Detroit-Style Pizza: A Culinary Gem of the Motor City
Have you ever wondered about the difference between Detroit-style pizza and the famous Chicago deep dish? Oh, what a delightful debate that is!
At first glance, you might say, “Isn’t it all just pizza?” But, if pizza-making were an art (and, believe me, it is), then Detroit-style pizza would be its own vibrant brushstroke, distinct and rich in its flavour profile.
Detroit-style pizza stands out with its rectangular shape, thick crust, and crispy edges. In a head-to-head, Detroit-style pizza vs Chicago?
Well, it’s like comparing apples to oranges, or more fittingly, deep dish to deep, crispy corners. Both have their own unique attributes that set them apart.
So, what Detroit-style pizza offers is a crispy, chewy crust that’s not too thick, not too thin, just right in the middle. The sauce?
Oh, it’s on top, my friends. A delightful change-up from your traditional pizza sequence. Now, are you curious about crafting this masterpiece in your own kitchen?
Here’s the best Detroit-style pizza recipe you can whip up.
Ingredients:
Detroit-style Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce (remember, it goes on top!)
- Your favourite toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions:
Step 1:
Dough: Begin your Detroit-style pizza journey by dissolving the yeast in warm water and letting it sit for about 5 minutes. Mix the all-purpose flour, bread flour, and salt in a large bowl. Slowly add the yeast mixture and olive oil, kneading until the dough is smooth.
Step 2:
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 2 hours.
Step 3:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Step 4:
Transfer your risen dough to a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread it out, ensuring it reaches the corners. If it springs back, wait 10 minutes and try again.
Step 5:
Sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese, ensuring it’s spread evenly, especially near the edges (this gives the iconic crispy cheese an edge!). Add your chosen toppings.
Step 6:
Here’s the Detroit twist: Drizzle the pizza sauce on your toppings!
Step 7:
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy.
Step 8:
Remove from the oven, drizzle with olive oil, and let it cool for a few minutes before diving in!
Now, isn’t that simplicity at its finest? You might ask, “Why is Detroit-style pizza dough different?” It’s all about the crispy edge and chewy center. It’s a harmonious balance that makes every bite of Detroit-style deep-dish pizza truly special.
So, the next time someone asks you about Detroit-style pizza, you’ll not only have an answer, but you’ll have a taste experience to share. And who knows? You might be crowned the maker of the best Detroit-style pizza in town!
So, who’s hungry?
How about treating yourself and diving into the unique, rich, and utterly delicious world of Detroit-style pizza tonight?
What is Detroit-style Pizza?
Detroit-style pizza is not your typical pizza. It’s a delightful culinary gift from the Motor City, known for its rectangular shape, thick and crispy edges, and an airy yet chewy centre. But what truly sets it apart?
The sauce is layered on top of the cheese rather than vice versa. This quirk not only adds a visual appeal but also ensures every bite is a harmonious blend of tangy sauce and melted cheese.
Comparing it to Chicago deep-dish is tempting, but that would be an oversimplification. They’re two unique masterpieces of the pizza world.
Detroit-style Pizza Dough Recipe
Crafting the perfect Detroit-style pizza starts with the right base: the dough. The dough is essential to achieving that characteristic crispy edge and chewy center.
Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Steps:
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, and salt.
- Slowly introduce the yeast mixture and olive oil, kneading until you achieve a smooth dough consistency.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, covering it, and allowing it to rise for about 2 hours.
- Once risen, transfer your dough to a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Stretch it gently to fit, ensuring you reach those corners for the trademark crispy edge.
Detroit-style Pizza’s Main Ingredients
While the dough is crucial, the toppings truly bring the Detroit-style pizza to life. Here’s what you need:
- Cheese: Typically, you’d use brick cheese or mozzarella, ensuring it’s evenly spread, especially near the edges.
- Pizza Sauce: This isn’t hidden beneath the toppings but is generously drizzled on top. The sauce’s tanginess, combined with the dough’s chewiness, creates a symphony of flavours.
- Toppings: Your choice! Whether you’re a pepperoni enthusiast, a green pepper lover, or a mushroom aficionado, add whatever tickles your fancy.
Remember, the beauty of pizza, especially the Detroit style, lies in customization. While there are traditional toppings and methods, don’t hesitate to make it your own.
Armed with this knowledge, you’re now prepared to dive into the delicious world of Detroit-style pizza. Whether you’re explaining its uniqueness to a friend or whipping one up in the kitchen, you’ll be doing it with flair and authenticity.
Enjoy every bite!
Takeaway
Detroit-style pizza, with its distinctive crust and sauce-on-top design, has become a culinary sensation well beyond the borders of its hometown. Born in the Motor City in the 1940s, it offers a unique twist to the pizza world.
Whether you’re debating its merits compared to Chicago-style or simply indulging in its cheesy, crispy goodness, there’s no denying the charm and flavor Detroit-style pizza brings to the table.
From its storied origins at Buddy’s Rendezvous to its current global fandom, Detroit-style pizza is a delicious testament to innovation in pizza-making.
Happy eating!
FAQ’s
Detroit-style pizza is characterized by its rectangular shape, thick, airy crust, crispy edges, and the signature move of placing sauce on the cheese and toppings.
While subjective, many pizza enthusiasts rave about Buddy’s Pizza, which is often credited as one of the original establishments to serve this style of pizza in Detroit.
Start with a specific dough recipe designed for a thick yet airy crust. Use a rectangular pan, typically 9×13 inches. Layer with cheese (often brick cheese or mozzarella) and toppings of choice, and then generously drizzle the pizza sauce. Bake until the edges are golden and crispy.
While Detroit is its birthplace, many pizzerias across the U.S. and globally now offer Detroit-style pizza due to its rising popularity.
It’s widely believed that Detroit-style pizza was first made by Gus Guerra at Buddy’s Rendezvous (now Buddy’s Pizza) in the 1940s.
Detroit-style pizza has a thick but airy crust, crispy edges, and sauce on top. Chicago-style, on the other hand, is a deep-dish pizza with a buttery crust, and it’s built more like a pie, with cheese directly on the crust, followed by toppings and sauce.
Detroit-style pizza originated in Detroit, Michigan, particularly credited to Buddy’s Rendezvous in the 1940s.
The term refers to a specific style of pizza that originated in Detroit, characterized by its distinct crust, baking method, and sauce-on-top approach.
It was invented in the 1940s, with Buddy’s Rendezvous being a pivotal place in its history.
On average, Detroit-style pizza takes 15-20 minutes to bake in an oven preheated to 475°F (245°C).
Caloric content can vary based on toppings, size, and specific ingredients, but a typical slice may range from 250-400 calories.
It’s named after the city where it originated, Detroit, Michigan.
A traditional Detroit-style pizza pan is rectangular and measures approximately 9×13 inches.
