Detroit Style Pizza

This Detroit-style pizza features a thick, airy rectangular crust with crispy, caramelized cheese edges, classic pizza sauce, and thinly sliced pepperoni. Made with bread flour and multiple rises, this pizza achieves its signature light and chewy texture. Perfect for homemade pizza nights, family dinners, or gatherings, this Detroit-style pizza recipe delivers authentic flavor with a golden, bubbly cheese topping and a crunchy yet tender crust.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons lukewarm water
• ½ teaspoon instant yeast
• 2½ cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Toppings

• ¾ cup pizza sauce
• 2½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (or 8 oz Brick/Wisconsin cheese, diced)
• 3 oz natural casing pepperoni, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Make the Dough

1. Combine all dough ingredients in a bowl or stand mixer. Knead for several minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise
2. Place the dough in a well-greased bowl, turning to coat in oil. Cover and let rise for 2 hours.

Shape the Dough
3. Oil a rectangular pizza pan or baking sheet. Stretch the dough into a rectangle and place it in the pan. Cover and rest for 15 minutes to allow gluten to relax.
4. Gently press the dough to fill the pan, reaching the corners evenly. Detroit-style pizza does not have a raised crust edge.

Second Rise
5. Allow the dough to rise again for 2 hours, or until it has risen about ⅓ of the way up the pan.

Preheat Oven
6. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Use a pizza stone for best results, or a preheated baking sheet if you don’t have one.

Add Toppings
7. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the dough, covering all the way to the edges.
8. Spoon pizza sauce into 2–3 stripes across the top of the cheese. Avoid covering all the cheese with sauce.
9. Arrange pepperoni in a single layer on top, then lightly sprinkle Parmesan over the pizza.

Bake
10. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.

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Tips

• Use a rectangular pan to achieve the authentic Detroit-style shape.
• Don’t skip the two rise times; they give the dough its signature light, airy texture.
• Stretch the dough gently to avoid tearing and preserve its structure.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap pepperoni for Italian sausage, bacon, or vegetables.
• Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor.
• Substitute homemade pizza sauce for store-bought for a fresher taste.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough after the first rise for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.

Can I bake without a pizza stone?
Yes, a preheated baking sheet works well if a stone is unavailable.

How thick should the dough be?
The dough should fill the pan evenly, about ½ to 1 inch thick before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic butter or hot chili flakes on the side.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Cut into squares for a classic Detroit pizza presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, cheesy edges with a soft, airy interior
• Bold flavor from sauce, cheese, and pepperoni
• Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or gatherings
• Easy to customize with toppings while keeping the authentic Detroit-style texture