Detroit Style Pizza is a regional American favorite that stands out with its thick, fluffy crust, edge-to-edge cheese, and signature sauce stripes baked right on top. Unlike your traditional round pies, this rectangular wonder is cooked in a well-oiled pan that gives it those irresistibly crunchy, caramelized edges. With its layered construction dough, cheese, then sauce every bite is a perfect balance of savory and satisfying textures. Ideal for sharing, this pizza has earned its cult following for its deeply satisfying chew and bold flavors. Whether you load it with pepperoni, vegetables, or keep it classic, it always delivers comfort and joy in every slice. Once you’ve tried Detroit Style, there’s no going back to thin crusts this is square pizza perfection.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound pizza dough
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6 ounces shredded Wisconsin brick cheese
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6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup pizza sauce
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Pepperoni slices (optional)
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Fresh basil (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Lightly grease a 10×14-inch Detroit-style pizza pan or cast-iron pan with olive oil.
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Stretch the pizza dough to fit the bottom and edges of the pan. Let rest for 10-15 minutes if the dough resists stretching.
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Evenly distribute the brick cheese and mozzarella all the way to the edges of the pan to ensure a crispy cheese crust.
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Add toppings such as pepperoni if desired.
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Spoon the pizza sauce in three lines over the top traditional “racing stripes” style.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to caramelize at the edges.
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Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then carefully lift the pizza out of the pan using a spatula.
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Slice into squares and garnish with fresh basil if using.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Detroit Style Pizza: A Deep-Dish Classic with Crispy Cheese Edges
Detroit Style Pizza isn’t just another pizza variation; it’s an iconic regional specialty that has made its way from the industrial heart of Michigan to dinner tables and trendy restaurants across the world. Known for its square shape, airy-yet-crispy crust, edge-to-edge cheese, and signature streaks of tomato sauce across the top, Detroit Style Pizza offers a delicious twist on traditional pies and brings with it a rich cultural history that’s as layered as the pizza itself.
Whether you’re a die-hard pizza aficionado or simply someone who appreciates hearty comfort food, Detroit Style Pizza offers a one-of-a-kind eating experience. In this article, we’ll explore its origins, what sets it apart from other pizzas, tips for making the perfect pan pie at home, and why it’s become a favorite far beyond Michigan.
The Origins of Detroit Style Pizza
Detroit Style Pizza was born in the Motor City in 1946 at a small, now-legendary bar called Buddy’s Rendezvous. Gus Guerra, the founder, wanted to experiment with Sicilian-style pizza and created his unique take using blue steel automotive pans a nod to Detroit’s automotive industry roots. These pans were originally used for holding nuts and bolts in factories but turned out to be perfect for baking pizza with thick crusts and crisp, caramelized cheese edges.
The style took off in the city and became a staple in Detroit’s culinary culture, eventually spreading to other local institutions like Cloverleaf, Shield’s, and Loui’s. In recent years, Detroit Style Pizza has gained national and even international attention, with pizza lovers and chefs alike embracing its hearty charm.
What Makes Detroit Style Pizza Unique?
Detroit Style Pizza has several defining features that set it apart from traditional round pies or even other deep-dish styles like those from Chicago:
1. Rectangular Shape and Blue Steel Pan
Instead of the classic round shape, Detroit Style Pizza is baked in a rectangular or square pan. The most authentic versions are still cooked in blue steel pans, which retain and distribute heat evenly while helping create the signature crust.
2. Thick, Airy Crust with a Crunch
The dough is somewhere between focaccia and traditional pizza crust thick, airy, and soft on the inside but delightfully crispy on the outside, especially the bottom. This texture is achieved through a high-hydration dough that is allowed to proof and bubble up before baking.
3. Edge-to-Edge Cheese
One of the most iconic features is the use of cheese all the way to the edge of the pan, which melts and caramelizes against the sides, forming an incredibly flavorful crust known as the “frico edge.” Traditional Detroit pizzas use Wisconsin brick cheese, but many home cooks substitute with mozzarella and cheddar blends to achieve similar results.
4. Sauce on Top (Post-Bake or Pre-Bake)
Unlike most pizzas where the sauce is laid down before the cheese, Detroit Style Pizza often features “racing stripes” of tomato sauce dolloped or spread on top of the cheese either before or after baking. This technique prevents the dough from becoming soggy and adds a punch of flavor right where it’s most noticeable.
The Appeal of Detroit Style Pizza at Home
In recent years, more people have tried their hand at making Detroit Style Pizza at home, thanks to its simple layering and adaptability. It doesn’t require a pizza stone or peel, and a standard baking pan or cast iron skillet can get the job done. That makes it an accessible and exciting option for home cooks who want to replicate pizzeria-quality results in their own kitchens.
Because of its structure and thickness, Detroit Style Pizza is especially forgiving. The dough doesn’t have to be perfectly round or even the pan does the shaping for you. Plus, the layering allows for countless flavor combinations and topping variations, whether you prefer classic pepperoni or something more creative like BBQ chicken or roasted veggies.
Tips for Perfecting Your Detroit Pizza
Creating a show-stopping Detroit Style Pizza at home is very achievable with a few key tips:
1. Use the Right Pan
While traditional blue steel pans are ideal, a 9×13-inch metal baking dish or cast iron skillet will also work. Just be sure to grease it thoroughly with olive oil to help crisp the bottom crust.
2. Let the Dough Rise in the Pan
Allowing the dough to proof in the pan helps create those desirable air pockets and prevents the crust from being too dense. It also makes stretching easier.
3. Layer Cheese Generously
Don’t skimp on cheese and make sure to press it all the way to the edges. That’s the secret to getting those golden, crunchy corners that make this style so addictive.
4. Strategic Sauce Application
Applying the sauce in stripes or dollops on top of the cheese (either before or after baking) ensures the cheese melts uninterrupted and creates that beautiful top-layered effect.
5. Bake Hot and Fast
Detroit Style Pizza benefits from a very hot oven 500°F (260°C) or higher to get that crunchy bottom crust and bubbling top. Preheating your pan can give an extra boost of crispness to the base.
Why Detroit Style Pizza is So Popular
The rising popularity of Detroit Style Pizza isn’t just a passing trend. Its unique format hits the sweet spot between indulgence and nostalgia. It’s the kind of pizza that makes you want to pick the crispiest corner slice, savor each cheesy bite, and go back for more.
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The pizza’s layered structure also provides a great balance of textures: crispy crust, stretchy cheese, and a bold sauce finish. And unlike thinner crusts, this version is hearty and filling making it a perfect meal to share with family or friends.
Another reason for its popularity is its Instagram-worthy look. With caramelized cheese edges, sauce streaks, and golden crusts, Detroit Style Pizza photographs beautifully and appeals to modern food culture aesthetics.
Conclusion:
Detroit Style Pizza is much more than a novel take on a beloved classic it’s a true celebration of American culinary innovation. Rooted in blue-collar creativity and fueled by regional pride, this pizza style has carved out a permanent spot in both home kitchens and restaurant menus around the world.
From its unique preparation method to its rich history and mouthwatering flavor profile, Detroit Style Pizza stands as a testament to how food can bring together tradition and modernity in the most delicious way. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, trying your hand at this hearty, cheesy, crispy-edged delight is a journey worth taking.