Detroit Style Pizza Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of biting into a pizza that has crispy edges, a soft and airy interior, and a glorious layer of bubbling cheese topped with pepperoni, then this Detroit Style Pizza Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a unique square pie with a thick crust that crisps up beautifully thanks to the pan it’s baked in, delivering a flavor-packed experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Let me take you through the journey of making this iconic pizza that’s satisfying, straightforward, and oh-so-delicious.

Ingredients You'll Need

Every ingredient in this Detroit Style Pizza Recipe plays an important role, whether it’s creating the perfect dough texture, the rich cheesy topping, or the mouthwatering pepperoni blanket. The list is simple but essential, making sure every bite is balanced and bursting with flavor.

• Olive oil: Used for the pan, dough, and stretching, it adds moisture and helps create that crispy, golden crust.
• All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups or 270 grams): The foundation of your dough, giving structure and softness at the same time.
• Kosher salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity for a better rise.
• Instant yeast (1 teaspoon): The magic behind your dough’s rise and airy texture.
• Warm water (¾ cup or 6 ounces): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough ingredients perfectly.
• Aged provolone (3 ounces, cubed): Adds sharp, creamy richness and creates lip-smacking crispy edges.
• Shredded mozzarella (8 ounces): Melts beautifully, giving you that classic gooey cheese pull.
• Pizza sauce (½ cup): The tomatoey heart of flavor, spread right to the edges for a saucy punch in every bite.
• Pepperoni cups (5 ounces): The spicy, slightly crispy topping that blankets the pizza and adds meaty goodness.

How to Make Detroit Style Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Dough

Start by pouring 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 9x13-inch baking pan; the darker the pan, the better the crust you’ll get! In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, and instant yeast. Add warm water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then stir until the dough comes together. Don’t fret if it feels wet — that’s exactly how this dough should be.

Step 2: Knead and Transfer the Dough

Use your hands or a dough hook to knead the dough until it forms a cohesive ball. Oil your fingers with olive oil from the pan and transfer the dough into the prepared pan. Press and dimple the dough with your fingers, then cover it and let it rise in a draft-free spot for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Stretch and Rise Again

After 15 minutes, uncover and gently dimple the dough again, stretching it toward the edges — it should have reached about halfway across the pan by now. Cover and rest for another 15 minutes. Repeat the dimpling and stretching one last time, oiling your hands as needed, until the dough goes edge to edge. Cover and let it rise for 1 full hour; this is the final rise before baking.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit to get it screaming hot. Take off the cover and spread the pizza sauce evenly across the top of the dough, taking care to reach all the way to the edges since there’s no traditional crust border here.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Pepperoni

Scatter the cubed aged provolone, especially near the edges for those signature crispy cheese bits, and then sprinkle the mozzarella all over. Lastly, arrange the pepperoni cups tightly packed on top, creating a delightful pepperoni blanket that will crisp and curl as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 7 minutes. Rotate the pan 180 degrees to encourage even browning, then bake for another 7 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the edges are gloriously golden brown. Let your masterpiece cool for about 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

How to Serve Detroit Style Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

While the Detroit Style Pizza Recipe is already packed with flavor, a sprinkle of fresh basil or a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can lift it even higher. Crushed red pepper flakes add a welcome kick if you love that heat factor with your slice.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad for contrast. For a comforting meal, offer garlic knots or roasted vegetables on the side to round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pizza straight from the pan for a rustic feel or transfer squares to a wooden board for a charming family-style presentation. For parties, consider cutting smaller bite-sized squares accompanied by small bowls of dipping sauce like ranch or spicy marinara to delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Detroit style pizza keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the slices separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain that crispy crust as best as possible.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your leftovers, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This pizza freezes nicely for up to 2 months, letting you indulge in that Detroit Style Pizza Recipe whenever cravings strike.

Reheating

To bring back that perfect crispy edge when reheating, place slices on a baking sheet in a 375-degree oven for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, a quick sauté in a hot skillet can crisp the crust superbly without drying out the toppings.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! If you only have active dry yeast, proof it in warm water for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly before adding it to your dry ingredients. This step ensures your dough rises properly.

Is there a substitute for aged provolone cheese?

If you can’t find aged provolone, sharp cheddar or a blend of mozzarella with a bit of smoked gouda can mimic the flavor and melting qualities nicely.

Why does the dough need to be so wet?

The wetter dough is key to achieving the signature airy, light structure with crispy edges of Detroit style pizza. It’s different from traditional firm pizza dough but yields incredible texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dough the day before and refrigerate it covered overnight. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature and complete the stretching steps before baking.

What type of pan works best for Detroit style pizza?

A 9x13-inch dark aluminum pan is ideal since it conducts heat well, helping crisp the crust, but any similar sized heavy pan will work. Avoid glass pans as they don't crisp the crust as effectively.

Final Thoughts

If you love pizza that strikes the perfect balance between crispy and cheesy with a hearty, satisfying bite, this Detroit Style Pizza Recipe is a must-try. It’s approachable enough for a weekday dinner but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become your favorite go-to comfort food. So oil up that pan and get stretching because a slice of Detroit is waiting!

Print