Detroit-style pizza is a unique and beloved take on traditional pizza. Originating in the Motor City, this square pizza is known for its thick, airy crust, caramelized cheese edges, and a signature stripe of tomato sauce on top. With its irresistible blend of flavors and textures, this pizza is perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner or weekend indulgence. Follow this step-by-step recipe to recreate the iconic Detroit-style pizza in your own kitchen!
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch rectangular baking pan (or Detroit-style pizza pan)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Rubber spatula or bench scraper
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup brick cheese, diced (or more mozzarella as a substitute)
- ½ cup pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes
- Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, etc.)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add warm water and olive oil while stirring until a sticky dough forms. Knead by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. - Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours or until doubled in size. - Shape the Dough
Lightly grease the 9×13-inch pan with olive oil. Punch down the risen dough and press it evenly into the pan, stretching it to reach the edges. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes. - Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 500°F (or as high as it will safely go) while the dough rests. - Assemble the Pizza
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and diced brick cheese evenly over the dough, making sure the cheese touches the edges of the pan to create a caramelized crust. Add your desired toppings. - Bake the Pizza
Place the pan on the lower rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and caramelized. - Add the Sauce
Remove the pizza from the oven and spoon warm pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes in stripes or dollops over the top. - Slice and Serve
Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing it into squares. Serve hot and enjoy!
Presentation Ideas:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a pop of flavor and color.
- Serve with a side of ranch or garlic butter for dipping.
Tips:
- If brick cheese is unavailable, a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese works well.
- Use a high-quality pizza sauce or make your own for the best flavor.
- Ensure the cheese touches the edges of the pan for the iconic crispy caramelized crust.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer for a crispy second-day treat.
Detroit-style pizza is a cheesy, crispy, and utterly satisfying dish that’s sure to impress. Its unique pan-baked method and thick crust make it a standout among other pizza styles. Whether it’s game night or a casual family dinner, this recipe guarantees a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal. Enjoy your homemade slice of Motor City magic!
Detroit Style Pizza Recipe
Discover how to make authentic Detroit-style pizza at home! This recipe features a thick, crispy crust, melty cheese, and bold tomato sauce baked to perfection in a rectangular pan.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch rectangular baking pan (or Detroit-style pizza pan)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Rubber spatula or bench scraper
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water 110°F
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup brick cheese diced (or more mozzarella as a substitute)
- ½ cup pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes
- Your choice of toppings pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, etc.
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add warm water and olive oil while stirring until a sticky dough forms. Knead by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough
- Lightly grease the 9x13-inch pan with olive oil. Punch down the risen dough and press it evenly into the pan, stretching it to reach the edges. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (or as high as it will safely go) while the dough rests.
- Assemble the Pizza
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and diced brick cheese evenly over the dough, making sure the cheese touches the edges of the pan to create a caramelized crust. Add your desired toppings.
- Bake the Pizza
- Place the pan on the lower rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and caramelized.
- Add the Sauce
- Remove the pizza from the oven and spoon warm pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes in stripes or dollops over the top.
- Slice and Serve
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing it into squares. Serve hot and enjoy!
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