This Detroit style pizza is a game changer! Think crispy, golden edges, a fluffy, airy centre, and a bold, flavourful marinara sauce that takes every bite to the next level! Those crispy edges and that golden, bubbly cheese on top make it impossible not to love. And yes, we are making homemade marinara sauce too, coz we ain’t lazy, right?
Why you will love this recipe?
Detroit-style pizza truly deserves all the fame it’s been getting, with its crispy, caramelized edges, soft airy base, and that golden layer of bubbly cheese on top. And since we can’t just hop over to Detroit, we’re bringing all that goodness home. It’s cosy, cheesy, and the kind of pizza that disappears the second it hits the table!
Expert Tips for Best results!
- Let the Dough Rest – Patience is key! Give your dough enough time to rise so it develops that soft, airy texture inside with the perfect chew.
- Use the Right Pan – A deep, well-greased pan is a must for those signature crispy, caramelized edges. The heavier the pan, the better the crust!
- Cheese to the Edge – Don’t hold back on the cheese! Spread it all the way to the edges so it melts and crisps up against the pan, creating that irresistible golden crust.
- Crank Up the Heat – A blazing hot oven is essential. Preheat it to the max to get that crispy bottom while keeping the inside light and fluffy.
- Handle the Dough with Care – When spreading the dough in the pan, be gentle. Keep those air bubbles intact for a beautifully airy texture.
How to make Easy Detroit style pizza?
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, oil, and water until combined.
Step 2: Knead and Let It Rise
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rest for an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Tray
Grease a deep 9×14-inch baking tray with oil. Once the dough has risen, gently transfer it into the tray without punching out the air. Spread it evenly to the edges with your hands. Cover and let it rest again for 30-45 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomatoes
If using fresh tomatoes, peel them by blanching in hot water, then mash them. If using canned tomatoes, simply crush them with your hands.
Step 5: Cook the Sauce
In a pan, heat oil and sauté chopped garlic until fragrant. Add the mashed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, chili flakes, a little sugar, and tomato paste. Simmer on low heat until thickened, then set aside.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread the homemade sauce evenly over the dough. Add your favourite toppings.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-18 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and the edges are crispy.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy!
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before removing it from the tray. Slice into squares and enjoy your homemade Detroit-style pizza!
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store Detroit style pizza?
Detroit style pizza tastes best fresh, but leftovers can be stored easily. Once the pizza has cooled completely, cover it tightly or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a preheated oven or air fryer until the edges are crispy again and the cheese is melted. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the crust.
What’s the secret to getting the crispy edges?
The trick is spreading cheese all the way to the edges of the pan. As it bakes, the cheese caramelizes against the pan, creating that signature crispy, golden crust.
Can I prepare the dough or sauce in advance?
Absolutely. The dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to slowly ferment, which actually improves flavour. Let it come to room temperature before using. The marinara sauce can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to one month.
Can I freeze Detroit style pizza?
Yes, Detroit style pizza freezes very well. You can freeze it either baked or unbaked. For baked pizza, let it cool completely, slice it, and wrap each piece tightly before freezing for up to one month. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven until hot and crisp. For unbaked pizza, freeze the shaped dough in the pan or as a dough ball. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with topping and baking as usual.
Watch How to Make it!
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Easy Detroit style pizza
Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavour this Detroit style pizza is pure comfort in every bite! With its golden edges and rich homemade sauce, you’ll never want takeout again
Ingredients
For dough:
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour/all-purpose flour (315g)
- 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 220ml water (if using all-purpose flour, use 200ml)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil (for dough + for pan)
- 1 tsp sugar
For the pizza sauce:
- 1 can peeled tomatoes (or 500g tomatoes pureed coarsely without skin)
- 2-3 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp chilli flakes
- Sugar (to taste)
- 2 tsp tomato paste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, add flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, oil and water and mix it until combined. Now knead the dough for 5 minutes and cover and let it rest in a greased bowl for an hour (or until doubled).
2. After the dough is doubled, grease a 9x14" deep baking tray, transfer the risen dough (without punching out the air) to the tray, and spread with the help of your hands to all sides. Now cover and let it rest for another 30-45 minutes.
3. Meanwhile preheat your oven to the maximum heat
(260°C). We want the oven to be extremely hot.
4. Next, spread pizza sauce on top, put your favourite toppings.
I used pepperoni and jalapenos.
5. Add shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle oregano and chilli flakes.
6. Bake in the oven for about 12-18 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Notes
My typical flour measurement for 1 cup is 125g. I highly recommend using gram measurements for the best results!
