Detroit-style pizza has slowly gained popularity across the United States. It showcases a unique, square-shaped pie with a crispy, buttery crust and toppings piled high. But what exactly sets Detroit-style pizza apart from other popular pizza styles?
In this article, we’ll explore the history of Detroit-style pizza, the method of preparation, and the key ingredients that make it stand out. Whether you’re a pizza lover or simply curious about different pizza styles, you won’t want to miss what makes Detroit-style pizza truly special.
Origin and History of Detroit Style Pizza
Origin and History of Detroit Style Pizza
Detroit style pizza originated in the mid-1940s in the city of Detroit, Michigan. It was created by an Italian immigrant named Gus Guerra who owned a restaurant and wanted to make a pizza that was unique to Detroit. Guerra used a rectangular steel automotive parts pan, which resulted in a crispy crust and thick, chewy interior. This pan was also used in automotive factories to hold small parts. This led to the unique shape of Detroit style pizza, which is thicker than a regular pizza and has a crispy, golden crust around the edges.
Detroit style pizza quickly became popular in Detroit, and many new pizzerias began to offer it on their menus. Today, Detroit-style pizza has become well-known across the United States and around the world as a unique style of pizza that is distinct from other regional styles. The shape, crust, and toppings of Detroit style pizza set it apart from other styles and make it a favorite of pizza lovers everywhere.
The Distinctive Characteristics of Detroit Style Pizza
Detroit style pizza, also known as Detroit deep dish or Detroit red top, has gained immense popularity in recent years, not only in the Midwest but in the whole country. One of the reasons for this surge in popularity is its unique characteristics that set it apart from other pizza styles.
Firstly, Detroit-style pizza has a thick, rectangular crust that is crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside. This crust is achieved by baking the pizza in a well-oiled, seasoned, blue steel pan, which creates a caramelized, cheese-covered outer crust called “the frico,” also known as the “red top.” The addition of brick cheese, a regional cheese similar to mozzarella, along with toppings arranged in a specific order, is another key characteristic of Detroit-style pizza that adds to its distinctive texture and flavor.
Ingredients and Cooking Methods that Define Detroit Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza is famous for its unique crust, which is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and rectangular in shape. However, what truly sets it apart is the carefully selected ingredients and cooking methods used to create the perfect pie. The dough is made from high-protein flour, which gives it the necessary chewiness, and it’s coated in a light olive oil before being layered with cheese and toppings.
Another hallmark of Detroit-style pizza is the use of brick cheese, a Wisconsin specialty that melts perfectly and creates a caramelized edge around the outer crust. The sauce is spooned on top of the toppings, rather than being spread across the entire pie, and the pizza is baked in a rectangular pan, giving it a unique shape and texture. Altogether, these carefully selected ingredients and cooking methods create a pie that is crispy, chewy, and bursting with flavor, making it a must-try for pizza lovers everywhere.
The Popularity and Rise of Detroit Style Pizza
Detroit style pizza may have originated in a small pizza joint in the Motor City, but its fame has spread far and wide. In recent years, this unique pizza style has become increasingly popular across the United States and beyond. Today, you can find Detroit style pizza in all corners of the country, from New York to California and everywhere in between.
The rise in popularity of Detroit style pizza can be traced to a few factors. For one, consumers are always on the lookout for something new and exciting in the food world, and Detroit style pizza brings a fresh twist on a classic dish. Additionally, social media has played a significant role in spreading the word about this delicious pizza style. Food bloggers, Instagram influencers, and other social media personalities have shared mouth-watering pictures of their Detroit style pizza creations, which has helped to introduce this pizza style to a wider audience of pizza lovers. Overall, Detroit style pizza’s unique blend of flavors, textures, and presentation has earned it a prominent place in the world of pizza.
Detroit Style Pizza vs. Other Pizza Styles
Detroit style pizza is unique in its flavor, texture, and appearance. One of the biggest differences between Detroit style pizza and other popular pizza styles like New York or Chicago is the crust. Detroit style pizza is known for its thick, crispy, and chewy crust that is cooked in a deep, rectangular pan. This gives the pizza a distinct texture and crispy edges.
Another major difference is the order of ingredients. Most pizza styles layer the cheese on top of the tomato sauce, but Detroit style pizza reverses this order. The cheese is melted first, followed by toppings, and then the sauce is added on top. This creates a flavorful, cheesy base that blends perfectly with the sauce and toppings. These differences make Detroit style pizza a standout among other pizza styles, with its unique taste, shape, and texture.
How to Make Detroit Style Pizza at Home
Detroit style pizza has gained popularity in recent years and fans of this pizza style are now attempting to make it at home. It may seem intimidating but making Detroit style pizza at home is possible with a few key steps. The dough plays a crucial role in creating a crispy crust, so it is important to use high-gluten flour as it creates a more chewy texture.
Another important factor is the cheese. Detroit style pizza uses Wisconsin brick cheese, which is a combination of mozzarella and cheddar. The cheese is placed on the dough first, followed by the toppings and finally the sauce. Once the pizza is assembled, it is baked in a rectangular pan until the cheese melts and the crust is crispy. By following these simple steps, pizza lovers can enjoy the unique and delicious taste of Detroit style pizza in the comfort of their own homes.
The Best Places to Try Detroit Style Pizza in Detroit
Detroit is the birthplace of Detroit-style pizza, meaning there is no shortage of options for delicious pies. When visiting the Motor City, there are a few must-visit pizza spots that capture the essence of Detroit-style pizza.
One of the most popular places to grab a slice is Buddy’s Pizza, which opened its doors in 1946 and has been serving up its famous, square-shaped, deep-dish pizzas ever since. Jet’s Pizza, which started in Michigan in 1978, is known for its crispy crust and signature Turbo crust. Finally, newcomers like Emmy Squared and Michigan & Trumbull offer modern twists on the classic Detroit-style pizza with creative toppings and fresh ingredients. No matter where you go, you’re sure to find a slice of pizza that perfectly represents this unique and delicious style.
Final Words
Detroit-style pizza is unique in its preparation method and texture. The dough is thick, airy, and crispy on the outside while retaining a chewy texture on the inside. The use of Wisconsin brick cheese adds a distinct flavor and texture compared to other pizza styles. The pizza is baked in a rectangular Detroit-style pan, giving it a characteristic shape that makes it stand out from traditional round pizzas.
The popularity of Detroit-style pizza has spread beyond the city, with many pizzerias across the country paying tribute to the Motor City’s iconic dish. As the pizza industry continues to evolve, it’s exciting to see how regional specialties like Detroit-style pizza get the recognition they deserve, introducing pizza lovers to new styles and flavors they never knew existed. Whether enjoyed at a trendy pizza joint or from your own kitchen, Detroit-style pizza is undoubtedly a standout in the world of pizza.