Recipe for Detroit-style pizza with pepperoni and crispy cheese edges

Detroit-style pizza with pepperoni, mozzarella and crispy cheese edges

A light and crispy Detroit-style pizza with juicy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, parmesan and pepperoni. Bake it in a sauté pan to get the characteristic thick base, crispy edges and golden cheese crust.

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Detroit-style pizza is a square, light and crispy pizza best known for its thick base, caramelised cheese edges and tomato sauce added in stripes on top of the cheese. The result is a pizza full of flavour, with a moist centre and a crispy base that almost resembles a cross between focaccia and pan pizza.

This Detroit-style pizza recipe uses Tipo 00 flour, high hydration and a long proving time to give the dough an airy structure and a lovely crumb. The pizza is topped with mozzarella, parmesan, tomato sauce and pepperoni, giving you a classic, rich and intensely flavoured pizza with both crispiness and melted cheese.

For this recipe, an ONYX COOKWARE™ sauté pot 28 cm is ideal because its high sides help give the pizza the right shape and a crispy edge. A chef's knife is handy for slicing pepperoni and cutting the pizza, while a walnut chopping board provides a stable work surface for both topping and serving.

Ingredients for Detroit-style pizza

Dough

• 700 g flour, preferably Tipo 00
• 510 g/ml water
• 14 g salt
• 4 g dried yeast

Topping

• 1 tin peeled tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil for the tomato sauce
• 1 tsp salt for the tomato sauce
• 250-300 g drained grated mozzarella
• 80 g grated parmesan cheese
• 200 g pepperoni sausage
• Olive oil for the pan and the top of the dough

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Method

1. Put the water and flour in a mixing bowl and mix until combined. This takes approx. 2-3 minutes.
2. Leave the dough to rest for 1 hour. This resting time helps the flour absorb the water and makes the dough easier to knead.
3. Add the salt and dried yeast.
4. Knead the dough for 6-7 minutes on the stand mixer's lowest speed.
5. Leave the dough to rest in the stand mixer for 15 minutes.
6. Knead again for approx. 6-7 minutes on medium speed until the dough is glossy, smooth and elastic on the surface.
7. Place the dough in a covered or sealed container and leave it to rise for approx. 2 hours at room temperature.
8. Thoroughly grease the sauté pan with olive oil.
9. Place the dough in the sauté pan and gently press it out to cover the base.
10. Cover the dough and leave it to rest for 30 minutes.
11. Then gently press the dough all the way to the edges of the pan.
12. Cover the dough again and leave it to rise for another 2 hours at room temperature.
13. Preheat the oven to 250°C.
14. Mix the peeled tomatoes, 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp salt to make the tomato sauce.
15. Pour a little olive oil over the dough in the pan.
16. Sprinkle plenty of mozzarella and parmesan over the dough. Make sure the cheese reaches all the way to the edge, as this creates the characteristic crispy cheese edges.
17. Spread the tomato sauce over the cheese in 3 lengthwise strips.
18. Slice the pepperoni sausage and arrange the slices on the pizza.
19. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven at 250°C for approx. 20 minutes, or until golden, crispy around the edges and baked through.
20. Leave the pizza to rest briefly before lifting it out of the pan, cutting it into pieces and serving.

What is Detroit-style pizza?

Detroit-style pizza is an American type of pizza with a thick, airy base and a crispy, almost fried edge. It is traditionally baked in a square metal tin, where oil and cheese around the edges create a golden, crispy crust.

Unlike many other pizzas, the cheese is often placed directly on the dough, all the way to the edge, while the tomato sauce is spread on top in stripes. This creates a distinctive texture, with an airy base, crispy edges and a moist topping.

Why should the cheese reach all the way to the edge?

The crispy cheese edge is one of the most important details of Detroit-style pizza. When the cheese reaches all the way to the edge of the pan, it melts down the sides and caramelises during baking. This creates a deeply flavoured, salty and crispy crust that makes the pizza extra delicious.

That is why it is a good idea to use a cheese that melts well and to combine mozzarella with parmesan. Mozzarella provides the soft, melted texture, while parmesan adds more flavour and a lovely golden surface.

Which pan is best for Detroit-style pizza?

Detroit-style pizza needs a tin or pan with high sides so the dough can rise and develop its characteristic height. A sauté pan works really well because it has both good heat distribution and sides that help the pizza hold its shape during baking.

It is important to grease the pan thoroughly with oil before adding the dough. This creates a crispier base and also helps release the pizza once it is baked.

Can the dough be prepared in advance?

Yes, the dough for Detroit-style pizza can be prepared well in advance. You can leave the dough to rise slowly in the fridge if you want more flavour and flexibility. A longer proving time often gives the dough more aroma and a better structure.

If you prove the dough in the fridge, take it out well in advance so it can reach room temperature before pressing it out in the pan. This makes the dough easier to work with and helps it rise evenly.

Detroit-style pizza variations

This version with pepperoni, mozzarella, parmesan and tomato sauce is a classic, flavourful variation, but you can easily adapt the topping. Try caramelised onions, jalapeños, fried mushrooms, fresh basil or extra cheese, for example.

You can also make a vegetarian Detroit-style pizza by leaving out the pepperoni and using vegetables such as peppers, red onions, olives, artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes instead. The most important thing is to maintain the balance between an airy base, melted cheese and a flavourful topping.

Serving

Serve Detroit-style pizza hot straight from the oven, when the base is crispy, the cheese is melted and the edges are golden. Cut it into square pieces that make it easy to share at the table.

The pizza goes well with a fresh green salad, pickled red onions, chilli flakes or a simple dip. It is ideal for weekend meals, entertaining, pizza night or whenever you want to make an extra delicious homemade pizza.