Deliciously Cheesy Detroit Style Pizza Recipe to Try Today
Okay, so, let’s talk about Detroit-style pizza… Oh man, if you haven’t tried this hearty slice of goodness yet, you’re seriously missing out! Imagine a thick, crispy crust, golden brown and buttery, holding in layers of cheese and toppings, all baked in a rectangular pan. It’s… it’s like a little miracle of pizza. I remember the first time I had it—it’s like my taste buds threw a party! Just a heads up, you’ll want to grab a slice for yourself, ’cause trust me, it’s hard to share!
Why You’ll Crave It
- Crispy edges that give every bite that perfect crunch
- Rich, melty cheese that hugs the crust just right
- A flavor-packed sauce that balances everything out
- Super easy to customize with your favorite toppings, really!
- Great for sharing, but be ready for those “just one more piece” moments.
My family fights over the last piece every single time we make this…
What You’ll Need
- Pizza dough: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, you can even use half whole wheat for a bit of nuttiness
- Water: 3/4 cup, warm, like the little baby bath level of warm
- Instant yeast: 1 teaspoon, because we want this doughy goodness to rise
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon, just to give that yeast a little boost
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, can’t forget that flavor!
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for richness and to keep that crust soft
- Marinara sauce: 1 cup, store-bought is fine but homemade is kinda unbeatable
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded—get the good stuff if you can
- Pepperoni: 1 cup, sliced, or whatever toppings you fancy
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, because cheese on top of cheese is a love language
- Fresh basil: for garnish—just a little fresh touch at the end
Easy How-To
Let’s Get Moving!
Alright, here’s where the magic starts! First, you’ll want to mix the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a big ol’ bowl. Then, slowly pour in that warm water and olive oil, stirring until it forms a sticky dough. Like, a little messy but in a good way, you know? Then, sprinkle a bit of flour on a surface and knead that dough, just for about 5-7 minutes or until it feels smooth. It’s kinda zen, really. Pop it in a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise for about 1 to 2 hours—it’s like a little dough nap! Meanwhile, preheat your oven to a scorching 500°F to make it nice and hot. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down, maybe give it a little pep talk, and then stretch it into your greased Detroit-style pan. Just make sure it reaches those corners! Spoon the sauce over the dough, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese like you mean it, toss on your toppings, and then bake for about 15-20 minutes until bubbling and golden. Let it cool a few minutes before slicing into those glorious square pieces. Trust me—patience is key here!
Good to Know
- Using a well-seasoned rectangular pan is essential for that crispy edge—so, if you’ve got a favorite, now’s the time to whip it out!
- If you happen to have leftovers (good luck!), store them in an airtight container for a few days, but they usually don’t last long!
- Feel free to play with toppings! Get creative like… a BBQ twist or maybe a veggie delight?
Serving Ideas
- Slice it into generous squares and serve it hot with a little bowl of extra marinara for dipping—oh boy, it’s heavenly!
Top Tricks
- Letting the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing really helps keep all the cheese and toppings in place—trust me on this one!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Detroit-style pizza different from other pizzas?
So, Detroit-style pizza is all about that rectangular shape and thicker crust! The sauce is layered on top of the cheese after baking, which gives it a unique flavor and texture that just… hits differently than traditional pies.
Can I use store-bought dough for Detroit-style pizza?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough can save you some time, and a lot of places sell some pretty good stuff that rises well. Just make sure it can handle the thickness.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Keep a close eye on your oven temperature! Preheating really helps create that nice crispy base, plus don’t overload it with toppings. Less can often be more—who would’ve thought?
What toppings are ideal for Detroit-style pizza?
Classic options like pepperoni are always a win! But honestly, toss on whatever you love. Just watch out for super watery veggies—drain ‘em if you’ve got to use them!
Can I freeze Detroit-style pizza leftovers?
Yes, yes, yes! Just wrap those slices tightly before popping them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the oven for that crispy goodness again!
Conclusion
Detroit-style pizza, such a delight! It really is a twist on what we think of pizza, with its crispy outside and soft, cheesy inside. Whether you go classic with pepperoni or venture out with fun toppings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Seriously, I can’t recommend it enough—grab your pan and start baking today!
More Recipe Suggestions and Combinations
Classic Pepperoni Detroit-Style Pizza
Combine the authentic sauce, mozzarella cheese, and plenty of pepperoni for a timeless favorite.
Vegetarian Supreme Detroit-Style Pizza
Top your pizza with an array of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives for a vibrant and savory experience.
BBQ Chicken Detroit-Style Pizza
Use barbecue sauce as the base, add grilled chicken, onions, and cilantro for a sweet and tangy flavor profile—so good!
Buffalo Cauliflower Detroit-Style Pizza
Incorporate buffalo-spiced cauliflower as a topping for a spicy twist that’s also kinda trendy, balanced with creamy ranch dressing drizzled over the top.
Meat Lover’s Detroit-Style Pizza
Load up with various meats, including sausage, ham, and bacon, for a hearty and filling option—if you love meat, this one’s for you!
Four Cheese Detroit-Style Pizza
Mix up a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and gorgonzola for a rich cheese experience that’s just pure bliss.
Pesto Chicken Detroit-Style Pizza
Spread pesto sauce on the crust, topped with seasoned chicken and mozzarella for a fresh and herby explosion of flavor. Enjoy!
