The first bite of Detroit style pizza is an experience that dances between crispy edges and fluffy perfection. I remember the first time I had it—it was at a quaint pizzeria that quickly became my second home. The rich aroma of melting cheese mingled with the hint of spicy jalapeños hung in the air, teasing my taste buds long before the first slice hit my plate. Making it at home felt like an unattainable dream until I realized just how easy it can be! In under 10 minutes, you can whip up a dough that transforms into a pizza masterpiece, marrying the flavors of beef pepperoni with the kick of jalapeños. Imagine impressing family and friends with this homemade delight—golden, crispy, and utterly satisfying. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a hearty gathering, this Detroit style pizza is bound to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. So, let’s dive into the recipe that will elevate your pizza game and leave you craving more!
Why is Detroit Style Pizza a Game Changer?
Boldly Flavorful: This recipe features a rich medley of beef pepperoni and spicy jalapeños, creating a unique taste sensation that’ll make every bite unforgettable.
Effortless Dough Preparation: With just 10 minutes to make the dough, you’ll be surprised at how simple it is to enjoy homemade pizza!
Crispy, Chewy Perfection: The beautifully golden crust guarantees satisfying crunchiness while the fluffy interior keeps it delightful.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings, this pizza impresses everyone from children to seasoned foodies alike.
Customization Freedom: Switch out toppings or cheeses to create a dish that suits your personal preferences. Discover more pizza inspiration in our pizza recipes!
Detroit Style Pizza Ingredients
For the Dough
- Bread Flour – Preferred for its higher protein content, providing the dough with a delightful elasticity; all-purpose flour can be substituted if necessary.
- Salt – A crucial flavor enhancer that balances the dough’s taste for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Instant Yeast – Acts as the leavening agent to create that airy dough; it allows for a quicker rise, perfect for busy cooks.
- Lukewarm Water – Essential for hydrating the yeast, giving your dough the right consistency.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness and aids in browning and fermentation, contributing to a lovely crust.
- Olive Oil – Keeps the dough moist and rich while enhancing the overall flavor of the crust.
For the Toppings
- Pizza Sauce – Serves as the flavor base; Rao’s Marinara Sauce is an excellent choice for its delicious sweetness.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Provides the signature gooey texture; spreading it along the edges creates that crispy crust characteristic of Detroit style pizza.
- Beef Pepperoni – The main topping that delivers a savory punch, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Jalapeños – Adds a zesty heat to the pizza, making it an exciting flavor experience.
- Burrata (optional) – Fresh and creamy, it’s a divine finishing touch added after baking for an extra layer of richness.
Now you’re all set with the necessary ingredients to create that stunning Detroit style pizza at home!
How to Make Detroit Style Pizza
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add bread flour, salt, instant yeast, lukewarm water, sugar, and olive oil. Stir together until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms, about 2-3 minutes.
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Let Dough Rest: Transfer the dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
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Prepare Baking Pan: Generously grease a 9×13 deep baking pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, which will help achieve that delightful crispy crust.
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Shape the Dough: Carefully stretch the rested dough to fit into the pan. If it tries to spring back, allow it to rest for an additional 10 minutes before stretching again. Cover and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Preheat the Oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 525°F. A hot oven ensures that your crust gets that perfect crispy finish.
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Make Garlic Butter (optional): In a small bowl, mix melted butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
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Assemble the Pizza: Brush the edges of the dough with garlic butter, then spread your preferred pizza sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by beef pepperoni and jalapeños.
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Bake: Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy to the touch.
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Slice and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a minute, then slice it into squares. For extra creaminess, add the burrata and a drizzle of hot honey on top before serving!
Optional: Drizzle with hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Detroit Style Pizza
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Perfectly Fluffed Dough: Always use bread flour for the best Detroit style pizza texture. It creates a more elastic dough that rises beautifully.
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Crispy Edges Trick: Spread mozzarella cheese all the way to the pan edges before baking to achieve that signature crispy crust every time.
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Preheat Wisely: Ensure your oven is thoroughly preheated to 525°F before baking. This step is essential for achieving that coveted crunch.
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Dough Handling: If the dough feels too sticky while stretching, sprinkle a little flour on your hands or the surface to prevent sticking.
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Customize the Heat: Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your heat preference; remember, fresh ingredients deliver the best flavors in this Detroit style pizza!
How to Store and Freeze Detroit Style Pizza
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact while preventing the pizza from drying out.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; freeze for up to 3 months. This ensures optimal freshness for your homemade pizza.
Reheating: To revive your Detroit style pizza, preheat the oven to 375°F and place the slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Room Temperature: If consumed within 2 hours, you can leave the pizza out on the counter. After that, refrigerate it to maintain quality.
Detroit Style Pizza Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Detroit style pizza—there are endless ways to customize this classic!
- Spicy Sausage: Swap beef pepperoni for spicy Italian sausage to infuse a bolder flavor and heartier bite.
- Veggie Delight: Replace jalapeños with bell peppers and mushrooms for a fresh, veggie-packed alternative that everyone will love.
- BBQ Twist: Drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce for a sweet, smoky flavor that changes everything!
- Extra Cheese: Layer on provolone or cheddar with the mozzarella for a cheese lover’s dream pizza that oozes richness.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano directly onto the toppings before baking for a fragrant taste that elevates the dish.
- Breakfast Style: Top with scrambled eggs and bacon bits instead of pepperoni for a delightful brunch twist that’s perfect for lazy weekends.
- Heat Level: Adjust the number of jalapeños or even switch to milder banana peppers for just a hint of spice, tailoring it to your taste.
- Creamy Indulgence: Instead of burrata, splash on a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing post-bake for a tasty twist that satisfies every craving.
What to Serve with Detroit Style Pizza?
Elevate your pizza night with delicious side dishes that perfectly complement the thick, crispy goodness of this classic pie.
- Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery side that echoes the rich flavors of pizza while adding a satisfying crunch.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons bring freshness and a tangy lift to each bite.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned veggies roasted until caramelized provide a sweet balance to the hearty pizza.
- Buffalo Wings: These spicy, tangy wings add a flavor punch and pair beautifully with the cheesy, savory slices.
- Italian Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, meats, and cheeses invites a touch of Italian charm, creating a festive spread for your gathering.
- Beer or Sparkling Water: A cold beer enhances the pizza experience, while sparkling water refreshes the palate with every bite.
- Hot Honey Drizzle (Bonus): Adding a drizzle of hot honey on each slice provides a sweet, spicy contrast that’s simply irresistible.
With these delightful pairings, your Detroit style pizza night will be nothing short of unforgettable!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Detroit Style Pizza ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time during those busy weeknights! You can make the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply follow the dough-making steps, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate after the initial rise. Before baking, bring the dough back to room temperature and give it a gentle stretch to ensure it’s easy to work with. Additionally, you can chop and prepare your toppings like beef pepperoni and jalapeños a day in advance—just keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, assemble, and pop your pizza in the oven for a quick dinner that’s just as delicious as if you had made it fresh!
Detroit Style Pizza Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ingredients for my Detroit Style Pizza?
Absolutely! For the best results, use bread flour with a higher protein content for a fluffy texture. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients like Rao’s Marinara Sauce for optimal flavor, and ensure your mozzarella cheese is shredded to melt perfectly. When selecting jalapeños, choose firm ones without dark spots or blemishes for maximum freshness and flavor.
How should I store leftovers of Detroit Style Pizza?
Very easy! To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the crust from getting stale while maintaining the flavor. If you plan to consume it later, reheating is a breeze; just pop it in a hot pan to restore that crispy texture!
Can I freeze my Detroit Style Pizza?
Of course! Freezing is a great option. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, ensuring there’s no air inside. You can freeze the pizza for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
What should I do if my pizza crust is too soggy?
Ah, the soggy crust can be a common issue! If you encounter this, ensure your oven is properly preheated to 525°F and try baking the pizza a little longer to allow moisture to evaporate. Additionally, avoid overloading on sauce and toppings, as too much moisture can weigh down the crust.
Are there any dietary considerations for Detroit Style Pizza?
Definitely! If you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivity, you can try a gluten-free bread flour alternative. For those with dairy allergies, opt for vegan cheese or simply leave out the cheese altogether without losing the essence of the dish. The flavors from the sauce, toppings, and seasoning will still shine through!
Can my pets enjoy any leftover pizza?
While dogs might enjoy small bites of plain crust without toppings, it’s best to avoid sharing pizza with them due to ingredients like cheese and jalapeños which can upset their stomachs. Always check with your veterinarian before sharing any human food with your furry friends!
Ultimate Homemade Detroit Style Pizza with Crispy Crust
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, add bread flour, salt, instant yeast, lukewarm water, sugar, and olive oil. Stir together until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Generously grease a 9x13 deep baking pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Carefully stretch the rested dough to fit into the pan. If it tries to spring back, allow it to rest for an additional 10 minutes before stretching again.
- Cover and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 525°F.
- Brush the edges of the dough with garlic butter, then spread your preferred pizza sauce evenly on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, followed by beef pepperoni and jalapeños.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Let the pizza cool for a minute, then slice it into squares.
- Add burrata and a drizzle of hot honey on top before serving!