Detroit style pizza is more than just a meal. It’s a piece of history served in a square pan. Its thick crust is both airy and crispy, making each bite a mix of textures.
This pizza style started in 1946 at Buddy’s Pizza in Detroit. It has grown from simple beginnings to gourmet sensations. Pizza lovers find that its unique preparation method sets it apart.
The pizza is baked in industrial pans, originally made for cars. This special baking technique makes it stand out among other pizza styles.
Fans love the cheesy “crown” made from Wisconsin brick cheese. It surrounds the pie. The “racing stripes” of sauce on top add a flavor punch that’s unforgettable.
Detroit pizza culture has grown both locally and nationally. It’s a foodie’s dream. For a detailed look at this delicious dish, check out this comprehensive guide.
A Slice of History: The Origins of Detroit Style Pizza
The story of detroit pizza origin is rich and fascinating. It starts in 1946 at Buddy’s Rendezvous, thanks to Gus Guerra. This place was once a speakeasy and became a symbol of detroit pizza culture.
The Motor City’s Culinary Roots
Detroit’s history is tied to cars. The pizza’s square shape comes from steel pans, used in the auto industry. These pans add to the pizza’s unique taste and celebrate Detroit’s industrial past.
From Garage to Gourmet
Over time, Detroit-style pizza became a gourmet favorite. Buddy’s Pizza and Jet’s Pizza helped spread it across the U.S. Now, it’s loved in many places, not just Michigan.
The Influence of Sicilian Pizza
The Sicilian roots of Detroit-style pizza are key. Its dough and toppings are inspired by Sicilian sfincione. Today, it’s enjoyed worldwide, from Dubai to Seoul.
| Year | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1946 | Gus Guerra creates Detroit-style pizza at Buddy’s Rendezvous. | Foundation of a culinary icon. |
| 1978 | Jet’s Pizza founded. | Expansion of Detroit-style pizza outside Michigan. |
| 2012 | Shawn Randazzo wins World Champion Pizza Maker title. | Spike in popularity for Detroit-style pizza. |
| 2019 | Launch of Palazzo di Pizza by Randazzo. | Promotion of authentic Detroit-style pies. |
| 2020s | National Detroit-Style Pizza Day initiated. | Celebration of the pizza’s history and legacy. |
What Makes Detroit Style Pizza Unique?
This pizza is special for many reasons. Its square shape and unique toppings make it stand out. It has won the hearts and taste buds of many.
The Square Shape: A Culinary Revolution
The square shape of Detroit-style pizza is its defining feature. It started in 1946, baked in blue steel pans. These pans were meant for auto factory drip trays.
This design makes the crust thick and spongy. It also gives us those crunchy corner slices. These edges are a favorite among fans.
They offer a nice contrast to the soft center. This makes the pizza experience even better, full of Detroit pizza characteristics.
The Cheese: A Dairy Delight
For authentic Detroit pizza, the cheese is key. It’s Wisconsin brick cheese that melts beautifully. This creates a lacy, caramelized finish.
The cheese’s rich and creamy texture boosts the pizza’s flavor. Some might use mozzarella or a blend. But true fans love the depth brick cheese brings to the Detroit pizza recipe.
The Sauce: A Top-Notch Touch
The ‘red top’ sauce is another highlight. It’s spread over the cheese generously. This keeps the crust from getting soggy.
The sauce adds a fresh tomato burst. It complements the cheese’s richness. This makes each slice a balanced mix of flavors, a true Detroit experience.
Ingredients You Can’t Forget
Making a great Detroit-style pizza needs the right ingredients. It’s all about a sturdy yet light dough and tasty toppings. Knowing these key parts is crucial for a perfect pizza.
The Dough: A Pillowy Foundation
The dough is key for a Detroit pizza. It must be light and strong to hold toppings well. It’s made with bread flour, yeast, salt, water, and olive oil.
With over 65% water, it’s very moist. This makes the dough spongy, just like Detroit pizza. It’s cold-proofed for a lighter, airier crust.
Toppings Galore: Customization at Its Best
Detroit pizza toppings are endless. You can choose from:
- Pepperoni
- Jalapeños
- Mushrooms
- Sausage
- Peppers
These toppings let you make your perfect pizza. Use a lot of cheese, like Wisconsin Brick Cheese. Or try a mix of mild cheddar and mozzarella.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
The sauce is a mix of crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs. It’s spread on after baking. This makes the cheese brown beautifully.
The cheese, toppings, and sauce blend perfectly. Each bite is a delicious experience.
How to Identify Authentic Detroit Style Pizza
Spotting real Detroit pizza is easy once you know what to look for. It’s loved for its special texture, taste, and how it’s baked.
The Texture: Crisp and Golden
Detroit pizza is known for its crispy, golden crust. It’s baked in special pans that help it cook evenly. This makes the cheese on top get all caramelized.
The crust is crunchy on the bottom and soft inside. It’s about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This makes every bite a joy.
The Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Tastes
Detroit pizza tastes rich and buttery. It uses a special cheese that melts well and gets all gooey. The sauce is put on top and adds a tangy flavor.
Together, the cheese and sauce make each bite a mix of savory and zesty. It’s a true treat.
The Right Pan: A Key Element
The pan is key to Detroit pizza. They use blue steel pans, a nod to Detroit’s car history. These pans help get the crust just right.
This special pan makes Detroit pizza stand out. It’s a big part of what makes it unique.
Where to Find the Best Detroit Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza has won many hearts and stomachs across the U.S. For pizza fans, several local spots serve authentic slices. These places show off the unique features of this special pizza.
Local Hotspots: A Foodie’s Treasure Map
In Detroit and beyond, foodies can find great pizzerias. They offer their own versions of traditional recipes. Some notable spots include:
- Buddy’s Pizza: Famous for its square pies baked in blue steel pans. They’re loaded with melty brick cheese and pepperoni.
- Shield’s Pizza: A Detroit favorite since 1937. It has a classic square pizza with sauce and brick cheese.
- Loui’s Pizza: Known for its buttery crust and strong sauce. It offers a hearty Detroit-style pizza.
- Cloverleaf Pizza: Offers a rectangular pan pizza with crispy edges. It follows traditional baking methods.
- Michigan & Trumbull: A place with unique toppings and vegan options. It shows there’s something for everyone.
Famous Pizzerias: Worth the Trip
Places like Blue Pan Pizza in Denver, Colorado, are famous for their Detroit-style pies. They have a special cheese blend that makes the crust perfect. They also have gluten-free options, so everyone can enjoy.
At-Home Creations: DIY Delight
For those who love Detroit-style pizza, making it at home can be fun. There are many resources to help you. They guide you from choosing the right dough to making the perfect sauce. Using quality ingredients makes your creations delicious.
Tips for Perfecting Your Own Detroit Style Pizza
Learning to make Detroit style pizza is all about mastering a few key techniques. First, you need to get the dough right. It’s not just flour and water; it’s about making a thick, chewy crust. Use bread flour and keep it moist to get that airy texture.
Letting the dough proof for about an hour is crucial. It improves the flavor and helps the crust turn out perfect.
Dough Mastery: Rise to the Occasion
The secret to Detroit pizza is in the sauce. Getting the sauce right is key. Some like a thin layer on top, while others spread it under the cheese for a burst of flavor.
Try different tomato, herb, and spice mixes to get that Motor City taste in your kitchen.
Sauce Secrets: Striking the Right Balance
The baking method is just as important as the dough and sauce. Heat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for that crispy crust. Use a dark pan or a Detroit-style pizza pan for better heat.
A 9×13-inch baking pan works too! Rotate the pizza halfway through baking to get an even crust. Follow these steps for a delicious slice that honors Detroit’s pizza tradition.