What is Detroit-Style Pizza?
Detroit-style pizza is a rectangular pizza characterized by its thick, airy crust, crispy bottom, and edge-to-edge toppings. Originating in Detroit, Michigan, this pizza is distinct from other styles such as New York and Chicago pizza due to its unique preparation and baking method.
The dough is baked in well-oiled steel pans, traditionally borrowed from the automotive industry, which gives the pizza its signature crunchy exterior and fluffy interior. The toppings and cheese are spread all the way to the edges, creating a caramelized, crispy cheese border around the pizza. The sauce is usually applied on top of the cheese and toppings, in thick, generous dollops or stripes, which is a notable feature of this style.
Detroit-style pizza first gained popularity in the 1940s and has since become a beloved regional specialty. The unique characteristics of this pizza style, from its pan type to its ingredient layering, contribute to its distinct flavor and texture, setting it apart from other American pizza varieties.
The Origin and History of Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza was born in the mid-20th century at a small bar in Detroit known as Buddy’s Rendezvous. In 1946, Gus Guerra and his wife Anna decided to introduce a new pizza to their menu. They experimented with a dough recipe and used blue steel pans that were originally designed to hold small parts in automotive factories. These pans were ideal for baking because they could withstand high temperatures and were seasoned over time, contributing to the pizza’s unique texture and flavor.
The Guerra family’s innovation quickly became a local favorite. The combination of the light, airy dough with a crispy bottom and the caramelized cheese edges was unlike anything else available at the time. The success of Buddy’s Pizza paved the way for other local pizzerias to adopt and adapt the style, and soon, Detroit-style pizza was a staple of the city’s culinary scene.
The Unique Features of Detroit-Style Pizza
The Pan
One of the most distinctive elements of Detroit-style pizza is the pan it is baked in. Traditional Detroit-style pizza pans are rectangular and made from blue steel, which was originally used in the automotive industry. These pans are deep, allowing for a thick crust, and their sturdy construction ensures even heat distribution. The pans are well-oiled before the dough is placed in them, which creates the crispy, almost fried bottom crust that is characteristic of this pizza style.
The Dough
The dough used for Detroit-style pizza is another key factor that sets it apart. It is a high-hydration dough, meaning it contains more water than typical pizza doughs. This results in a light, airy interior with a chewy texture. The dough is pressed into the oiled pan and allowed to rise, which contributes to its thickness and fluffiness.
The Cheese
Traditionally, Detroit-style pizza uses Wisconsin brick cheese, a mild and slightly tangy cheese that melts beautifully and creates the signature caramelized edges. The cheese is spread all the way to the edges of the pan, where it melts and crisps up against the sides, forming a deliciously crunchy border. In modern variations, other cheeses such as mozzarella or a blend of cheeses may be used, but the edge-to-edge cheese application remains a hallmark of the style.
The Toppings and Sauce
In Detroit-style pizza, the toppings are placed directly on the dough, under the cheese. This is the opposite of many other pizza styles where the toppings go on top of the cheese. The sauce is then ladled or drizzled on top of the cheese and toppings, often in thick stripes or dollops. This layering method helps to keep the crust from becoming soggy and allows the flavors of the toppings and cheese to meld together during baking.
The Baking Process
The baking process for Detroit-style pizza is crucial to achieving its unique texture and flavor. The pizza is baked at a high temperature, typically around 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius), for about 12-15 minutes. The high heat and well-oiled pan create a crispy, golden-brown crust on the bottom while keeping the interior light and airy. The cheese melts and caramelizes at the edges, and the sauce thickens and concentrates its flavors as it bakes.
Popular Variations and Modern Takes
While the traditional Detroit-style pizza remains beloved, there have been numerous variations and modern interpretations of this classic dish. Pizzerias across the country have put their own spin on the style, experimenting with different dough recipes, cheeses, and toppings. Some popular variations include:
Pepperoni Detroit-Style Pizza: One of the most common variations, featuring rows of pepperoni slices placed directly on the dough before the cheese and sauce are added. The pepperoni crisps up beautifully in the high heat, adding a savory, slightly spicy kick to each bite.
Veggie Detroit-Style Pizza: For a vegetarian twist, many pizzerias offer versions loaded with an array of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives. These toppings add a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the rich cheese and crispy crust.
BBQ Chicken Detroit-Style Pizza: A modern take that combines the classic Detroit-style crust with tangy barbecue sauce, grilled chicken, red onions, and a blend of cheeses. This variation offers a delicious blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
White Detroit-Style Pizza: Instead of the traditional red sauce, this variation uses a white sauce made from ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Garlic, spinach, and artichokes are common toppings, creating a creamy and flavorful alternative to the classic.
How to Make Detroit-Style Pizza at Home
Making Detroit-style pizza at home can be a rewarding and delicious endeavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you recreate this iconic pizza in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
3 ½ cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups warm water
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces Wisconsin brick cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar), cut into small cubes
1 cup pizza sauce
Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, vegetables, etc.)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the yeast is dissolved and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Add the bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Pan:
Generously oil a rectangular Detroit-style pizza pan or a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil.
Once the dough has risen, press it into the oiled pan, stretching it to the edges. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes and try again.
Add the Cheese:
Spread the cubed cheese evenly over the dough, making sure to cover the entire surface and push some of the cheese up against the edges of the pan.
Add the Toppings:
Arrange your chosen toppings evenly over the cheese.
Add the Sauce:
Spoon the pizza sauce in three thick stripes or dollops over the toppings and cheese.
Bake the Pizza:
Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius).
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and caramelized at the edges and the crust is golden and crispy.
Serve:
Let the pizza cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing. Use a spatula to carefully remove the pizza from the pan, then cut it into squares and serve.
The Popularity and Spread of Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza has gained significant popularity outside of its hometown in recent years. Food critics, bloggers, and pizza enthusiasts across the country have praised its unique characteristics and delicious flavor profile. As a result, many pizzerias nationwide have started offering their own versions of Detroit-style pizza, introducing this regional specialty to a broader audience.
The internet and social media have played a significant role in spreading the word about Detroit-style pizza. Mouthwatering photos of the crispy, cheesy edges and thick, fluffy crust have gone viral, enticing food lovers to seek out or create their own Detroit-style pizza experiences. Additionally, cooking shows and culinary programs have featured this pizza style, further boosting its popularity and recognition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Detroit-style pizza is more than just a regional specialty; it’s a testament to the innovation and passion that define great food. Its rise from a local favorite to a nationwide phenomenon is a tribute to its exceptional taste and the joy it brings to those who savor it. So, the next time you’re craving pizza, consider diving into a slice of Detroit-style and experience the delicious magic for yourself.
