Deep Dish Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe - Slice of Jess (2024)

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When it comes to homemade pies, nothing beats this Detroit-Style Pizza recipe. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy in the center.The best of both worlds!

WATCH ME MAKE THIS ON THE GRAM

Deep Dish Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe - Slice of Jess (1)

Hands down, pizza is one of my favorite things to nosh on (and sandwiches… oh man I love those too). Cheesy, piled high with toppings and sprinkled with fresh herbs… talk about cozy-deliciousness! Want more ‘zaa inspo? Make sure to check out my Italian Stuffed Stromboli, these Pepperoni Garlic Knots, and my homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza copycat!

Deep Dish Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe - Slice of Jess (2)

WHAT IS DETROIT-STYLE PIZZA, YOU ASK?

I feel like this thick, golden-crust, rectangular-shaped masterpiece doesn’t get enough recognition. Seriously, it’s simply amazing and really needs to be on your home-cooking radar. It’s cut into squares, so almost every piece has a crunchy crust that’s hugged by savory pizza sauce, gooey cheese and piled high with pepperoni.

So what’s the secret to a perfectly cooked Detroit-style Pizza? The deep dish pan it’s cooked in! This pan is more similar to a cast-iron skillet rather than a cake pan. I found mine on Amazon and I highly recommend it (affiliate link)!

TIPS AND TRICKS:

Here are a few things I like to keep in mind when making this recipe!

  • The key to the crust is using bread flour. It’s high in gluten which helps create that perfectly textured crust. You could certainly use all-purpose flour to make pizza dough or a store-bought dough… but it won’t be the same.
  • Once the dough has risen, rub the interior of your baking pan with olive oil to help prevent sticking. With well oiled hands, press the dough evenly throughout, making sure that the dough goes up the sides at least a half-inch.Add a sprinkle of dried oregano to the crust before piling on the rest of the ingredients. Trust me, it tastes glorious.
  • This recipe calls for pepperoni, cheese and this No-Cook Pizza Sauce. However, feel free to customize the toppings to whatever you enjoy most! Mushrooms, olives, sausage and ham are all good choices!
  • To ensure you get that incredibly addicting, cheesy, crusty exterior, make sure your cheese goes all the way to the edges prior to cooking. I like to use a mix of Monterey Jack and mild cheddar. I buy them in block-form and cut them into tiny squares. Trust me, the squares do something magical in the oven and it just tastes better. I promise.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE:

STEP 1: Press the dough into the Detroit-Style Pizza Pan. Don’t forget the sprinkle of oregano!

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STEP 2: Add a thick layer of pepperoni (or whatever toppings you prefer).

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STEP 3: Here comes the cheese squares! Sprinkle them evenly throughout and up on the edges of the crust.

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STEP 4: Top with the pizza sauce! I like to pour three strips, allowing the toppings to pop through in the middle sections.

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STEP 5: Crank up your oven to 550F and bake until golden brown. About 15 – 20 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and pepper flakes before cutting into squares.

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OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings

My Grandma’s Super Easy Recipe for Bierocks

Crispy Cheesy Dill Pickle Chips

BROWSE ALL RECIPES BY CLICKING HERE

Deep Dish Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe - Slice of Jess (8)

Deep Dish Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe

Deep Dish Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe - Slice of Jess (9)

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When it comes to homemade pies, nothing beats this Detroit-Style Pizza recipe. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy in the center. The best!

Serves: 12

Ingredients

FOR THE PIZZA DOUGH:

  • 1 cup Warm Water
  • .25 oz Package Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 tsp. White Sugar
  • 2 tsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp. Kosher Salt
  • 2.5 cups Bread Flour

FOR THE PIZZA:

  • Olive Oil, as needed
  • 1 tsp. Dried Oregano
  • 8oz. Monterey Jack
  • 8oz. Mild Cheddar
  • 6oz. Pepperoni Slices
  • 3 cups Pizza Sauce
  • Fresh Italian Parsley, for garnish
  • Red Pepper Flakes, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Set out a large bowl and pour the warm water inside. Stir in yeast, sugar and gently stir to dissolve. Add the olive oil, salt and bread flour. Stir until dough forms and allow it to relax for 15 minutes. Turn dough onto the countertop and knead for 5 minutes, forming a ball.
  2. Pour some oil in the bottom of the Detroit-style pizza pan. Place the dough on top of the olive oil and cover with a kitchen towel. Set aside on the countertop for 1 hour. The dough will increase in size.
  3. When you're ready to assemble, preheat the oven to 550F.
  4. Cut the cheeses into squares and set aside. Rub some olive oil on your fingertips and press down on the dough, spreading evenly to the edges. Make sure to press the dough up a half-inch around all the edges and remove any air bubbles.
  5. Layer with pepperoni, cheese cubes (making sure to add cubes to the top edges of the dough on the sides of the pan) and pour sauce on top in 3 strips. If desired, place another layer of pepperoni on top with the sauce.
  6. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  7. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes and then carefully slide the pizza onto a cutting board with a spatula. Cut into squares and enjoy immediately with red pepper flakes and freshly chopped Italian parsley.

NOTES ON THIS RECIPE:

  • I personally like to cut my pepperoni slices in half, creating a half moon shape. Not sure why, I just prefer it that way. I guess I’m a bit weird. 😉
  • You can certainly use store-bought pizza sauce if you don’t have the ingredients on hand to make this homemade version. Go ahead and use whatever your little heart desires.
  • Not a spicy fan? No problem. Simply limit or omit the pepper flake garnish. And yes, I grew up in California so more often then not I’ll serve this with ranch or Greek yogurt for dipping (which helps tone down the heat… yikes, don’t hate me).
  • Store leftovers, covered and refrigerated. Enjoy within 2 – 3 days.

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Deep Dish Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe - Slice of Jess (2024)

FAQs

What order do toppings go on Detroit-style pizza? ›

Instead of using the "sauce, cheese, toppings" order of a typical pizza, Detroit pizzas are built in reverse. Creamy, tangy brick cheese from Wisconsin is cubed and applied directly to the top of the dough, where it bakes up gooey, buttery, and thick in the middle, crispy and dark brown around the edges.

What is the difference between Detroit-style and deep-dish pizza? ›

Perhaps the biggest difference is the pan in which they are cooked - Detroit pizza is cooked in a shallow rectangular pan, while Chicago pizza is cooked in a deep-dish round pan. Detroit-style pie is also thinner than its Chicago counterpart, and is more crispy and chewy.

What is a true Detroit-style pizza? ›

Detroit-style pizza is a deep-dish rectangular pizza topped with Wisconsin brick cheese and a cooked tomato-based sauce. The dough typically has a hydration level of 70 percent or higher, which creates an open, porous, chewy crust with a crisp exterior.

What makes a good Detroit-style pizza? ›

What Are the Defining Characteristics of Detroit-Style Pizza? Detroit-style pizza is a thick, square-cut pizza with a crunchy, fried bottom layer of crust overflowing with delicious melted cheese. Like most rectangular pan pizzas served in America, Detroit-style pizza is a variation of the Sicilian pizza.

What kind of cheese is used on Detroit-style pizza? ›

Authentic Detroit pizza is baked in a steel pan and topped with cubes of Wisconsin brick cheese, and a little bit of pizza sauce. I've also included instructions for baking Detroit-style pizza in a regular 9×13 metal baking pan, with freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, so that everyone can make it!.

Can you make Detroit pizza dough ahead of time? ›

24 hour (or more): Add the dough to a large container (or keep covered in the bowl) and place it in the fridge. Let the dough cold ferment for up to 4 days. On the day of making pizza, set the dough on the counter at room temp for 1-2 hours in advance of proceeding to step 3.

Why does Detroit-style pizza have sauce on top? ›

Adding the sauce after the pizza bakes allows the crust to stay airy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

What's the difference between Chicago and Detroit-style deep-dish? ›

A Chicago-style slice is built upon a flaky, thin, deep crust similar to a traditional pie. On the other hand, Detroit-style pizza relies on a thick and fluffy crust reminiscent of focaccia. A Detroit-style crust stands out among other crusts thanks to its airier texture and cheesy, crispy underside.

Why is the sauce on top of deep dish pizza? ›

It's okay that the sauce comes on top.

There's actually a specific reason for this unconventional order. Because deep dish is larger than most pizza, it requires more time in the oven. If the cheese and other toppings weren't placed under the sauce, they would burn, so it's a protective measure.

What is upside down Detroit-style pizza? ›

The Upside Down Pie

Detroit-style pizzas are built in reverse to traditional pizzas. To build an authentic Detroit-style pizza, start by layering your toppings (pepperoni is our favorite), directly on top of the crust. Next, add cheese. But not just any kind of cheese, and definitely not mozzarella.

Does Detroit-style pizza have to be square? ›

Rectangular and/or square shape. This is usually made in a thin and dark square pan. This shape is very different to the very typical round-shaped pizza. I believe that Detroit Style Pizza is inspired by Sicilian pizza and Chicago pizza.

Is Little Caesars pizza Detroit-style? ›

"Detroit-style pizza has become increasingly popular in the last few years. We remain proud that Little Caesars has offered Detroit-style pizza throughout the country since 2013, the first national pizza chain to do so, and as always, at a great value to our customers."

What is a substitute for brick cheese on Detroit pizza? ›

If you can't get brick cheese, blend mozzarella with muenster or Monterey Jack and your baked pizza will have taste and texture that are very similar to a brick/mozzarella blend. And, of course, feel free to experiment.

What is the difference between Chicago and Detroit-style pizza? ›

The flaky, thin, deep crust of a conventional pie forms the foundation of a Chicago-style slice. On the other hand, Detroit-style pizza features a base with a thick, airy crust akin to focaccia. The lighter texture and cheesy, crispy underside of a crust made in the Detroit style set it apart from other crusts.

What's the difference between New York and Detroit-style pizza? ›

The crust height is a huge difference. New York style pizza crust should be about 1/8-inch thick through the middle with a raised edge. Detroit can up up to 1.5 inches high with toppings and cheese to the edge.

Does sauce go on top of Detroit pizza? ›

What is a Detroit-Style Pizza? Detroit-Style Pizza features a thick, airy rectangular crust that has crispy, cheesy edges & vine-ripened tomato sauce on top.

What topping you would order on your pizza? ›

You can't go wrong by combining pepperoni, olives, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, and peppers. The only rule of this combination is to put as many as you want on it! If you're in the mood for something sweet and savory, consider adding barbeque sauce to your pizza and topping it with chicken, cheese, and bacon.

Is Detroit-style pizza sauce on top? ›

There's New York and Chicago, but how many Americans have heard of this unique Detroit style? It's a thick, rectangular pizza, distinctive in that it has the sauce on top of the cheese, has particularly crispy edges, and is sometimes twice baked.

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