Why This Detroit-Style Pizza Feels Like Home
- Crispy Cheese Edges – That signature caramelized crust forms perfectly in every corner.
- Authentic Motor City Flavor – We use traditional brick cheese for genuine Detroit taste.
- Weekend-Friendly Timing – The dough rises slowly, giving you time to relax.
- One-Pan Simplicity – Everything comes together in a single Detroit-style pizza pan.
What You’ll Need for Your Detroit-Style Pizza
For the crust
- Bread Flour – The key to achieving that perfect chewy yet crisp Detroit Style Pizza crust.
- Instant Yeast – This will give your dough the lift it needs, so don’t skip it.
- Kosher Salt – Essential for flavor—don’t substitute with table salt.
- Warm Water – It should be just warm enough to activate the yeast, not hot.
- Olive Oil – Adds richness to the dough and helps create that golden crust.
For the topping
- Brick Cheese – The classic Detroit-style cheese that melts into gooey, caramelized perfection.
- Tomato Sauce – Use a simple, high-quality sauce for the best results.
- Dried Oregano – Adds an herbaceous pop that complements the pizza beautifully.
- Pepperoni Slices – A classic touch that adds a bit of savory, spicy goodness.
A Slow, Satisfying Pizza Moment
I love how making this Detroit Style Pizza creates a gentle rhythm in the kitchen—it’s not rushed, but it’s not all-day either. You’ll spend about 30 minutes getting everything ready, then the dough rises for a couple of hours, giving you time to tidy up or just breathe.
In under 20 minutes of baking, dinner’s on the table. It’s the kind of weekend cooking ritual that feels grounding, especially after a busy week. If you love cozy projects like this, you might also enjoy my Neapolitan pizza dough for another slow, hands-on baking experience.
Detroit Style Pizza
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 1.5 cups warm water about 110°F
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz brick cheese cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1.5 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 0.25 cup pepperoni slices
Equipment
- Wooden spoon
- Detroit-style pizza pan
- oven
- spatula
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 10×14-inch Detroit-style pizza pan or similar metal pan. Press the dough evenly into the pan, stretching to reach all corners. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 475°F. Arrange brick cheese cubes evenly over the dough, pushing them slightly into the surface and ensuring coverage all the way to the edges.
- Spoon tomato sauce in three parallel stripes over the cheese, then sprinkle with dried oregano and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown around the edges and the cheese is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven and immediately run a spatula around the edges to loosen. Transfer the pizza to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into squares.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Gentle Tweaks for Special Diets
If you’re sugar conscious or looking for more glucose-friendly options, I’ve found a few simple swaps work beautifully here. For a lower glycemic impact, you can choose a tomato sauce with no added sugar. I also love using natural herbs like extra oregano to boost flavor without relying on sweetness.
Portion size is your friend here—enjoying a square or two with a fresh side salad creates a balanced meal. For those managing sugar intake, these small tweaks help keep this Detroit Style Pizza both comforting and mindful.
Little Wins for Your Best Detroit Pizza Yet
Over the years, I’ve learned that the small details make all the difference with this pizza. Here are my favorite ways to make it even more yours.
- Flavor Swap – Try spicy capicola or mushrooms instead of pepperoni for a different twist on Detroit Style Pizza toppings.
- Diet Tweak – For a lighter version, part-skim mozzarella works, though the crust won’t caramelize quite as much.
- Texture Fix – Really press that dough into the oiled pan—it helps create that iconic crispy edge we love.
- Storage Tip – Leftovers reheat beautifully in a hot oven for 5 minutes. I avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp. For other make-ahead ideas, my baked ziti is another great option, and if you love creamy sauces, don’t miss this Boursin cheese pasta.
Nourishment in Every Square
This Detroit Style Pizza isn’t just about comfort—it offers some nutritional wins too. The bread flour provides complex carbs for energy, while the brick cheese adds protein and calcium. Using a quality tomato sauce means you’re getting a boost of lycopene as well.
For a balanced meal, I often serve it with a simple green salad. If you’re curious about the origins of this iconic dish, the Detroit-style pizza history is fascinating. For other nutrient-dense comfort foods, my creamy spinach pasta is always a hit.
A Lighter Take on a Classic
If you’re looking to lighten things up just a bit, I have a few gentle suggestions. You can reduce the oil in the pan by a tablespoon—it still works wonderfully. Part-skim brick cheese or a blend of part-skim mozzarella and Monterey Jack still melts beautifully and gives you that authentic Detroit Style Pizza experience.
Loading up on veggie toppings like bell peppers or onions adds volume and nutrients too. For other lighter comfort food ideas, my tomato spinach pasta is a weeknight favorite, and this pesto pasta uses fresh herbs for big flavor without heaviness.
Serving Your Pizza With Love
I always think Detroit Style Pizza tastes best shared straight from the cutting board, with everyone gathering around to claim their favorite corner piece. It brings back memories of big family dinners where the conversation was as nourishing as the food.
Pair it with a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For drinks, a cold lager or sparkling water with lemon both work beautifully. If you’re planning a full Italian-inspired meal, my mini margherita pizzettas make a great starter, and this roasted garlic pasta would be a lovely follow-up.
Common Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them)
Even experienced cooks can hit a snag with this pizza. Here’s how to avoid the common pitfalls and ensure your Detroit Style Pizza turns out perfectly.
- Skimping on Pan Oil – That generous layer of oil is what creates the signature crispy, fried crust edge. Don’t be shy with it.
- Pouring Sauce Over Cheese – Remember: cheese first, then sauce stripes on top. This protects the crust from sogginess.
- Using the Wrong Pan – A dark, heavy steel Detroit-style pizza pan is key for proper heat distribution. Glass or ceramic won’t give the same result.
I learned these lessons the hard way over many cozy kitchen experiments. For more on the authentic technique, Buddy’s Pizza original Detroit-style is the gold standard. For another pan-based recipe, check out my pizza-stuffed chicken.
Keeping the Comfort Going
I love making an extra Detroit Style Pizza to have leftovers for the week—it feels like a gift to my future self. Cool any leftovers completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This brings back the crispness far better than a microwave. You can also freeze baked squares wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. For other recipes that store and reheat beautifully, my baked ziti with parmesan is a freezer hero, and this spicy garlic penne pasta holds up well too.
Your Turn to Create Something Cozy
There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a golden, crispy-edged Detroit Style Pizza from your own oven. It’s a meal that feels both celebratory and wonderfully everyday.
I hope you give this recipe a try on a slow weekend afternoon. Let the dough rise while you putter around the kitchen. Breathe in the scent of oregano and baking cheese. And most importantly, share it with someone you love.
If you enjoyed this, you might also like my charcoal pizza for a smoky twist, or explore chicken crust pizza for a lower-carb option. For more cheesy goodness, don’t miss this Boursin pasta.
Questions You Might Have About Detroit-Style Pizza
What makes a pizza Detroit style?
A true Detroit-style pizza is defined by its rectangular shape, thick and airy crust, cheese spread to the edges for a caramelized fringe, and sauce applied in stripes on top of the cheese. It’s always baked in a specific blue steel pan, which helps create that iconic crispy bottom.
What is the difference between Detroit and Chicago style pizza?
While both are deep-dish, Chicago style is more like a pie with thick layers of cheese and chunky tomato sauce on top, often eaten with a knife and fork. Detroit style has a lighter, crispier crust, with cheese to the edge and sauce on top, and is typically cut into squares. For another regional style, my Neapolitan pizza dough offers a thinner crust option.
What order do you put toppings on Detroit pizza?
The traditional order is crucial: dough first, then a layer of cheese all the way to the edges, followed by your Detroit Style Pizza toppings like pepperoni, and finally, three stripes of sauce applied right over everything right before baking. This order protects the crust.
Is Detroit pizza focaccia?
While the crust is thick and airy like focaccia, Detroit-style pizza is its own distinct thing. The dough is typically a higher-hydration dough than focaccia, and the cooking method in an oiled steel pan creates a uniquely crispy, fried crust bottom that focaccia doesn’t have.
More Cozy Comfort Food Recipes to Try
If you loved this Detroit-style pizza, here are a few more recipes that bring that same warmth to your table.
Detroit-Style Pizza – The ultimate guide to making the iconic crispy-edged pizza at home.Baked Ziti – A classic, cheesy pasta bake that feeds a crowd with minimal fuss.
Creamy Spinach Pasta – A quick, veggie-packed dinner that feels indulgent but comes together easily.
Pesto Pasta – Fresh, herby, and perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
