What Is a Detroit Pizza? Unveiling the Motor City’s Signature Slice
Detroit pizza is a rectangular, deep-dish pizza characterized by its crispy, caramelized cheese edge and light, airy interior, often topped with a tomato sauce applied after baking.
The Legend Behind the Square: Detroit Pizza Origins
The story of Detroit pizza begins, appropriately enough, with a square steel auto parts tray. In 1946, Gus Guerra, owner of Buddy’s Rendezvous in Detroit, needed a pan for a new style of pizza he was experimenting with. His wife, Connie, procured some seasoned, blue steel trays from a local automotive factory. These trays, typically used to hold nuts, bolts, and other small parts, became the foundation for what is now known worldwide as Detroit-style pizza. Buddy’s, still operating today, is widely credited as the birthplace of this unique culinary creation.
The Hallmarks of Authentic Detroit Style
What exactly defines a Detroit pizza? It’s more than just a square shape; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors achieved through a specific combination of ingredients and techniques. Here are some critical elements:
- The Dough: Detroit pizza dough is a high-hydration dough, meaning it contains a significant amount of water relative to the flour. This results in a light and airy, almost focaccia-like crumb.
- The Pan: The original blue steel pans, now often replicated with treated steel or cast iron, are essential. Their shape and heat conductivity contribute to the crispy, caramelized crust.
- The Cheese: Wisconsin brick cheese is traditionally used. Its high-fat content and unique melting properties contribute to the characteristic caramelized edge.
- The Sauce: Detroit pizza sauce is often applied in “stripes” after baking, preventing the crust from becoming soggy. This also allows the dough to rise higher in the pan.
- The Assembly: Cheese is typically spread to the edges of the pan, creating a barrier against the dough and allowing it to directly contact the hot pan, resulting in the coveted crispy, caramelized frico.
Crafting the Perfect Square: The Detroit Pizza Process
Making a Detroit pizza is a labor of love, requiring patience and attention to detail. Here’s a simplified overview of the process:
- Dough Preparation: Mix high-hydration dough and allow it to rise for an extended period.
- Panning: Gently stretch and press the dough into a well-oiled Detroit-style pan.
- Second Rise: Allow the dough to rise again in the pan, creating air pockets and a light texture.
- Cheese Application: Spread brick cheese evenly to the edges of the pan.
- Baking: Bake at a high temperature (typically 450-500°F) until the cheese is melted and caramelized and the dough is cooked through.
- Sauce Application: Dollop or stripe tomato sauce on top of the baked pizza.
- Finish: Add any additional toppings and serve immediately.
Common Pitfalls: Avoiding Detroit Pizza Disasters
While the concept is simple, mastering Detroit pizza takes practice. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overworking the Dough: Overworking the dough can result in a tough, dense crust. Handle it gently and allow it to rise properly.
- Insufficient Oiling: Skimping on the oil in the pan will prevent the crust from browning and crisping properly. Use a generous amount of oil, preferably a high-smoke-point oil like canola or vegetable.
- Underbaking: Underbaking the pizza will result in a doughy crust. Ensure the crust is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and caramelized.
- Ignoring the Pan: Using a pan that isn’t suitable (wrong material, wrong shape) will significantly impact the final result. Invest in a proper Detroit-style pan.
- Impatience: The dough needs time to rise properly in both the bulk fermentation and proofing stages. Rushing this process will lead to a less airy and flavorful pizza.
Detroit Pizza vs. Other Regional Styles
| Feature | Detroit Pizza | Chicago Deep-Dish | Sicilian Pizza |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Square/Rectangular | Round | Square/Rectangular |
| Crust | Light, airy, crispy caramelized edge | Tall, buttery, deep | Thick, spongy |
| Sauce | Often applied after baking | Layered under the cheese | Usually baked under the cheese |
| Cheese | Wisconsin brick cheese (traditionally) | Mozzarella | Mozzarella or other cheeses |
| Unique Traits | Caramelized cheese edge, airy interior | Deep, layered filling | Thick crust, often topped with breadcrumbs |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wisconsin Brick Cheese and Why Is It Important?
Wisconsin brick cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery flavor. Its high-fat content and unique melting properties are crucial for achieving the characteristic caramelized crust edge of Detroit pizza. While substitutions can be made, using brick cheese will get you closest to the traditional flavor and texture.
Can I Use Regular Mozzarella Instead of Brick Cheese?
While you can use mozzarella, the results will differ. Mozzarella has a lower fat content than brick cheese and may not caramelize as effectively. Consider blending mozzarella with another cheese like Monterey Jack or provolone for a similar richness, but understand that the signature taste will be different.
What Type of Tomato Sauce Is Best for Detroit Pizza?
A simple, uncooked tomato sauce is often preferred. This allows the flavors of the sauce to remain bright and fresh, contrasting with the richness of the cheese and crust. Some recipes call for a basic tomato puree seasoned with herbs and spices, while others prefer a crushed tomato base. The key is to avoid over-processing the sauce.
How Do I Season My Detroit Pizza Dough?
Detroit pizza dough is typically seasoned with salt, and sometimes a touch of sugar or honey. The focus is on allowing the natural flavors of the dough to shine through. Experiment with adding a pinch of garlic powder or Italian herbs for a subtle flavor enhancement, but avoid overpowering the dough.
What Makes the Detroit Pizza Crust So Airy?
The high-hydration dough and extended fermentation process contribute significantly to the airy texture of Detroit pizza crust. The water creates steam during baking, which causes the dough to rise significantly. Proper proofing in the pan is also critical.
Why Is a Steel Pan Important for Detroit Pizza?
The steel pan, preferably seasoned blue steel or cast iron, is crucial for achieving the crispy, caramelized crust. Steel conducts heat efficiently, allowing the crust to brown evenly and develop a flavorful frico where the cheese meets the pan.
How Do I Prevent My Detroit Pizza Crust from Getting Soggy?
Applying the sauce after baking is a key step in preventing a soggy crust. This allows the crust to remain crisp and airy. Alternatively, if baking with sauce, ensure it’s not too watery and use a high oven temperature to cook the pizza quickly.
What Are Some Popular Toppings for Detroit Pizza?
Classic toppings for Detroit pizza include pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. However, feel free to experiment with other favorites such as Italian sausage, olives, and jalapenos. Pro Tip: Consider adding toppings under the cheese to prevent them from burning during baking.
How Long Does It Take to Make Detroit Pizza Dough?
Detroit pizza dough typically requires an extended fermentation period, ranging from 24 to 72 hours. This allows the dough to develop complex flavors and a light, airy texture. The longer the fermentation, generally the better the flavor.
Can I Freeze Detroit Pizza Dough?
Yes, Detroit pizza dough can be frozen. After the initial bulk fermentation, divide the dough into portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to use, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before panning. Note: freezing may slightly alter the texture.
Where Can I Buy a Detroit-Style Pizza Pan?
Detroit-style pizza pans are widely available online from retailers such as Amazon, webstaurantstore.com, and specialty kitchenware stores. Look for pans made of seasoned steel or cast iron with straight sides and a rectangular shape. Ensure the dimensions are suitable for your oven.
Is Detroit Pizza Healthy?
Detroit pizza, like most pizzas, is a relatively calorie-dense food. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Consider using leaner toppings, opting for whole-wheat dough, and controlling portion sizes to make it a slightly healthier choice. The key is balance and mindful eating.