Discovering The Detroit Pizza Style: A Crispy, Cheesy Culinary Icon
If you’re a pizza lover always on the hunt for something new, there’s a good chance you’ve heard whispers of The Detroit pizza style. This square, thick-crusted pizza has gained a cult following, and once you’ve tasted it, it’s easy to understand why. In this post, we’ll dive deep into The Detroit pizza style—its origins, what makes it unique, how you can recreate it at home, and why it’s become a must-try for pizza enthusiasts everywhere. By the end, you’ll be ready to roll up your sleeves and bring a taste of Detroit into your own kitchen.
The Detroit Pizza Style: A Slice of Detroit’s History
When you think about pizza in America, the usual suspects like New York’s thin crust or Chicago’s deep-dish might come to mind. However, The Detroit pizza style has a character all its own. Born in the Motor City in the 1940s, this pizza was first cooked up at Buddy’s Rendezvous, a local bar that decided to bake pizza in blue steel pans originally used for holding auto parts. This accidental innovation gave The Detroit pizza style its signature rectangular shape and crisp, caramelized edges.The dough is light and airy, more like focaccia than traditional pizza dough, and it’s pressed into a well-oiled pan. Brick cheese—another Detroit staple—melts into the corners, creating irresistibly crispy edges. And don’t forget the sauce! In The Detroit pizza style, the sauce is often spooned over the cheese after baking, rather than before, which keeps the crust extra light and delicious.
What Sets The Detroit Pizza Style Apart?
There’s a lot to love about pizza, but The Detroit pizza style stands out for several key reasons:
- Shape and Texture: Forget round pies! The Detroit pizza style is square or rectangular, thanks to those iconic blue steel pans. The edges are crisp and caramelized, while the middle remains chewy and light.
- Cheese to the Edge: Unlike other styles, the cheese goes all the way to the edge of the pan, forming a golden, crunchy border that’s absolutely addictive.
- Layering: Toppings go on first, then cheese, and finally, the sauce is ladled on top—sometimes in racing stripes—after baking.
- Unique Cheese: While mozzarella is common elsewhere, The Detroit pizza style traditionally uses Wisconsin brick cheese. Its high fat content helps create that signature crispy edge.
By now, it’s easy to see why The Detroit pizza style is winning fans across the nation. But the best part? You don’t have to travel to Detroit to try it. You can bake up your own version at home!
How to Make The Detroit Pizza Style at Home
Ready to wow your friends and family with a homemade Detroit classic? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making The Detroit pizza style in your own kitchen.Ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the pan
- 8 ounces Wisconsin brick cheese (or mozzarella, if you can’t find brick cheese), cut into cubes
- 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Your favorite toppings (like pepperoni, sausage, or veggies)
Instructions:
- Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for about 5 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 2 hours. - Prepare the Pan:
Generously oil a 9×13-inch metal pan. Press the dough into the pan, stretching it to fill the corners. If it springs back, let it rest for 10 minutes, then try again. - Add Toppings and Cheese:
Scatter your chosen toppings directly onto the dough. Cover the entire surface with cheese cubes, making sure to push them right up to the edges of the pan. - Let It Rise Again:
Cover the pan and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). - Bake:
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are deeply golden brown. - Add the Sauce:
Remove from the oven and spoon the sauce over the pizza in wide ribbons or stripes. Let it cool slightly before slicing into squares.
Pro Tip:
Don’t skip the edge-to-edge cheese—the caramelized corners are what make The Detroit pizza style truly unforgettable!
Why The Detroit Pizza Style Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Collection
The Detroit pizza style isn’t just about taste; it’s about the experience. The crispy, cheesy edges, airy interior, and bold sauce create a harmony of flavors and textures that’s pure comfort food. Whether you’re serving it at a casual get-together or just want to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, The Detroit pizza style is guaranteed to impress.And if you’re already a fan of food trends like baked feta pasta, you’ll love how The Detroit pizza style combines classic ingredients in a fresh, exciting way. It’s easy to customize, too—experiment with different cheeses, meats, or veggie toppings to make it your own.
Final Thoughts: Bringing The Detroit Pizza Style Home
From its blue-collar roots to its modern-day renaissance, The Detroit pizza style is a testament to creativity and deliciousness. Its unique combination of crispy cheese, chewy crust, and rich sauce makes it a standout among American pizza styles. So next time you’re craving something cheesy, hearty, and satisfying, give The Detroit pizza style a try. Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy pizza—Detroit style!