This Crispy Detroit-Style Pizza features a thick, chewy crust topped with a gooey blend of brick and mozzarella cheeses, baked to golden perfection with savory tomato sauce stripes and herbs.
Author:Mari
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:3 hours
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Pizza
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American - Detroit-style
Ingredients
UnitsScale
For the Dough and Toppings
3cups (360g) all-purpose flour
1 1/4cups (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)
12oz (340g) brick cheese, shredded
8oz (225g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
1cup (240ml) tomato sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
Prepare the pan: Generously oil your Detroit-style pan with olive oil, especially the corners.
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.
Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded brick and mozzarella cheese over the dough, making sure to reach the edges to create that caramelized crust.
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.
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.
Final bake: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to heat the sauce through.
Rest and serve: Let the pizza rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
If the dough resists stretching during shaping, let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten before trying again.
Generously oiling the pan, especially corners, is key to achieving the signature crispy crust.
Use a blend of brick cheese and mozzarella for authentic flavor and texture.