while the interior remains soft and airy.
The pizza is baked at a high temperature, usually around 500°F (260°C), for about 15-20 minutes. The high heat helps the crust achieve its crispy texture, while the cheese and toppings cook to perfection.
The Layers
One of the most important features of Detroit-style pizza is the layering of ingredients. The crust is first coated with cheese, followed by the toppings and a generous amount of sauce. This creates a thick, multi-layered pizza that is hearty and filling. The layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings create a rich, flavorful bite with every slice.
Why Detroit Style Pizza Is Different
So, what makes Detroit-style pizza different from other types of pizza? There are several key factors that set it apart from more familiar styles like New York, Chicago, or Neapolitan pizza.
The Shape
As mentioned earlier, Detroit-style pizza is served in a rectangular or square shape. This is in contrast to the round shape of most traditional pizzas. The shape of the pizza is not just for aesthetics; it helps ensure that every slice has an equal amount of crust and toppings. The rectangular shape also allows for a more even distribution of heat, resulting in a consistently cooked pizza.
The Crust
The thick, airy, and crispy crust of Detroit-style pizza is one of its most distinguishing features. Unlike New York-style pizza, which has a thin and foldable crust, or Chicago deep-dish pizza, which has a buttery, thick crust, Detroit-style pizza strikes a balance between the two. The dough is light and fluffy, yet it has a satisfying crunch on the outside.
The Cheese and Sauce
Another key difference is the combination of cheese and sauce. In Detroit-style pizza, the cheese is spread all the way to the edges, creating a crispy, caramelized edge that adds a unique texture. The sauce is placed on top of the cheese and toppings after baking, which helps preserve the integrity of the crust and keeps it from becoming soggy.
The Cooking Method
The use of steel pans for baking is another factor that sets Detroit-style pizza apart. The pans allow for even heat distribution, which results in a perfectly cooked pizza with a crispy crust. The high heat and baking time also contribute to the rich, golden-brown color and texture of the crust.
The Generous Toppings
Detroit-style pizza is known for its generous use of toppings, which are often piled high on the pizza. This contrasts with other types of pizza, like New York-style, where the toppings are typically more sparse. The abundance of toppings makes Detroit-style pizza hearty and satisfying, and it is perfect for those who love a pizza with plenty of flavor.
Conclusion
Detroit-style pizza is a unique and delicious variation of pizza that stands out from the crowd. With its thick, airy crust, generous use of cheese and toppings, and distinctive rectangular shape, it offers a different pizza experience compared to other styles like New York or Chicago pizza. Whether you’re a fan of crispy crusts, rich cheese, or tangy sauce, Detroit-style pizza has something for everyone.
The combination of its history, cooking method, and distinct features has helped Detroit-style pizza earn its place in the hearts of pizza lovers everywhere. If you haven’t yet experienced this one-of-a-kind pizza, it’s definitely worth trying.
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