Detroit Style Pizza Recipe

If you’re craving a pizza experience that’s crispy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, you’ve come to the right place. I absolutely love this Detroit Style Pizza Recipe because it brings something different to the table—literally. This pizza’s thick, airy crust with its iconic caramelized cheese edges is a game changer, and I can’t wait to walk you through making it at home. Whether you’re a pizza pro or a weekend cook, you’ll find this recipe both approachable and rewarding.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For a Detroit Style Pizza Recipe that hits all the right notes, the ingredient balance is key. I like using Wisconsin brick cheese when I can find it because it melts so perfectly, but low-moisture mozzarella works well too. Make sure your olive oil is good quality to enhance that flavorful crust and garlic basil oil finish.

• All purpose flour: Opt for fresh flour with good protein content for the perfect dough structure.
• Kosher salt: Gives better control over seasoning than table salt; enhances flavor without overpowering.
• Instant yeast: Convenient because you can mix it right into dry ingredients without proofing.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds depth to the dough and keeps the crust tender yet crisp.
• Lukewarm water: Activates the yeast gently without killing it—think bath temperature, not hot tub!
• Butter: Used to grease the pan for that irresistible edge crust.
• Cheese (Wisconsin Brick or Low-Moisture Mozzarella): Cubed so it melts evenly and creates those signature crispy edges.
• Pepperoni: Classic topping that crisps up on top of all that melty cheese.
• Pizza or Marinara Sauce: Spoon on after the first bake to keep things from getting soggy.
• Basil leaves and Garlic cloves: Blended into a fresh finishing oil that brightens the entire pizza.
• Olive oil (for garlic basil oil): A flavorful drizzle that amps up the fresh herb and garlic notes.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning the garlic basil oil and balancing flavors.

Variations

I love this Detroit Style Pizza Recipe for its versatility, and I often customize it depending on what I have in the fridge or the vibe of the night. Feel free to experiment—this recipe really holds up to creative twists!

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap pepperoni for roasted veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or caramelized onions—my go-to when I want something lighter but still hearty.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey on top—this combo is a crowd-pleaser whenever I want to mix sweet and heat.
• Gluten-Free Dough: I’ve tried using gluten-free flour blends with good success; you just might need to adjust hydration slightly.
• Different Cheeses: Mixing mozzarella with provolone or a little parmesan can bring an extra flavor dimension—try it once for a new favorite!

How to Make Detroit Style Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dough and Get it Resting

Start by combining your all-purpose flour, kosher salt, instant yeast, olive oil, and lukewarm water in a big bowl. I like to use a wooden spoon or Danish whisk here to pull everything together—no fancy mixer needed. The dough will look shaggy and sticky, but that’s exactly what you want. Cover it with a tea towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting allows the flour to hydrate fully, which makes kneading a breeze later on.

Step 2: Stretch and Fold to Build Structure

Once your dough has rested, wet your hands and gently stretch one side up before folding it over itself. Rotate the bowl 90 degrees and repeat, doing this a total of 4 times over the next two hours with 30-minute breaks in between. You’ll notice the dough slowly becoming smoother and more elastic—this technique replaces kneading and really helps build the perfect airy texture typical of Detroit Style Pizza.

Step 3: Transfer Dough to the Pan and Let it Proof

Grease your baking tray generously with butter and olive oil—this combo is key for that crispy edge crust. Then, fold the dough gently like a letter and flip it seam side down into the pan. Cover and let it rest for another 1.5 to 2 hours until it springs back lightly when touched, signaling it’s ready to bake.

Step 4: Shape Dough and Add Cheese

If the dough isn’t fully spread to the pan edges, lightly oil your hands and gently coax it out to fill all corners. Punch out large air bubbles, then scatter your cubed brick cheese all over the dough—make sure some pieces hug the sides. This is where the magic happens, creating that golden, lacy cheese crust everyone raves about.

Step 5: Layer Pepperoni and Bake

Next, scatter your pepperoni evenly over the cheese, then slide the pan into a hot oven (450°F/230°C) on the bottom rack to bake for about 15 minutes. This initial bake sets the crust and starts crisping the cheese edges.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Finish Baking

Pull the pizza out and dollop or spoon your sauce in parallel lines, leaving some cheese and pepperoni exposed. This trick helps prevent sogginess while still delivering that classic tomato goodness. Return the pizza to the oven for another 5 to 8 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the edges turn a stunning golden crisp.

Step 7: Make Garlic Basil Oil and Serve

While the pizza finishes baking, toss basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a small food processor to blend your aromatic finishing oil. Once out of the oven, carefully loosen the pizza from the pan edges and transfer it to a cooling rack—that keeps the bottom crisp. Drizzle with your fresh garlic basil oil before slicing up and enjoying immediately. Trust me, this is the step that takes it from great to unforgettable.

How to Serve Detroit Style Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite garnish is the garlic basil oil I mentioned—it adds a fresh, herbaceous, and garlicky punch right at the end. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a little crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and flavor that complements the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or grilled vegetables and a simple antipasto plate work beautifully if you want to dress things up. For easy weeknight dinners, I love serving it with some garlic bread or Italian-style green beans.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve laid slices out on a wooden board with little bowls of dipping sauces—think extra marinara, ranch, or spicy honey. This makes grabbing slices easy and fun. Another idea is to cut the pizza into smaller squares for a party-style spread where everyone can try different toppings and flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Detroit Style Pizza in an airtight container in the fridge, usually for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, I place a paper towel underneath the slices—it soaks up excess moisture without affecting flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they thaw remarkably well. Just pop them in the freezer within a day of baking for best texture. Frozen slices keep well for about 1-2 months.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover Detroit Style Pizza is in a hot skillet on the stove over medium heat, covered with a lid for a few minutes to warm the toppings while keeping the crust crisp. Alternatively, a quick 5–7 minute bake at 375°F works great if you want to re-crisp the cheese edges.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Detroit Style Pizza Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for both everyday dinners and special occasions. The combination of the fluffy dough, those crispy cheese edges, and fresh garlic basil oil topping—it just feels like a slice of happiness in every bite. If you’ve been hesitant to try making Detroit style pizza at home, I promise this recipe will make the process approachable and satisfyingly delicious. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed how quickly this might become a new pizza night tradition in your house.

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