Detroit Style Pizza

Detroit Style Pizza

Detroit-style pizza is known for its thick, crispy crust, gooey cheese that reaches the edges, and a robust, flavorful sauce. This version elevates the classic by topping it with a medley of mushrooms and fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying and delicious meal. The homemade pizza sauce, rich with tomatoes and herbs, complements the savory toppings perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or just craving a hearty slice, this Detroit-style pizza delivers on flavor and texture.

The Best Pizza Pan for Detroit Style Pizza recommended by Berry Berry Life!

  • 10 inch by 14 inch by 2.5 inch deep Detroit Style Pizza Pan Used by commercial pizzarias
  • Hard-Anodized; Permanent, Stick-Resistant Coating is PTFE Free; USA Made
  • No Pre-Seasoning Required or Recommended, Ready for Baking Pizza
40.82 USD
Is prime

Table of Contents

Detroit Style Pizza Vertical picture

About Detroit Style Pizza

Detroit-style pizza originated in the 1940s in Detroit, Michigan, at a pizzeria called Buddy’s Rendezvous. It was inspired by the Sicilian-style pizza but has since become its own iconic dish. The pizza is traditionally baked in rectangular steel pans, originally used in the automotive industry, which gives it a unique, crispy crust. The cheese is spread all the way to the edges, creating a caramelized, crispy border that’s characteristic of this style.

Over the years, Detroit-style pizza has gained popularity across the United States, with many variations emerging. The thick, chewy crust and the rich layer of cheese make it a favorite among pizza lovers. Adding mushrooms and vegetables to this classic dish not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nutritious twist, making it a more balanced meal option.

Why You’ll Love Detroit Style Pizza

  • Crispy, Cheesy Crust: The crust is thick and crispy, with caramelized edges thanks to the cheese.
  • Hearty and Filling: Loaded with toppings and a thick crust, it’s a satisfying meal.
  • Rich Homemade Sauce: The homemade pizza sauce is bursting with flavor from tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
  • Vegetable-Packed: Topped with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and more, it’s a great way to enjoy vegetables.
  • Perfect for Sharing: This pizza is ideal for serving at gatherings or family dinners.

What’s in Detroit Style Pizza

  • Pizza Dough: A thick, airy dough that creates the signature crust.
  • Mushrooms: Adds an earthy, savory flavor to the pizza.
  • Bell Peppers and Onions: Provide sweetness and crunch.
  • Homemade Pizza Sauce: Made from tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and other herbs.
  • Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese: Creates the cheesy, caramelized edges that Detroit-style pizza is famous for.
Detroit Style Pizza Ingredients

Key Ingredients

  • Pizza Dough: The base of the pizza, providing a thick and crispy crust.
  • Mushrooms: Use a mix of your favorite mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or portobello for a variety of textures and flavors.
  • Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add sweetness and a pop of color.
  • Homemade Pizza Sauce: A simple, flavorful sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs.
  • Cheese: Mozzarella for melty goodness, and cheddar for sharp, caramelized edges.

How To Make Detroit Style Pizza

Pizza Dough Ingredients

Pizza:

  1. In a cup or in the stand mixer add water, sugar, and yeast. Whisk to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.
  1. Grease a 13″x9″ pan with cooking spray and olive oil, be sure to get all corners and sides.
  1. Once the yeast is active, add the flour and mix until dough forms into a ball and begins to form gluten by stretching.
  1. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes to hydrate and build more gluten. This is called Autolyse.
  1. After 10 minutes, the dough should expand a little, and should stretch without tearing.
  1. Add the salt, and mix/knead the dough for another 8-10 minutes.
  1. Remove the dough to a floured surface, and gently form it into a ball.
  1. Place the dough into the greased pan, coat it with some olive oil to prevent drying, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and allow it to proof for 15 minutes. This will soften the dough so we can form it into the pan.
  1. After 15 minutes, press and push the dough flat, and expand the dough to all edges and corners of the pan. Cover it again with plastic wrap, and allow it to proof for 2-3 hours at room temperature, or in the oven on “Proof”
  1. After 2-3 hours, it should have tripled in volume.
  1. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F (260 C)
  1. Top the pizza with Cheese as the first layer, then pizza sauce, and then preferred toppings. Be sure to put extra cheese on the edge for a crispy crust from the burnt cheese (Frico)
  1. Once oven reaches 500 F (260 C) place the pan on lowest rack to bake for 15 minutes.
  1. After 15 minutes, the cheese should be slightly burnt on top, and the pizza should have crispy edge.
Cheese is melting on Detroit Style pizza
  1. Remove the pizza from the oven, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes or more before serving.
Detroit Style Pizza is ready
  1. Enjoy!!
Enjoy Detroit Style Pizza with a cold beer

Pizza Sauce:

  1. In a sauce pan over medium-low heat, add the olive oil, garlic, and red chili flakes and saute for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes along with basil, oregano, and salt. Stir and cover.
  3. Cook the sauce for 15 minutes until desired consistency, and adjust to taste.
  4. Allow the sauce to cool before use.
Pizza Sauce Ingredients

Have It Your Way!

  • Add Protein: Include plant-based sausage or pepperoni for added heartiness.
  • Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and a vegan dough recipe.
  • Extra Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Herbaceous Flavor: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano over the finished pizza for extra freshness.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary needs.

Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits

  • Calories: Approximately 350 calories per slice.
  • Protein: 12 grams
  • Fat: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 35 grams
  • Fiber: 4 grams
  • Sodium: 600 milligrams

Health Benefits:

  • High in Protein: Cheese and vegetables provide a good amount of protein.
  • Rich in Vitamins: Bell peppers and mushrooms are high in vitamins A and C, boosting immunity.
  • Fiber-Rich: Vegetables and whole-wheat dough (if used) add dietary fiber for better digestion.
  • Antioxidants: Mushrooms and bell peppers contain antioxidants that help protect against cell damage.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

Detroit Style Pizza

Detroit Style Pizza

Berry Berry Life
Detroit-style pizza is known for its thick, crispy crust, gooey cheese that reaches the edges, and a robust, flavorful sauce. This version elevates the classic by topping it with a medley of mushrooms and fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying and delicious meal. The homemade pizza sauce, rich with tomatoes and herbs, complements the savory toppings perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or just craving a hearty slice, this Detroit-style pizza delivers on flavor and texture.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pizza Dough:

  • 2 & 1/2 Cups of Bread Flour All Purpose
  • 1 Cup Water luke warm
  • 1 Tsp Active Dry Yeast Instant Yeast
  • 1.5 Tsp Sugar
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Pan and coating dough

Pizza Sauce:

  • 1 28 Oz Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes
  • 2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Tsp Red Chili Flakes
  • 3 Cloves Minced Garlic
  • 1 Tbsp. Oregano dried
  • 1 Tbsp. Basil dried (1/2 cup fresh)
  • Sugar to taste

Instructions
 

Pizza:

  • In a cup or in the stand mixer add water, sugar, and yeast. Whisk to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.
  • Grease a 13″x9″ pan with cooking spray and olive oil, be sure to get all corners and sides.
  • Once the yeast is active, add the flour and mix until dough forms into a ball and begins to form gluten by stretching.
  • Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes to hydrate and build more gluten. This is called Autolyse.
  • After 10 minutes, the dough should expand a little, and should stretch without tearing.
  • Add the salt, and mix/knead the dough for another 8-10 minutes.
  • Remove the dough to a floured surface, and gentley form it into a ball.
  • Place the dough into the greased pan, coat it with some olive oil to prevent drying, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and allow it to proof for 15 minutes. This will soften the dough so we can form it into the pan.
  • After 15 minutes, press and push the dough flat, and expand the dough to all edges and corners of the pan. Cover it again with plastic wrap, and allow it to proof for 2-3 hours at room temperature, or in the oven on “Proof”
  • After 2-3 hours, it should have tripled in volume.
  • Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F (260 C)
  • Top the pizza with Cheese as the first layer, then pizza sauce, and then preferred toppings. Be sure to put extra cheese on the edge for a crispy crust from the burnt cheese (Frico)
  • Once oven reaches 500 F (260 C) place the pan on lowest rack to bake for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, the cheese should be slightly burnt on top, and the pizza should have crispy edge.
  • Remove the pizza from the oven, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes or more before serving.
  • Enjoy!!

Pizza Sauce:

  • In a sauce pan over medium-low heat, add the olive oil, garlic, and red chili flakes and saute for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes along with basil, oregano, and salt. Stir and cover.
  • Cook the sauce for 15 minutes until desired consistency, and adjust to taste.
  • Allow the sauce to cool before use.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Make-Ahead: The pizza dough can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator overnight. The sauce can also be prepared in advance and stored for up to a week.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 550kcal
Keyword Pizza
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