If there’s one pizza style that stands out with its crispy, cheesy, and utterly indulgent crust, it’s this Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe. Picture a thick yet airy crust that’s baked in a square pan until golden and laced with a perfectly caramelized cheese edge. Then, atop this delightful base, a layer of melty Muenster and mozzarella cheese is crowned with savory pepperoni and dollops of rich pizza sauce. This recipe is a love letter to pizza fans who crave something hearty, crispy, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create big flavors in this Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe, each playing a vital role in building that iconic texture, taste, and beautiful presentation.
- 2 cups shredded Muenster cheese: Brings a creamy melt and subtle tang that complements the richness of the pizza.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds classic stretchiness and mild flavor, balancing the other cheeses perfectly.
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil: Ensures the dough crisps beautifully against the pan’s edges.
- 1 lb ball pizza dough: The sturdy yet airy foundation that holds all your toppings in delicious harmony.
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning: Provides an herby symphony that enhances every layer with a splash of rustic warmth.
- Pepperoni slices: Lends spicy, salty bursts that make each bite exciting and satisfying.
- ½ cup pizza sauce: The tangy, savory contrast that ties the toppings together and adds luscious moisture.
How to Make Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a blazing 500°F to mimic the high heat that gives this pizza its signature crust. Meanwhile, brush a 12-inch cast iron skillet generously with vegetable oil—this is the secret to that irresistible crispy edge everyone raves about.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, stretch your pizza dough gently into a 12-inch circle to fit snugly into your skillet. Transferring it carefully, press the dough into the pan so every corner is filled. Don’t forget to pierce it thoroughly with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming during the quick stovetop step.
Step 3: Season and Start the Stovetop Cook
Sprinkle half of your Italian seasoning over the dough for an aromatic base layer. Place your skillet on the stovetop over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the dough puffs slightly—this pre-cooking jumpstarts the crust’s crispy, airy texture.
Step 4: Add Toppings with Love
Remove the pan from the heat and artfully layer pepperoni slices across the dough. Then, cover everything with your Muenster and mozzarella cheese, making sure to spread the cheese all the way to the edges of the pan for that prized caramelized crust. Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning on top for another layer of flavor.
Step 5: Dollop Sauce and Bake
Use a spoon to place generous dollops of pizza sauce atop the cheese—it’s the trademark “racing stripes” look of Detroit-style pies. Add remaining pepperoni slices for extra flavor bursts and slide the skillet onto the bottom rack of the oven. Bake for 15 minutes to let everything bubble and brown beautifully.
How to Serve Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can add a fresh or spicy kick that contrasts delightfully with the rich cheese and sauce. A drizzle of olive oil or a quick grating of Parmesan cheese offers a savory finishing touch that enhances every mouthwatering bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic knots or roasted vegetables also make fantastic companions, creating a well-rounded meal that pleases crowd-pleasers and veggies lovers alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the pizza into smaller squares for a party platter, perfect for sharing with friends. You can also serve it alongside dipping sauces like ranch or spicy marinara to let guests customize their experience, turning this classic Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe into an interactive feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten Detroit-style pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps maintain the cheese’s creaminess and prevents the crust from becoming too soggy, allowing you to enjoy leftovers just like the first time.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This pizza freezes well and can be a lifesaver for busy nights when you crave a quick comfort meal without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked crispness, reheat slices in a hot skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before finishing them off briefly under the broiler. This method revives that glorious crispy edge and melty cheese better than a microwave could.
FAQs
What makes Detroit-Style Pizza different from other types?
Detroit-style pizza is unique due to its thick, airy crust baked in a rectangular pan, causing the cheese to caramelize and crisp up against the edges. It’s typically topped with cheese that reaches the edges and topped with sauce in dollops or “racing stripes.”
Can I use other cheeses if I don’t have Muenster?
Absolutely! While Muenster adds a lovely creaminess and mild tang, you can substitute it with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or provolone for a similar effect.
Is a cast iron skillet necessary to make this pizza?
It’s highly recommended because cast iron retains heat excellently and creates that signature crispy, caramelized crust. However, you can try other heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pans if needed.
How thick should I stretch the dough?
The dough should fill your 12-inch pan but remain around ¼ to ½ inch thick after stretching, giving that perfect balance of airy softness and sturdy structure to hold toppings.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time before baking?
You can assemble the pizza in the skillet in advance and refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours, allowing flavors to meld. Just bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe captures everything that makes homemade pizza so deeply satisfying: a perfect crust with a crispy, cheesy edge, luscious toppings, and vibrant flavors all in one pan. Whether you’re baking it for a weeknight treat or show-stopping weekend meal, this recipe invites you in with open arms to savor a slice of comfort with every bite. Give it a try, and soon it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy pizza at home.
Print
Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Detroit-Style Pizza is a thick, rectangular pizza known for its crispy, caramelized cheese edges and airy, chewy crust. This recipe uses a cast iron skillet to recreate the iconic deep-dish style at home, topped with a blend of Muenster and mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and a flavorful pizza sauce, finished with Italian seasoning for a classic taste.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Muenster cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dough & Seasoning
- 1 lb ball pizza dough
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (divided)
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
Toppings
- Pepperoni slices (amount as desired, divided)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 500°F to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the pizza.
- Prepare the skillet and dough: Brush a 12-inch cast iron skillet with vegetable oil. On a floured surface, stretch your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Place and season the dough: Transfer the dough to the oiled skillet, pressing it to fill the pan completely. Pierce the dough thoroughly with a fork to prevent bubbles. Sprinkle half of the Italian seasoning evenly over the dough.
- Stovetop puffing: Place the skillet on the stovetop over high heat and cook the dough for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly puffs up.
- Add toppings: Remove the skillet from heat. Place pepperoni slices evenly over the dough, followed by spreading both shredded Muenster and mozzarella cheeses over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface including the edges for that signature crispy cheese crust.
- Finish with seasoning and sauce: Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning over the pizza. Use a spoon to dollop pizza sauce on top, then add the remaining pepperoni slices evenly.
- Bake the pizza: Place the skillet on the bottom rack in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crisped and caramelized.
Notes
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to achieve the authentic crispy crust.
- Piercing the dough helps to create an even bake and prevents large air bubbles.
- Adjust pepperoni quantity based on personal preference.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to help the cheese set.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pizza dough.
