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Crispy Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe Easy Homemade Thick Crust and Gooey Cheese

Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe - featured image

A nostalgic and comforting Detroit-style pizza with a thick, crispy crust and gooey cheese, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for the pan)
  • 12 oz (340g) brick cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz (225g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed for 5-7 minutes until a sticky, elastic dough forms. If kneading by hand, mix until combined, then knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
  3. First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the pan: Generously oil your Detroit-style pan with olive oil, especially the corners.
  5. Shape and second rise: Gently transfer the dough to the pan. Using your fingers, press it out evenly to fill the pan. If it resists stretching, let it rest for 10 minutes and try again. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  6. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded brick and mozzarella cheese over the dough, making sure to reach the edges to create that caramelized crust.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven (500°F/260°C) on the middle rack. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown, and the crust is golden and crisp.
  8. Top with sauce: Remove pizza from oven and dollop spoonfuls of tomato sauce over the cheese in three thick stripes. Sprinkle garlic powder and oregano on top.
  9. Final bake: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to heat the sauce through.
  10. Rest and serve: Let the pizza rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

If edges brown too quickly, tent with foil during the final bake. Use a sharp pizza cutter for clean slices. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend and adjust water slightly. Use plenty of oil in the pan for signature crispy edges. Shred your own brick cheese if possible for best melt and caramelization.

Nutrition

Keywords: Detroit-style pizza, crispy pizza, thick crust pizza, homemade pizza, brick cheese pizza, easy pizza recipe, comfort food