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–+ servings

Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe

This Detroit-style pizza is a simple homemade version of the classic Motor City dish. It's made with a thick, crispy crust, layers of brick cheese, and tangy tomato sauce that make it a standout pizza. Perfect for game day, movie night, or any occasion!
Prep Time3 hours
Cook Time20 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Emily Richter

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 cups + 2 tablespoons lukewarm water
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Toppings

  • 8 oz. brick cheese cubed
  • 4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 oz. sliced pepperoni
  • 14 oz. pizza sauce

Instructions

  • Add the instant yeast and water to the bowl of a stand mixer. Allow the yeast to bloom (it becomes bubbly or frothy). About 5 minutes.
  • On low-medium speed, use an electric mixer and a dough hook attachment, and slowly stir in the flour and salt. When a shaggy dough starts to form continue to mix for another 3-4 minutes.
  • Rub olive oil on your hands. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, about 1.5-2 hours.
  • Once the dough has risen, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 9x13-inch pan. Transfer the dough to the cake pan and stretch it to the sides of the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for a second time—about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 450℉. Set the rack to the bottom row of the oven.
  • Once the dough has risen for a second time, prepare it for the toppings. It may have shrunk a little, so stretch it again to make sure it is touching the edges. Sprinkle the brick cheese and mozzarella on top of the dough, leaving no room for the “crust handle.” Next, place the pepperoni on top. Finally, drizzle 3 rows of sauce over the top.
  • Bake on the bottom rack for 15-20 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before removing it from the pan. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • This dough is a little fluffier and more moist than traditional pizza dough. You may need to oil your hands when you handle it.
  • Brick cheese is traditional when making a Detroit-style pizza. If you cannot find brick cheese, mozzarella or provolone cheese can be substituted. Still, cube it.
  • A traditional Detroit pizza pan is 10x14 inches. This dough recipe would work in that pan as well. But a cake pan will certainly do the trick.