The Rise of Detroit-Style Pizza: A Culinary Icon and Its Recipe
Detroit-style pizza, a beloved regional specialty, has transcended its Motor City roots to become a national sensation. Known for its thick, airy crust, crispy cheese edges, and unique assembly, this pizza style offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Detroit-style pizza, its defining characteristics, and provide a step-by-step recipe to recreate this iconic dish at home.
History of Detroit-Style Pizza
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Detroit-style pizza traces its origins to 1946, when Gus Guerra, owner of Buddy’s Rendezvous, sought to add something new to his menu. Inspired by his wife Anna’s Sicilian dough recipe, Gus experimented with baking the dough in blue steel pans originally used in Detroit’s automotive factories. These pans, designed to hold spare parts or act as drip trays, gave the pizza its signature rectangular shape and crispy edges.
The result was a pizza with a focaccia-like crust, topped with Wisconsin brick cheese and tomato sauce. The cheese, spread to the edges of the pan, caramelized during baking, creating a crispy, lacy crust known as "frico." This unique combination of textures and flavors quickly gained popularity, and Buddy’s Rendezvous became the birthplace of Detroit-style pizza.
Over the decades, Detroit-style pizza has evolved, with iconic pizzerias like Cloverleaf, Loui’s, and Shield’s carrying on the tradition. In recent years, the style has gained national recognition, thanks in part to Shawn Randazzo, a Detroit native who won the International Pizza Expo in 2012 with his Detroit-style pie. Today, this pizza is celebrated for its rich history and distinctive taste.
What Makes Detroit-Style Pizza Unique?
Detroit-style pizza stands out for several reasons:
1. The Crust:
The dough, made with high-hydration bread flour, is light and airy, with a crispy exterior. It’s baked in well-oiled rectangular pans, which give the pizza its signature shape and texture.
2. The Cheese:
Wisconsin brick cheese is the star of the show. Its high butterfat content allows it to caramelize along the edges, creating a crispy, flavorful crust. If brick cheese is unavailable, a blend of mozzarella and cheddar can be used as a substitute.
3. The Assembly:
Unlike traditional pizzas, Detroit-style pizza is built in reverse. The cheese is placed directly on the dough, followed by toppings and sauce. The sauce is often applied in thick stripes or dollops after baking, adding a tangy contrast to the rich cheese.
4. The Pan:
The use of blue steel or anodized aluminum pans is crucial. These pans conduct heat evenly, ensuring a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Detroit-Style Pizza
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 500g bread flour
- 350ml warm water (70% hydration)
- 10g salt
- 7g instant yeast
- 10g olive oil
For the Sauce
- 400g canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and sugar to taste
For the Toppings
- 300g Wisconsin brick cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 100g pepperoni slices
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
1. Preheat your oven to 260°C (500°F).
2. Grease a rectangular Detroit-style pizza pan (10x14 inches) generously with olive oil.
3. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to cover the bottom and edges. Let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
1. In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, chili flakes, and olive oil. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Season with salt and sugar to taste. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
1. Cube the brick cheese and spread it evenly over the dough, ensuring it reaches the edges.
2. Add the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
3. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Finish
1. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
2. Ladle the tomato sauce in thick stripes over the pizza.
3. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, slice into squares, and serve immediately.
Why Detroit-Style Pizza is Worth the Effort
Detroit-style pizza is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of crispy edges, gooey cheese, and tangy sauce creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. While the recipe requires some patience and attention to detail, the result is well worth the effort.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a pizza enthusiast looking to try something new, this recipe offers a chance to bring a piece of Detroit’s culinary heritage into your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy one of America’s most iconic pizzas.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in a Detroit bar to its status as a national culinary trend, Detroit-style pizza has carved out a unique place in the world of pizza. Its rich history, distinctive characteristics, and irresistible flavors make it a must-try for any food lover. With this recipe, you can recreate the magic of Detroit-style pizza at home and share it with friends and family.
So, what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, grab your pan, and let’s make some pizza!
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