Detroit, known for its automotive heritage, vibrant music scene, and resilient spirit, also boasts a pizza style as unique and bold as the city itself. Detroit-style pizza, with its thick, square shape, crispy edges, and layers of rich toppings, is a far cry from the traditional round pies of New York or the deep dishes of Chicago. What sets Detroit-style pizza apart is its deep-dish, rectangular shape, airy crust, and distinctive baking method that involves steel pans originally repurposed from the automotive industry.

First baked at Buddy’s Rendezvous in the 1940s, Detroit-style pizza has become an iconic dish that locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of. Its unique blend of crispy, chewy, and cheesy goodness makes it a must-try for any pizza lover.

The Origins of Detroit-Style Pizza

The story of Detroit-style pizza begins with Gus Guerra, the owner of Buddy’s Rendezvous, a neighborhood bar on Detroit’s east side. In 1946, Guerra experimented with pizza, using blue steel pans from the auto factories—a choice that would define Detroit’s pizza legacy. These pans, originally used for holding small automotive parts, became the perfect vessel for baking pizza, allowing the dough to rise beautifully while the edges crisped to perfection.

What makes Detroit-style pizza truly distinctive is its assembly: instead of placing cheese over the sauce, Detroit-style pizza flips the order. Cheese, often a Wisconsin brick cheese, is spread all the way to the edges of the pan, creating a caramelized, crispy crust. The sauce is then dolloped on top of the cheese, giving the pizza its signature look and ensuring that every bite is balanced with just the right amount of sauce.

Bringing Motor City to Your Kitchen: A Classic Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe

Ready to bring a taste of the Motor City into your kitchen? This Detroit-style pizza recipe captures the crispy, cheesy essence of this beloved pie, making it easy to enjoy a slice of Detroit no matter where you are.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

2 1/2 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for the pan)

For the toppings:

2 cups shredded brick cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack if brick cheese is unavailable)
1 1/2 cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)

20-24 pepperoni slices (optional)
Additional toppings of choice (mushrooms, olives, green peppers, etc.)

Instructions:

Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5 minutes on medium speed.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Pan:
- Generously oil a 9×13-inch steel or cast-iron pan (a deep dish or blue steel pan works best). Punch down the risen dough and stretch it into the pan, pressing it to the edges. If the dough resists, let it rest for 10 minutes and try again.
Layer the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the stretched dough, making sure to cover all the way to the edges of the pan to create that crispy, caramelized crust.
- Add pepperoni slices or any other desired toppings over the cheese. Dollop the pizza sauce in three thick lines lengthwise across the pizza (one down the middle and one on each side).
Bake the Pizza:
- Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are deeply browned and crispy.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Use a spatula to loosen the edges, then transfer the pizza to a cutting board.
Slice and Serve:
- Slice the pizza into squares and serve hot, enjoying the combination of crunchy edges, gooey cheese, and zesty sauce in every bite.

A Slice of Detroit Pride

A Group Of People Sitting At A Table With Food

Detroit-style pizza is more than just a regional dish—it’s a culinary testament to the city’s innovation and resilience. Its origins in the heart of the automotive industry and its rise to fame as one of America’s most beloved pizza styles reflect Detroit’s unique blend of tradition and ingenuity.

Whether you’re in Detroit or halfway across the world, making this pizza at home offers a taste of the city’s spirit and a delicious way to enjoy a slice of Motor City history. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or just satisfying a craving, Detroit-style pizza is a flavorful reminder that sometimes, the best things come from thinking outside the (pizza) box.