Pizza is a comfort food that has been enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. But have you ever wondered what the difference is between Detroit style pizza dough and regular pizza dough? While pizza dough essentially has four ingredients – flour, yeast, salt and water – different styles of pizza have evolved over time, each with its own unique crust and toppings.
In recent years, Detroit style pizza has been growing in popularity across the US, characterized by its rectangular shape and crispy, chewy crust. But what sets it apart from regular pizza dough? In this article, we take a closer look at the key differences between Detroit style pizza dough and regular pizza dough, unlocking the secrets behind this beloved comfort food.
The Origin and History of Detroit Style Pizza Dough
Detroit style pizza has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, but it has a history that dates back to the 1940s. This unique style of pizza was originally created by Gus Guerra, who opened the first Buddy’s Pizza restaurant in Detroit. He used Sicilian-style dough, which was thicker and fluffier than traditional pizza dough, and baked it in a blue steel pan.
Over the years, the recipe for Detroit style pizza dough has evolved, but it still maintains many of the same characteristics. The dough is still thick and fluffy, but it is now often made with a blend of bread flour and all-purpose flour, which gives it a slightly chewy texture. The real key to Detroit style pizza, however, is the way it is baked. The dough is pressed into a well-oiled blue steel pan, and then topped with sauce, cheese, and toppings. The pizza is then baked at a high temperature in a deck oven, which creates a crispy crust and caramelized cheese edges. Overall, history has played a major role in shaping Detroit style pizza, and it remains one of the most beloved and unique pizza styles in America.
The Ingredients of Detroit Style Pizza Dough: What Makes It Different?
The Detroit style pizza dough is quite different from the regular pizza dough in terms of its ingredients. While regular pizza dough is usually made of flour, salt, yeast, water and oil, the Detroit style pizza dough contains a few variations that give it a unique texture and taste. These variations include a higher quantity of yeast, which makes the crust puffier and airier, and a lower water content, which makes the dough thicker and denser.
Other unique ingredients in Detroit style pizza dough include cornmeal and sugar. Cornmeal is used to give the crust a crispy texture, while sugar is added to provide sweetness to offset the tartness of the tomato sauce. Detroit style pizza dough also typically includes a small amount of butter or milk, which results in a slightly cake-like texture. Overall, the differences in the ingredients of Detroit style pizza dough are what make its crust crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and oh-so-delicious!
The Process of Making Detroit Style Pizza Dough
Detroit style pizza dough is renowned for its unique texture, crunchy edges, and ample toppings. The process of making this dough is vastly different from regular pizza dough. One of the distinctive features of Detroit-style pizza dough is its rectangular shape, which is achieved by baking the dough in a steel pan. The dough is allowed to rise for a longer time, usually for a couple of hours, and then, it is layered with the toppings of your choice.
The dough for Detroit style pizza is made using a higher hydration level, which means that the dough is much softer and more elastic. The higher hydration level is achieved by adding more water and less flour to the dough. The mixture is then kneaded for a longer period to develop gluten and achieve its stretchy quality. Overall, the process of making Detroit style pizza dough is time-consuming, but the result is delicious and worth the effort.
The Texture and Flavor of Detroit Style Pizza Dough
The texture and flavor of Detroit Style pizza dough is different from that of regular pizza dough. The dough is made using a special blend of flour that adds a unique texture, making it crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. The dough is also proofed for a longer period of time, which allows it to develop a distinct flavor and texture.
Detroit Style pizza dough is known for its light and airy texture, which makes it easy to handle and shape. The dough is also very forgiving and can be stretched quite thin without tearing. When cooked, the crust is crispy and chewy, with a slight sweetness that comes from the caramelization of the cheese on top. Overall, the texture and flavor of Detroit Style pizza dough make it a delicious and unique alternative to traditional pizza dough.
How is Detroit Style Pizza Dough Prepared and Cooked?
Detroit style pizza dough is known for its crispy bottom and light, airy interior. It is prepared using a dough that is fermented overnight to enhance the taste and texture of the crust. The dough is made with a combination of flour, water, yeast, and salt, just like regular pizza dough, but there are a few nuances in the preparation that make it unique.
To make Detroit style pizza dough, the dough is spread into a well-oiled rectangular pan, which is typically around 10×14 inches. The edges of the dough should be thicker than the center to create a crispy, elevated crust. The pizza is then topped with sauce, cheese, and whatever toppings you prefer. Before baking, the pizza is brushed with olive oil, which gives it a deep golden color and a crisp, crunchy texture.
Detroit style pizza takes longer to cook than regular pizza due to the thickness of the dough. It is usually baked at a higher temperature than regular pizza, around 475-500°F, for about 12-15 minutes to achieve the perfect crust and toppings. The resulting pizza has a buttery, fluffy crust, tangy tomato sauce and a generous sprinkling of cheese. It’s a unique and delicious take on pizza that everyone should try at least once.
The Differences Between Detroit Style Pizza Dough and Regular Pizza Dough
Detroit Style Pizza Dough and Regular Pizza Dough have several distinguishing factors that set them apart. First and foremost, Detroit Style Pizza Dough uses a much heavier and thicker dough as compared to regular pizza dough. The dough is very crispy on the outside, and fluffy and airy on the inside. This is achieved by using a higher hydration rate than traditional pizza dough and allowing the dough to ferment for a longer time.
Another evident difference between the two is in terms of the toppings and the way they are placed. In Detroit Style baking, the toppings are incorporated inside the dough. The cheese is spread right to the edges of the dough, creating a thick and gooey cheesy crust. Whereas, traditional pizza has toppings placed on top of the dough. Ultimately, it is safe to say that Detroit Style Pizza Dough is quite different from regular pizza dough, with its unique thickness and texture playing a significant role in setting it apart.
Where to Find Authentic Detroit Style Pizza Dough and Recipes to Make at Home
A big part of the appeal of Detroit style pizza is its unique dough. If you’re a home cook who wants to try your hand at making your own, where should you start? Fortunately, there are plenty of places to find authentic Detroit style pizza dough and recipes to make at home.
One option is to check out your local grocery store or specialty food shop. Some carry frozen or fresh Detroit style pizza dough, often made by local Michigan brands. You can also find many recipes online, including from Detroit pizza experts like Buddy’s Pizza or Jet’s Pizza. From there, you can experiment with customizing your dough to create the perfect crust for your taste.
The Bottom Line
Detroit style pizza dough is a unique type of dough that sets itself apart from regular pizza dough. While many of the ingredients and processes are similar, the key differences lie in the texture, shape, and overall experience of the finished product.
One thing is clear, Detroit style pizza has become increasingly popular in recent years, with pizzerias all over the world serving their own version of the square-shaped recipe. Whether you’re a fan of regular or Detroit style pizza, there’s no denying that each has its own distinct flavor and appeal. So, the next time you’re craving pizza, give Detroit style a try and see if it becomes your new favorite.
