There’s something undeniably glorious about pizza, isn’t there? And when it comes to Detroit-style pizza, we’re talking about a heavenly combination of a soft, pillowy crust and that iconic crispy edge that makes every bite an adventure. I still remember the first time I had authentic Detroit-style pizza; it was love at first bite! The thick, chewy crust paired with rich tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese—let’s just say it was a pizza experience that changed my life!
Making this delightful dish at home has become one of my favorite weekend rituals. Cooking with friends and family, tossing some flour around, and making a mess in the kitchen—what could be better? So, put on your favorite playlist, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into creating this mouthwatering Detroit-style pizza!
What’s in Detroit-Style Pizza?
Pizza Dough: The star of our show. A good homemade pizza dough provides that thick, fluffy base we all love. You can make it from scratch or opt for store-bought dough if time is tight.
Olive Oil: This isn’t just for greasing the pan! It adds a lovely richness and helps get that golden-brown, crispy edge. Try to use extra virgin olive oil for a bit of extra flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: A generous layer of this melty cheese is a must! I prefer to use fresh mozzarella for its lovely texture, but shredded mozzarella works perfectly as well.
Tomato Sauce: A rich, flavorful tomato sauce is critical. You could go for a canned variety or whip up a quick homemade sauce—either way, it should complement the other flavors without being too sweet.
Pepperoni: The classic topping! I usually go for quality slices that can stand up to the heat of the oven and give that perfect pepperoni crisp on top.
Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this mix will elevate the flavor profile a notch. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat!
Is Detroit-Style Pizza Good for You?
Now let’s talk about health. We all know pizza isn’t the most nutritious food, but every once in a while, treating yourself isn’t a crime! Here’s a fun run-down:
Pizza Dough: While it can be high in carbs, the freshness of homemade dough can be a lot better than that of pre-packaged options.
Olive Oil: This is a heart-healthy fat, so it brings a bit of nutrition to the table!
Cheese: Loaded with calcium and protein, cheese can be a guilty pleasure that still does your body good—just try to keep portions in check if you’re watching your diet.
Pepperoni: It does pack some sodium and fats, so moderation is key. But who can resist that delicious pepperoni sizzle?
So, while you may want to keep this pizza as a once-in-a-while treat, indulging in some scrumptious Detroit-style pizza can deliver happiness by the slice!
Ingredients List
– Pizza dough (enough for one rectangular pizza)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2-3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded or fresh)
– 1 cup tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup pepperoni slices
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
This recipe will serve about 4 people, depending on how hungry you all are!
How to Make Detroit-Style Pizza?
1. **Prepare the pizza dough**: If you’re making your own, follow your favorite recipe or package instructions. Let it rise until it doubles in size.
2. **Preheat your oven**: Set it to 450°F (232°C) to get it nice and hot.
3. **Grease your rectangular pan**: Pour the olive oil into a rectangular pan (about 9×13 inches) and spread it evenly.
4. **Spread the dough**: Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan, making sure to leave some for the edges.
5. **Layer the cheese**: Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly on top of the dough.
6. **Add pepperoni**: Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
7. **Pour tomato sauce**: Dollop or stripe the tomato sauce over the pepperoni. Not too much—just enough to spread the love!
8. **Sprinkle seasoning**: Finish off with a dash of Italian seasoning.
9. **Bake it**: Place the pan in the oven and bake until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is all bubbly and gooey, about 15-20 minutes.
10. **Cool, slice, and enjoy**: Let it cool for a few minutes, slice it up, and dig into your gorgeous creation!
Pizza Perfection Tips & Tricks
If you want to take your Detroit-style pizza to the next level, consider these pointers:
– **Use a cast-iron skillet**: For that ultra-crispy crust, a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet can do wonders!
– **Let the dough rest**: If the dough is too elastic and hard to stretch, give it a short rest—it’ll be much easier to work with.
– **Experiment with toppings**: While my heart belongs to pepperoni, feel free to add fresh veggies or other meat toppings. Just remember, less is more with the toppings so you don’t weigh down that beautiful crust!
I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this Detroit-style pizza as much as I do! It’s perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing friends and family. Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences with me—I’d love to hear about your pizza adventures! Happy cooking!
