Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe

Introduction

When it comes to pizza, there are countless variations and styles to choose from. One style that has gained popularity in recent years is Detroit-style pizza. Known for its thick, crispy crust and unique square shape, this pizza is a must-try for any pizza lover. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your very own Detroit-style pizza from scratch. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and authentic recipe.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce:

• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Pepperoni slices
• Sliced green bell peppers
• Sliced red onions
• Sliced black olives
• Any other desired toppings

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a small amount of flour as you knead. Shape the dough into a ball.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough ball into a greased bowl, turning it to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, transfer it onto a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Gently press and stretch the dough to cover the entire bottom of the pan, extending it slightly up the sides to create the characteristic thick crust.

Step 7: Assemble the Pizza

Spoon the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, and olives.

Step 8: Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven on the pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 9: Let it Cool and Serve

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Use a spatula to carefully transfer the pizza onto a cutting board. Slice it into squares and serve hot.

Variations

While the classic Detroit-style pizza is delicious on its own, you can always get creative with your toppings. Here are a few variations you can try:

• BBQ Chicken Pizza: Substitute the tomato sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce and top the pizza with cooked chicken, red onions, and cilantro.
• Margherita Pizza: Use fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves for a simple and flavorful twist.
• Vegetarian Pizza: Load up the pizza with a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and artichoke hearts.

Tips

• For an even crispier crust, you can brush the edges of the dough with melted butter before baking.
• If you don’t have a pizza stone or baking sheet, you can use a regular baking pan. The crust may not be as crispy, but it will still turn out delicious.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
• This recipe makes a large pizza, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. If you have leftover pizza, you can store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

Detroit-style pizza is a unique and flavorful variation that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its thick, crispy crust and delicious toppings, it’s a pizza experience like no other. By following this recipe, you can recreate the authentic Detroit-style pizza in the comfort of your own home. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy this mouthwatering pizza!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can experiment with different types of flour such as bread flour or whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste of the crust may vary.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the pizza, take the dough out and let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

3. Can I freeze the pizza?

Yes, you can freeze the pizza before baking it. After shaping the dough and assembling the pizza, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake the frozen pizza in a preheated oven. The baking time may be slightly longer than usual.

4. Can I use store-bought pizza dough and sauce?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough and sauce. However, making the dough and sauce from scratch will give you the most authentic and flavorful results.