Detroit-style pizza has recently been receiving a lot of attention in the pizza world, and for good reason too. This rectangular-shaped pizza might look unconventional, but its crispy exterior and fluffy interior make it extremely satisfying to eat. One of the defining traits of Detroit-style pizza is its thick, chewy crust, which is made using a unique combination of ingredients and preparation methods.
Despite its growing popularity, many people are still unfamiliar with the origins of this beloved pizza style. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Detroit-style pizza and take a closer look at what makes its crust so special. Whether you’re a pizza lover or just curious about trying something new, read on to discover the secrets behind this delicious pie.
The Origins of Detroit Style Pizza and its Unique Crust
Detroit style pizza originated in the Motor City in the 1940s when auto workers would use industrial pans to bake their pizzas to perfection. The pizza is rectangular in shape and is known for its thick, crispy crust. The crust is a unique feature of Detroit style pizza and is made with a dough recipe that is specific to Detroit style pizza.
The crust is made with a special blend of flours, which includes a higher amount of protein than traditional pizza dough. The dough is then proofed for a longer period of time, allowing it to develop its characteristic light and airy texture. Once proofed, the dough is placed into a well-oiled, deep rectangular pan and allowed to rise further. The result is a chewy, crispy edge with a soft and tender center, creating the perfect balance of textures in each bite. The crust is also known for its caramelized cheese edges, which add yet another layer of flavor and texture to this unique style of pizza.
The Specifics on How Detroit Style Pizza Dough is Prepared
Detroit style pizza has gained massive popularity in recent years, owing to its crispy, cheesy texture, and unique square shape. However, the secret to its taste, texture, and shape undoubtedly lies in the dough. The dough is a crucial and fundamental element of Detroit-style pizza, and it takes a unique preparation process to get it right.
The Detroit-style pizza dough is made using high-gluten flour, which gives it a chewy and crispy texture. It is then mixed with water, yeast, salt, and oil, and left to rise for several hours. The dough is then placed into a rectangular pan, typically coated with a generous amount of oil, and left to rise again. This second rise allows the dough to form the characteristic “lip” or “wall” around the edges of the pizza, which remains crispy after baking. The end result is a crispy, airy, and chewy crust that can hold up to the weight of the toppings without being soggy.
The Role of the Detroit Pizza Pan in Crafting the Perfect Crust
The Detroit-style pizza has become a fan favorite because of its unique crust, which is crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, and has a chewy texture that sets it apart from other pizza types. The secret behind this crust lies in the shape and design of the pan used to cook the pizza.
Detroit-style pizza is cooked in a rectangular pan with a deep base and steep sides, making the crust thicker and fluffier than traditional pizza crusts. The pan also helps in creating a crispy texture by dispersing heat evenly and quickly, creating a caramelized edge around the crust that adds to the overall flavor and texture of the pizza. The pan’s depth also allows for a generous amount of cheese and toppings to be added, giving the pizza its signature appearance. In essence, the Detroit pizza pan plays a crucial role in crafting a unique, flavorful, and satisfying crust in a Detroit-style pizza.
Tips and Tricks for Baking a Delicious Detroit Style Pizza Crust at Home
Detroit style pizza crust is making waves in the pizza world due to its unique texture and flavor. However, making the perfect crust can be a challenge, especially when baking it from home. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you perfect your Detroit style pizza crust at home.
First, make sure to use a Detroit style pizza pan with deep edges to get that signature crispy and airy crust. To add flavor and texture, use high-quality ingredients such as bread flour, cornmeal, and semolina flour. Polenta or cornmeal can also be added to the dough to give it a slight crunch. After forming the dough, let it rest for at least 30 minutes to one hour, allowing it to rise and develop flavor. Finally, preheat your oven to 500°F, and brush the dough with olive oil before adding the toppings. With these tips and tricks, you can bake a delicious Detroit style pizza crust that is sure to impress.
Regional Variations in Detroit Pizza Crusts and Toppings
Detroit style pizza may have initially been made with a thick, crispy, and chewy crust, but there are various regional variations that have emerged over the years. For instance, some restaurants and pizzerias have started using different flours when making the crust. Some use a blend of semolina and all-purpose flour, while others use bread flour. The varying choice of flour affects the texture and taste of the crust.
Apart from regional variations in crust, there are also different toppings that people add to their pizzas in Detroit. Although pepperoni and cheese are the classic toppings, some Detroit-style pizza connoisseurs are a little more adventurous with their toppings. Toppings such as Italian sausage, bacon, jalapeños, and mushrooms have become more popular. There are even more unique toppings such as coconut, chicken, and pineapple that some pizza lovers cannot resist. Regional variations have helped make Detroit-style pizza a favorite among pizza lovers around the world.
How to Pair Different Sauce and Topping Combinations with the Perfect Detroit Pizza Crust
Pairing the right sauce and toppings can greatly enhance the Detroit style pizza experience. The thick, crispy crust can handle a variety of sauces, but some pair better than others. One classic pairing is a tangy tomato sauce with pepperoni and green peppers. The acidity in the sauce cuts through the richness of the cheese and compliments the savory toppings.
For those who like a little heat, a spicy tomato sauce with jalapenos and sausage is a great choice. The bold flavors hold up against the hearty crust and create a satisfying balance of spice and richness. For a more unique pairing, try a garlic cream sauce with shrimp and spinach. The creaminess of the sauce and the delicate flavors of the seafood and vegetables pair perfectly with the crunchy crust. Ultimately, the possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different sauce and topping combinations can lead to delicious and unexpected results.
The Future of Detroit Style Pizza: Innovations in Crust and Overall Pizza Design.
The future of Detroit style pizza seems quite promising with new innovations in the crust and overall pizza design. We have already seen some exciting developments in this space- from experimenting with new dough flavors to adding unique toppings.
One of the most promising areas of development is the crust. As the crust is the heart and soul of any pizza, Detroit style pizza makers are working hard to perfect it further. Some are experimenting by adding new seasonings and flavors to their dough, while others are exploring new textures. It’s exciting to see how different styles of crusts are emerging and how they are adding new dimensions to Detroit style pizza. With more and more pizzerias opening up and experimenting with different crusts and toppings, the future of Detroit style pizza looks bright.
The Conclusion
Detroit style pizza is a unique and delicious pizza variety that is often characterized by its square shape, thick crust, and crunchy exterior. The crust itself is the star of this pizza, and it is typically crispy on the outside while soft and airy on the inside. Many experts believe that the secret to a great Detroit style pizza crust lies in the steel pan used to bake it, as well as the high hydration dough recipe used to make it.
Overall, there is no denying the popularity and appeal of Detroit style pizza. With its crispy and chewy crust, savory toppings, and overall satisfying taste, it is easy to see why this style has captured the hearts and stomachs of pizza lovers around the world. Whether you are a lifelong fan or have yet to try it, there is no better time to discover the magic of Detroit style pizza for yourself.