What is Detroit Style Pizza? Everything You Need To Know – Origin, Texture & Toppings, Crust & Flavor

If you love pizza and enjoy different flavors and textures, you might have heard people talk about Detroit-style pizza, but what exactly is it? Why does it look different from regular pizza, and why are so many people suddenly obsessed with it?

What is Detroit-style pizza?

Detroit style pizza is a thick, rectangular pan pizza that originated from Detroit, MI. It is soft and airy inside with crispy golden edges and sauce layered on top instead of under the cheese. It is different from round pizzas and also different from deep dish. It feels heavy but still light at the same time

This pizza is known for:

• Rectangular shape
• Thick but light crust
• Crispy cheese edges
• Sauce spread in stripes on top
• A unique cheese crust around the sides

The origin of Detroit-style pizza

Detroit style pizza started in the 1940s. It was first made in a small bar where the owner decided to bake pizza in a deep steel pan. The pan was originally used in auto factories, so instead of using a normal pizza tray, they used heavy steel pans that changed everything.

The pan helped the crust to cook heavily and even gave the edges a crispy texture. The new pan pizza became famous in Detroit and then across the United States.

What makes Detroit-style pan pizza special?

One of the biggest reasons people love Detroit-style pizza is the pan. The Detroit-style pan is deep and rectangular. It allows the dough to rise properly and the heat spreads evenly, creating a crispy bottom and soft inside

Because of this pan:

• The crust becomes golden and crunchy.
• The edges caramelize perfectly.
• The pizza holds more cheese and sauce.

The crust is thick yet light

Now let’s talk about the crust. Detroit pizza has a thick crust, but it does not feel heavy like some other pizza. The dough rises high in the pan and becomes airy and soft inside.  When you bite into it you feel the crispy outer layer, then you taste the soft and fluffy inside.

The famous cheese crust

One of the most exciting parts of the pizza style is the cheese crust. Cheese is spread all over to the edges of the pan.  As it bakes, cheese is likely to stick to all the sides and then it caramelizes and forms a crispy border. The lazy cheese forms little crispy bubbles along the sides and many people say the cops like it best because it has the most cheese crust.

What kind of cheese is used?

Traditionally, Detroit-style pizza uses a brick base. Brick cheese is a mild cheese and with a slightly buttery flavor, it melts beautifully and creates that famous crispy edge. Because brick cheese is not always available, some places use mozzarella and a mix of cheese. But true Detroit-style pan pizza lovers prefer brick cheese for an authentic taste.

Cheese and sauce layering

Another special thing about Detroit-style pizza is how the cheese and so also are layered. Most pizzas put sauce 1st and then cheese but Detroit style does it differently. Firstly, you putthe  dough in the pan, cheese spread generously and toppings are added, the sauce goes up on top of the cheese and toppings. This layering method helps protect the cheese and creates a rich flavor in every bite.

How Is It Different from Other Pizza Styles?

Let’s compare quickly.

Can You Make Detroit Style Pizza at Home?

Yes, you can. You will just need:

• A rectangular metal pan (similar to Detroit style pan)
• Good pizza dough
• Cheese (preferably brick cheese)
• Thick tomato sauce

Who Should Try Detroit Style Pizza?

You should try it if:

• You love crispy cheese edges
• You enjoy a thick but soft crust
• You want something different from regular pizza
• You like rich cheese and sauce combinations

Order online via allHungry

If you are looking forward to enjoying Detroit-style pan pizza it’s time for you to order online now. You can explore different restaurants offering authentic Detroit-style pizza. Whether you want classic pepperoni or extra brick cheese, you can find plenty of choices here.

Conclusion

It’s a thick rectangular pan pizza with a soft inside, crispy bottom and caramelized cheese crust. It uses brick cheese, spreads cheese to the edges and also adds sauce on the top in bold stripes. Its texture is balanced and the flavor is rich but not too heavy. The lazy cheese and crispy corners make it unforgettable.

Order your favorite pizza from local pizzerias near you