Easy Detroit Style Pizza Recipe for Beginners
If you love pizza with crispy, caramelized cheese edges and a thick, airy center, this easy Detroit style pizza recipe is one to try at home. Unlike a traditional round pizza, Detroit style pizza is baked in a rectangular pan with cheese pushed all the way to the edges, creating those deeply golden, crunchy corners that make every slice special.
The dough is soft and focaccia-like inside while the bottom develops a crisp, sturdy crust that holds the toppings beautifully.
Instead of spreading the sauce underneath everything, the sauce goes on top in stripes or dollops, giving the pizza its distinctive look and flavor.
Why Make Detroit Style Pizza at Home?
Detroit style pizza is different from the thin, round pizzas most people are used to. The dough is thick and airy, the cheese reaches all the way to the edges of the pan, and the sauce is traditionally added on top. That combination creates a pizza with several textures in every bite.
Crispy Caramelized Cheese Edges
The cheese melts against the hot sides of the pan and develops deeply golden, crispy edges. These crunchy corners are one of the best parts of Detroit style pizza.
Thick Yet Airy Crust
The dough rises into a soft, fluffy interior while the bottom develops a crisp crust. It gives you the satisfying texture of a thick pizza without making every bite feel heavy.
Simple Ingredients
You don’t need specialty ingredients to get started. Flour, yeast, water, salt, cheese, sauce, and your favorite toppings are enough to make a delicious homemade version.
Easy To Customize
Once you have the basic dough and baking method down, you can change the toppings to suit your taste. Try pepperoni, BBQ chicken, vegetables, sausage, or a simple cheese version.
No Pizza Oven Required
A regular home oven and a suitable square or rectangular baking pan are enough. The pan does much of the work by helping the cheese caramelize and the crust become crisp.
Ingredients for Easy Detroit Style Pizza
The ingredient list is simple, but choosing the right cheese and using enough olive oil in the pan makes a big difference in the final texture.
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings
- 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cheddar or brick cheese, shredded
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- Pepperoni slices, as needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for the pan
Ingredient Notes
Low-moisture mozzarella: This melts well without adding too much moisture to the dough.
Brick cheese: Traditional Detroit style pizza uses brick cheese because it melts and caramelizes beautifully around the edges. If you cannot find it, cheddar makes an easy substitute.
Pizza sauce: Use a thick pizza sauce rather than a watery sauce. Too much moisture can prevent the crust from becoming crisp.
Olive oil: Don’t skimp on the oil in the pan. It helps prevent sticking and contributes to the crisp, fried-style bottom crust.
Step-by-Step Easy Detroit Style Pizza Recipe
Follow these steps carefully to get a fluffy center, crispy bottom, and deeply caramelized cheese edges.
Step 1: Make the Dough
Add the flour, salt, and instant yeast to a large mixing bowl and whisk briefly to combine. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, then mix until a sticky, rough dough forms.
The dough will feel wetter and softer than typical pizza dough. That is normal and helps create the light, airy interior Detroit style pizza is known for.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until the dough has roughly doubled in size.
Look for visible air bubbles and a noticeably puffy texture. A proper rise is important because it gives the finished pizza its soft, airy center.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan
Generously coat a square or rectangular baking pan with olive oil, making sure to cover the bottom and sides.
Transfer the risen dough into the pan. Gently press and stretch it toward the corners with your fingertips.
If the dough keeps shrinking back, leave it alone for about 10 to 15 minutes, then stretch it again. This allows the gluten to relax without forcing the dough.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar or brick cheese evenly over the dough.
Make sure some of the cheese reaches all the way to the edges of the pan. This is what allows the cheese to melt against the hot pan and develop the crispy, caramelized border that Detroit style pizza is known for.
Step 5: Add the Pepperoni and Sauce
Arrange the pepperoni evenly over the cheese.
Instead of spreading the pizza sauce over the entire surface, spoon it on top in two or three lines or small dollops. This keeps the sauce concentrated while allowing the cheese and crust to brown properly.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Bake the pizza for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is deeply golden around the edges and the center is fully cooked.
The edges should look dark golden and crisp, while the middle should remain soft and airy.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Remove the pan from the oven and let the pizza rest for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Run a thin spatula around the edges to loosen the caramelized cheese, then carefully transfer the pizza to a cutting board.
Slice it into square pieces and serve while warm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Detroit Style Pizza
The key to great Detroit style pizza is getting the contrast right: a crisp, deeply caramelized edge with a soft, airy center. These simple tips can make a big difference.
Use Enough Oil
Detroit style pizza needs a generously oiled pan. The oil helps the dough release easily and gives the bottom crust a crisp, almost fried texture.
Let the Dough Relax
If the dough keeps pulling away from the corners, don’t force it. Give it 10 to 15 minutes to rest before stretching again. Relaxed dough is much easier to work with.
Push the Cheese Against the Pan
Don’t leave a bare border around the dough. Spread the cheese right to the edges so it touches the sides of the pan. This is what creates those crispy, caramelized cheese corners.
Don’t Use Too Much Sauce
Detroit style pizza already has plenty of cheese and toppings. Too much sauce can add excess moisture and make the center heavy instead of light and airy.
Bake Until Deeply Golden
Don’t judge the pizza only by the center. The edges should be deeply golden and caramelized before you take it out of the oven. If they’re still pale, give it a few extra minutes.
Rest Before Removing It
Let the pizza sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese firm up slightly and makes it easier to remove the pizza without breaking the crispy edges.
How to Store Homemade Detroit Style Pizza
Detroit style pizza is best when freshly baked, but leftovers can still taste great when stored and reheated properly. The main goal is to bring back the crispy bottom and caramelized edges without drying out the center.
In The Refrigerator
Let the pizza cool completely, then place the slices in an airtight container. You can also wrap individual slices tightly in foil.
Store the pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Best Way To Reheat
For the crispiest results, avoid reheating the pizza in the microwave. It can make the crust soft and chewy.
Oven: Place the slices on a baking sheet and heat at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is hot and the bottom is crisp.
Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and place the pizza inside. Cover and cook for several minutes until the bottom becomes crisp and the cheese warms through.
Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. Check early because cooking time can vary between air fryers.
In The Freezer
For longer storage, wrap individual cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to 1 month for the best texture.
You can reheat frozen slices directly in the oven. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and heat until the center is completely warm.
Ways to Customize Your Detroit Style Pizza
Once you have the basic Detroit style pizza method down, you can easily change the toppings to create different flavor combinations. Keep the cheese-to-edge technique the same, then experiment with your favorite ingredients.
BBQ Chicken and Red Onion
Add shredded cooked chicken tossed in BBQ sauce with thinly sliced red onion. Finish with a drizzle of ranch after baking for a smoky, tangy combination.
Loaded Veggie Pizza
Top the cheese with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Keep the vegetables in a single layer so they don’t release too much moisture into the crust.
Spicy Jalapeño and Sausage
Add cooked Italian sausage and thinly sliced jalapeños for a spicy, savory version. A little hot honey after baking adds a sweet contrast.
Classic Extra-Cheesy
Keep things simple with mozzarella, brick cheese, and pizza sauce. Add extra cheese around the edges when you want maximum caramelization.
Garlic Butter and Herb
Brush the finished crust lightly with garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley or Italian herbs. This works especially well with a simple cheese pizza.
Pepperoni Lover’s
Layer plenty of pepperoni over the cheese before adding the sauce. For crispier pepperoni, arrange a few pieces around the top where they can brown directly in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Detroit style pizza different from regular pizza?
Detroit style pizza has a thick, airy crust, crispy caramelized cheese around the edges, and sauce that is usually added on top of the cheese. It is baked in a rectangular or square pan rather than a traditional round pizza pan.
Can I make Detroit style pizza without a Detroit pizza pan?
Yes. A square or rectangular metal baking pan works well for a homemade version. Choose a pan that allows the dough to spread into a thick layer while leaving enough room for the cheese to reach the edges.
Why does Detroit style pizza have cheese around the edges?
The cheese is intentionally pushed against the sides of the pan. As it bakes, it melts against the hot metal and caramelizes into the signature crispy, golden cheese crust.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight in a covered container. Let it come closer to room temperature before transferring it to the pan and stretching it.
Why is the sauce placed on top of the cheese?
Adding the sauce on top is one of the defining characteristics of Detroit style pizza. It also keeps the cheese exposed to the heat so it can brown and caramelize properly.
How do I make the bottom of Detroit style pizza crispy?
Use a generously oiled metal pan and bake the pizza in a fully preheated oven. The oil and direct contact with the hot pan help the bottom develop a crisp, golden crust.
Final Thoughts
Making Detroit style pizza at home is much easier than it looks. With a simple homemade dough, plenty of cheese, a well-oiled pan, and a hot oven, you can create the signature combination of a crispy bottom, caramelized cheese edges, and soft, airy center.
The technique may be different from making a traditional round pizza, but once you understand where the cheese, sauce, and toppings go, the process becomes surprisingly simple. You can also change the toppings to create a pizza that fits your own taste.
If you have never made Detroit style pizza before, this is a great recipe to start with. Give the dough enough time to rise, don’t be afraid to let the cheese reach the edges, and bake until those edges are deeply golden.
