Authentic Homemade Detroit-Style Pizza: A Thick Crust Recipe with Crispy Edges
Detroit-Style Pizza is a culinary masterpiece: a thick, rectangular pan pizza celebrated for its distinctive airy, chewy crust and irresistible caramelized cheese edges. Baked in a specialized blue steel pan, the dough is lovingly pressed to the edges and generously topped with mozzarella cheese. Unlike traditional pizzas, the pepperoni slices and flavorful tomato sauce are baked directly on top of the cheese, allowing the cheese to become an integral, crispy part of the crust. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience – this truly is the best pizza, and you’re guaranteed to love it!
When it comes to the vast and delicious world of pizza, the debate over which style reigns supreme is eternal. However, if your heart yearns for a substantial, thick-crust pan pizza with unparalleled flavor and texture, then authentic Detroit-style pizza is undoubtedly the champion you’ve been searching for. While it shares some similarities with Sicilian pizza, this iconic creation from the Motor City distinguishes itself by its unique baking method in a blue steel pan, which is crucial for achieving its signature crispy, cheesy crust. If you’re a fan of pepperoni pizza or simply crave a hearty, satisfying slice, you absolutely need to try making this incredible pizza today.
Perhaps, like me a few years ago, you’re wondering what exactly “Detroit-Style” pizza entails. I was completely unfamiliar with it until a dear friend enthusiastically described its unique qualities. Her vivid explanation immediately captivated me, and I knew I had to experience it for myself. To my surprise, there was a local pizza place specializing in this amazing pizza just a short drive from my home – a hidden gem I had overlooked for nearly four years!
My personal preference leans towards deep-dish pizza, while my husband typically prefers a thin crust. So, I wasn’t entirely sure how he would react to this thick, pan-baked style. However, one bite into that incredibly crunchy exterior, with its airy, chewy interior and bubbling cheese, and we were both completely hooked! The moment we tasted it, I knew I had to recreate this sensational homemade pizza recipe for my website, and I needed to do it STAT.
Experience the Magic: Try This Homemade Detroit-Style Pizza Today!
If you’ve yet to embark on the culinary journey of making a Detroit-style pizza, now is truly the perfect time! Each square slice is a symphony of flavors, oozing with rich, melted cheese, robust tomato sauce, and savory pepperoni goodness. This pizza stands apart from your typical pie, primarily because the sauce is artfully layered on top of the cheese, rather than beneath it. The sauce isn’t uniformly spread across the entire surface, which means every bite offers a delightful variation – some saucy, some extra cheesy, and many a perfect combination of both. Another defining characteristic and a hallmark of this beloved pizza style is its luxuriously thick, incredibly cheesy crust, boasting perfectly crispy, caramelized edges. These coveted crispy edges, often referred to as “frico,” are achieved by baking the pizza in a rectangular blue steel pan, which allows the cheese to melt directly against the hot metal, creating a divinely crunchy, browned exterior that’s simply irresistible.
The Rich History of Detroit Pizza
The fascinating history of this original pizza recipe takes us back to 1946, a pivotal year when Gus Guerra, the owner of Buddy’s Rendezvous Restaurant in Detroit, sought a unique way to bake his pizzas. He borrowed some blue steel pans from a friend who worked at a local automotive plant – these were originally used as utility trays for holding small parts. This seemingly simple act was a stroke of genius. The blue steel pan proved to be an exceptional vessel for creating a Sicilian-style crust, delivering a remarkable textural contrast: a wonderfully crunchy outside paired with a soft, airy, and chewy inside. This ingenious adaptation quickly became a local sensation, giving birth to what we now know and love as Detroit-Style Pizza. The deep, dark blue steel, excellent at heat conduction, allowed the cheese to crisp up along the edges, forming that iconic caramelized crust that sets Detroit pizza apart. The “Motor City” truly left its indelible mark on the world of pizza.
And, if your love for pepperoni pizza knows no bounds, you’ll definitely want to explore these two additional pizza-themed recipes: Dorothy’s Pizza Pockets and a delectable Pizza Dip with Garlic Toasts. Both offer unique ways to enjoy those classic pizza flavors!
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Detroit-Style Pizza Dough & Toppings
Detailed measurements and complete instructions can be found in the convenient printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.
- Bread Dough Flour: This is a crucial ingredient for achieving the perfect Detroit-style crust. Bread flour, often referred to as gluten flour, differs significantly from all-purpose flour because it contains a higher protein content. This elevated protein level is essential for developing strong glutens, which are necessary to produce the ultimate airy, chewy, yet structured pizza dough that characterizes Detroit style. Using bread flour will ensure your crust has that signature chew and a beautiful rise.
- Instant Yeast: A fast-acting yeast that helps your dough rise efficiently, giving it that wonderfully light and fluffy texture despite its thick profile.
- Salt: Essential for flavor, balancing the sweetness of the dough, and regulating the yeast activity. Don’t skip it!
- Lukewarm Water: The ideal temperature for activating instant yeast. It should feel warm to the touch, but not hot enough to kill the yeast. A temperature between 105-115°F (40-46°C) is perfect.
- Olive Oil: I always recommend using Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) for its rich flavor and quality. It contributes to the dough’s tender crumb and helps create that crispy bottom crust when baked in the pan.
- Pizza Sauce or Marinara Sauce: The choice of sauce is vital for the overall flavor profile. You can opt for your favorite store-bought brand or elevate your pizza with a delicious homemade marinara sauce. Remember, in Detroit style, the sauce goes on top!
- Mozzarella Cheese: For superior melt and flavor, I highly prefer freshly grated cheese over pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can hinder its melting consistency and the coveted “frico” crust. For an authentic touch, you might even consider using part low-moisture mozzarella and part Brick cheese if you can find it.
- Pepperoni Slices: A classic and essential topping for Detroit-style pizza. You can purchase pre-sliced pepperoni or, for a more robust flavor and texture, slice your own from a stick of pepperoni.
Mastering the Art of Detroit-Style Pizza with Homemade Dough
Making Detroit-style pizza from scratch is a rewarding experience that yields phenomenal results. Follow these detailed steps to create your own perfect pie:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base. Begin by combining the bread flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Next, add the instant yeast to the flour mixture and mix it in completely. This initial mixing is crucial for the dough’s development.
Step 2: Form and Rest the Dough. Gradually add the lukewarm water, a little bit at a time, mixing until a somewhat shaggy, sticky dough forms. Be careful not to add too much water; the dough should be hydrated but not soupy. Once combined, cover the bowl and let the dough rest for a crucial 15 minutes. This rest period, known as autolyse, allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to begin developing naturally.
Step 3: Knead for Perfection. Transfer the rested dough to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Knead the dough on low speed for 2 minutes to bring it together. Then, increase the speed by one notch and continue to knead for an additional 3 minutes. This kneading develops the gluten structure, which is essential for the airy and chewy texture of Detroit-style pizza.
Step 4: First Rise. Lightly grease a clean mixing bowl with olive oil. Transfer the kneaded dough to this bowl, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover the bowl lightly with a clean kitchen towel or cling wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has visibly doubled in size. This process typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the warmth of your environment. A good indicator of readiness is when the dough feels light and springy.
Step 5: Prepare the Pan. Generously grease your Detroit-Style pizza pan with approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil. Ensure the oil coats the bottom and sides thoroughly, as this will contribute to the crust’s crispness and golden-brown color.
A true Detroit-Style pizza pan is a deep, rectangular blue steel pan, famously imitating the automotive parts trays originally used in the “Motor City” factories. These pans are typically about 10×14 inches and their material is key to the pizza’s unique crust. While a 9×13 metal baking pan can be a suitable substitute, the blue steel pan offers superior heat conduction, which is crucial for achieving that characteristic crispy bottom and caramelized edges.
Step 6: Stretch and Rest in Pan. Transfer the risen dough into the prepared pan. Using the “dimpling method” – gently pressing and spreading the dough with your fingertips – begin to stretch it towards the edges of the pan. The dough might resist at first; if so, let it rest for 15 minutes, then continue stretching until it comfortably reaches the pan’s edges. This technique also helps to gently release any large air bubbles. Once stretched, cover the pan again and let the dough rest for an additional 30 minutes. This second rise, or proofing, helps create a light and airy texture.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven. While the dough rests for its second rise, preheat your oven to a blazing 500 degrees F (260°C). A high oven temperature is vital for achieving the rapid bake and crispy crust characteristic of Detroit-style pizza.
Step 8: Add the Cheese. Generously spread the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, ensuring it extends all the way to the very edges of the pan. This step is critically important for forming the iconic “frico” or caramelized cheese crust. The cheese that touches the hot metal pan will crisp up beautifully, creating a deliciously crunchy and savory border around your pizza.
Make sure the cheese touches the pan to allow for a crispy, caramelized crust that Detroit-style pizza is famous for. This “frico” crust is a hallmark of the style!
Step 9: Layer Sauce and Toppings. Now for the signature “red stripes”! Add your pizza sauce in two or three distinct strips over the cheese. This unique layering ensures varied bites of cheesy, saucy, and perfectly combined flavors. Finally, top with your desired toppings – in this traditional recipe, that means plenty of pepperoni slices distributed evenly over the sauce and cheese.
Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection. Carefully transfer the pan to your preheated 500°F (260°C) oven. Bake for approximately 13-15 minutes, watching it closely. The pizza is ready when the crust is bubbling vigorously around the edges, which should be very dark and deeply caramelized, and the toppings are golden brown and bubbling. The high heat ensures a quick bake, creating that perfect crispy bottom and chewy interior.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy. Once baked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the edges of the pan to loosen the glorious crispy crust. Immediately transfer the pizza to a cutting board. Allow it to cool for just a minute or two before cutting it into traditional squares and serving hot. Each square will deliver a delightful combination of crunchy crust, melted cheese, savory toppings, and flavorful sauce.
Loved this Recipe? Don’t Forget to Pin It!
If you’re eager to sink your teeth into this incredible Homemade Detroit-Style Pizza Pie, make sure you can easily find this recipe again! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board before you go so it’s always at your fingertips whenever that pizza craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions About DETROIT STYLE PIZZA
If you’re new to the world of Detroit-style pizza, it’s natural to have a few questions about this truly unique and delicious pizza style. Read on to see if I’ve answered your query, or feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll always do my best to help you out!
What is the difference between Chicago-style pizza and Detroit-style pizza?
Both Chicago-style and Detroit-style pizzas are renowned deep-dish pan pizzas, yet they possess distinct differences in their ingredients and preparation. Both utilize heavy metal deep-dish pans for baking their crusts, but the Detroit style is famous for extending its cheese all the way to the edges of the pan, which then caramelizes into its signature crispy, often referred to as “frico,” crust. Regarding cheese, Chicago style primarily uses mozzarella, while traditional Detroit pizza often incorporates Brick cheese (a Wisconsin-made cheese known for its buttery flavor and excellent melting properties) or a combination of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Muenster. A key visual difference is the sauce application: both pies feature sauce on top of the cheese, but Chicago pizza’s sauce is typically chunky with large pieces of tomato, whereas Detroit sauce is generally smoother. Finally, the baking process differs significantly: Chicago pizza bakes slowly at a lower temperature, resulting in a more casserole-like texture, while Detroit style bakes quickly at a very high temperature to achieve its characteristic airy crust and crispy edges.
Is Detroit pizza the same as Sicilian pizza?
While Detroit-style pizza shares structural similarities with Sicilian pizza, particularly its thick, rectangular, and airy crust, there are key distinctions. Traditional Detroit pizza often uses Brick cheese, which is an American-made cheese, contributing to a unique flavor and texture profile. Furthermore, Detroit pizza consistently yields a much crispier crust compared to Sicilian, largely due to that fatty cheese spreading to the edges of the blue steel pan and caramelizing against the hot metal. This caramelization creates the distinct “frico” crust that is a hallmark of Detroit style, setting it apart from its Sicilian cousin.
What are traditional Detroit-style pizza toppings?
The original and most authentic Detroit-Style Pizza recipe features just three simple, yet perfectly balanced, ingredients: generous amounts of cheese (often Brick cheese or mozzarella), flavorful pizza sauce, and classic pepperoni. The pepperoni is typically placed on top of the cheese, allowing it to crisp up beautifully. Additionally, pickled peppers, such as banana peppers, are a very common and beloved traditional addition to the Detroit pizza pie, offering a tangy counterpoint to the rich cheese and savory meats.
What is the dimpling method?
The dimpling method is a crucial technique used in Detroit-style pizza preparation to spread the dough to the edges of the pan without tearing or overworking it. It involves gently pressing on the dough with your fingertips as you move them along its surface. This action helps to evenly distribute the dough, guiding it to fill the entire pan. Simultaneously, this light pressing creates a “dimpled” effect on the dough’s surface and helps to gently eliminate any large air bubbles that might have formed during the rising process, contributing to the desired airy, open crumb structure of the finished crust.
Can you make Detroit pizza in a glass pan?
While you technically *can* bake pizza in a glass pan, I strongly advise against it for Detroit-style pizza. The specific material of the steel pan, particularly the traditional blue steel, is fundamental to how Detroit-style pizza lives up to its name and achieves its signature characteristics. Steel conducts heat much more efficiently and evenly than glass, which is essential for developing that wonderfully crispy, caramelized crust and perfectly browned bottom. A glass pan simply will not yield the same desired results for the iconic crispy edges and texture that define authentic Detroit-style pizza.
Detroit Pizza Substitutions: Smart Swaps for Your Perfect Pie
- I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the *right* pan for achieving an authentic Detroit-style pizza! The classic Detroit pizza pan is typically a deep, rectangular pan made of blue steel, usually measuring around 10 x 14 inches. This type of black metal pan excels at conducting heat much better than modern aluminum or nonstick pans, which is precisely why it produces that magical, crispy, caramelized crust. However, I understand that purchasing a new pan might not always be feasible. You can certainly use a deep 9×13 metal baking pan as an alternative, or even try two deep 8×8 cake pans. But, if you discover a true love for this style of pizza, investing in a dedicated blue steel pan would be a truly worthwhile investment for achieving optimal results every time!
- Bread Dough Flour: As mentioned, bread flour is the superior choice for a thick crust pan pizza like this, primarily due to its higher protein content that creates robust gluten for an airy, chewy crumb. While all-purpose flour will technically work, it is better suited for thinner crust pizzas, like New York style, and won’t give you that desirable, open, and chewy Detroit dough texture.
- Olive Oil: If extra virgin olive oil isn’t available, or you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute any neutral-flavored oil. Canola oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil would be your best bets, as they won’t impart a strong flavor to the crust.
- Pizza Sauce or Marinara Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand for convenience, but for an extra layer of homemade goodness, here’s my trusted recipe for homemade marinara sauce. Experiment with different sauces to find your perfect flavor balance!
- Mozzarella Cheese: For the best melt and the famed crispy edges, I recommend using freshly grated low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella. If you’re feeling adventurous, try cubing your cheese instead of grating it, as this can create pockets of even richer, melted cheese. You could also substitute with sliced burrata cheese for a creamier texture, or other mellow melting cheeses such as Monterey Jack or white Muenster. For the most authentic experience, seek out Brick cheese. This buttery, salty cheese is traditionally made in Wisconsin and crisps up beautifully to form that amazing, caramelized crust. It can be challenging to find in all stores, but it’s worth the hunt if you desire true authenticity.
- Sliced Pepperoni: While pepperoni is the classic meat ingredient in the original Detroit pizza recipe, don’t hesitate to get creative! Why not try cooked and crumbled sausage, spicy salami, or even Canadian bacon? For another traditional Detroit pizza topping, consider adding pickled peppers, such as banana peppers, which offer a delightful tangy kick that complements the rich cheese and savory meats wonderfully.
Pro Tips & Tricks for Your Best Detroit-Style Pizza
- Crucial Cheese Placement: This is arguably the most important tip! Make absolutely sure to spread the shredded cheese all the way to the very edges of the pan. The cheese that makes direct contact with the hot metal pan will caramelize and crisp up, forming the irresistible “frico” crust that Detroit-style pizza is famous for. Don’t be shy with the edge cheese!
- Optimal Water Temperature for Dough: The temperature of your lukewarm water is key for successful yeast activation and dough development. Aim for water that is about 105 degrees F (40°C), and definitely no hotter than 115 degrees F (46°C). Using a meat thermometer is an excellent way to accurately gauge the temperature and ensure you don’t kill the yeast with water that’s too hot, or fail to activate it with water that’s too cold.
- Authentic Square Slices: To truly serve up a classic Detroit Style Pizza experience, cut your finished pizza into squares rather than traditional wedges. This reflects the original presentation and allows everyone to enjoy those coveted crispy edge pieces.
- Storing Leftovers: If you happen to have any delicious leftovers (a rare occurrence with this pizza!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I recommend separating individual slices with pieces of paper towel or wax paper before storing them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag to prevent them from sticking together. For longer storage, you can also freeze leftovers by individually wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Leftover Pizza: While you *can* reheat leftover pizza in the microwave, for the absolute best results that bring back that desirable crispy crust, reheating it in the oven is highly recommended. To do so, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Place the leftover slices on a baking tray, mist them lightly with a little water (this helps keep the crust from drying out), and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is re-crisped. Enjoy your “fresh-baked” leftover pizza!
Discover More Delicious Pizza Recipes
What’s not to love about all things pizza? Whether you’re craving a classic, a creative twist, or a pizza-inspired dish, there’s a recipe for every mood. Here are more pizza and pizza-inspired recipes to explore and enjoy:
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza (pictured above) – A spicy and satisfying twist on classic pizza.
- Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese – Comfort food fusion at its finest.
- Pizza Pasta – All the flavors of pizza in a comforting pasta dish.
- Spinach Artichoke Pizza – A creamy and flavorful vegetarian option.
- Chicken Pesto Pizza – A fresh and aromatic pizza with vibrant flavors.
- Reuben Pizza – An unexpected but delightful combination of a classic sandwich and pizza.
- Taco Bell Mexican Pizza – Recreate a fast-food favorite at home.
- Blueberry Dessert Pizza – A sweet treat that proves pizza can be for dessert too!
In need of a little pizza love to brighten your day? There’s no better way to indulge than by making this incredible Homemade Detroit Style Pizza today. It’s always a good day for good pizza, and this recipe promises to deliver the absolute best!
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Print Recipe
Detroit Style Pizza (Homemade Detroit Style Pizza Dough)
Equipment
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14” Pizza Cutter by KitchenStar | Rocker Style
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KitchenAid Classic Pizza Wheel
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Chef Pomodoro Detroit Style Pizza Pan, 14 x 10-Inch
Ingredients
- FOR THE DOUGH:
- 315 grams bread flour about 2 1/2 cups
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup lukewarm water divided *see notes
- FOR THE PIZZA:
- 2 1/2 cups Pizza Sauce or Marinara Sauce your favorite kind
- 3 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded or cut into small cubes
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
Instructions
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Add flour and salt into a bowl, mix thoroughly.
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Add yeast to the flour mixture, mix thoroughly.
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Gradually add water a bit at a time and mix until a somewhat shaggy dough forms. Let dough rest for 15 minutes to hydrate.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, knead the dough on low speed for 2 minutes, then increase speed one notch and knead for 3 minutes more to develop gluten.
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Grease a clean bowl, add the kneaded dough, turning to coat. Cover lightly and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (1-2 hours).
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Generously grease a Detroit-Style pizza pan with about 1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil.
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Add dough to the pan and use the dimpling method to stretch it towards the edges. If resistant, let dough rest for 15 minutes, then stretch again until it reaches the edges.
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Cover the pan with the stretched dough and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes for a second rise.
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Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F (260°C).
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Add shredded cheese to the dough, spreading it all the way to the edges of the pan. Ensure cheese touches the pan to form a crispy crust.
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Add pizza sauce in 2-3 strips over the cheese. Top with desired toppings, such as pepperoni.
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Bake for 13-15 minutes, watching closely. Remove when the crust bubbles, edges are dark and caramelized, and toppings are golden brown.
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Run a knife around the edges to loosen the pizza. Transfer to a cutting board to cut into squares and serve immediately.