Where Was Detroit-Style Pizza Invented? Tracing the Origins of the Square Sensation
Detroit-style pizza was invented in Detroit, Michigan in 1946 at Buddy’s Rendezvous, later known as Buddy’s Pizza. It is a distinct regional style characterized by its square shape, thick crust, caramelized cheese edges, and upside-down sauce application.
The Birthplace: Buddy’s Rendezvous
The story of Detroit-style pizza begins with Gus Guerra, the owner of Buddy’s Rendezvous, a coney island hot dog and sandwich shop on Six Mile Road in Detroit. Guerra, seeking a new menu item, took a steel auto parts drip pan from a nearby automotive factory and repurposed it as a pizza pan. His wife, Anna, used her Sicilian mother’s recipe to create the original dough. The rest, as they say, is pizza history.
The Essential Elements of Detroit-Style
What makes a Detroit-style pizza truly Detroit-style? It’s a combination of several key factors, a symphony of textures and flavors working in harmony:
The Pan: Authentic Detroit-style pizza is baked in rectangular steel pans, originally repurposed from the automotive industry. These pans contribute to the pizza’s signature shape and help create its crispy, caramelized edges. Modern commercial pans are often seasoned in a way that enhances this effect.
The Dough: The dough is thick and airy, providing a substantial base for the toppings. It undergoes a second proofing directly in the pan, resulting in a light and fluffy interior.
The Cheese: Wisconsin brick cheese is the traditional cheese of choice for Detroit-style pizza. It has a high butterfat content, which contributes to the pizza’s creamy texture and helps create those coveted caramelized edges.
The Sauce: Detroit-style pizza often features a sauce applied after baking, in dollops, creating pockets of intense tomato flavor. Some variations include a layer of sauce beneath the cheese, but the signature dollops are what truly define the style.
The Assembly: The cheese is spread edge-to-edge, ensuring that it melts against the pan and forms a crispy, golden-brown crust around the perimeter. This is a crucial element in achieving the characteristic Detroit-style experience.
The Evolution and Spread
From its humble beginnings at Buddy’s, Detroit-style pizza has steadily gained popularity. While remaining a local favorite for decades, the style has experienced a surge in national recognition in recent years. This is partly due to the efforts of dedicated pizza enthusiasts, competitions, and the power of social media, all of which have helped showcase the unique qualities of Detroit-style pizza to a wider audience. Now you can find Detroit-style pizza restaurants in other cities as well as in local supermarkets in the frozen pizza section.
Common Misconceptions
Despite its growing popularity, some misconceptions surrounding Detroit-style pizza persist. One common misconception is that it’s merely a “deep-dish” pizza. While both styles feature a thick crust, the pan, cheese, sauce application, and overall texture differentiate Detroit-style pizza from other thick-crust varieties.
Recipe Variation
While Buddy’s original recipe is a closely guarded secret, the overall structure is fairly standard.
| Ingredient | Percentage | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | 100% | Structure, Gluten development |
| Water | 60-70% | Hydration, Gluten development, Fermentation |
| Yeast | 1-2% | Leavening, Flavor development |
| Salt | 2-3% | Flavor, Gluten strengthening |
| Olive Oil | 2-4% | Flavor, Crust tenderness |
| Sugar/Malt Extract | 0-1% | Flavor, Yeast activation |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Makes Detroit-Style Pizza Different From Other Pizza Styles?
Detroit-style pizza distinguishes itself with its square shape, thick and airy crust, caramelized cheese edges, upside-down sauce application, and the use of Wisconsin brick cheese. These elements contribute to a unique texture and flavor profile unlike any other pizza.
Is Detroit-Style Pizza the Same as Sicilian Pizza?
While both Detroit-style and Sicilian pizzas share a square shape and a thick crust, they are not the same. Sicilian pizza typically has a spongier, more focaccia-like crust, while Detroit-style pizza has a lighter, airier interior and crispy edges. The sauce application and cheese used also differ significantly.
Can I Make Detroit-Style Pizza at Home?
Absolutely! While achieving perfect results requires some practice, you can create a delicious Detroit-style pizza at home. You’ll need a rectangular pan, preferably steel, and access to ingredients like brick cheese. Many recipes are available online, offering step-by-step instructions.
What’s So Special About Wisconsin Brick Cheese?
Wisconsin brick cheese is essential to the distinctive taste and texture of Detroit-style pizza because of its high butterfat content. During baking, that fat contributes to the rich, creamy texture and helps create the signature caramelized crust around the edges.
Why Is the Sauce on Top of Detroit-Style Pizza?
Applying the sauce after baking is a deliberate choice that enhances the flavor. It creates pockets of bright, fresh tomato taste that complement the richness of the cheese and crust. It also helps to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
What Kind of Pan Is Best for Detroit-Style Pizza?
A steel pan, preferably with a dark finish, is ideal for Detroit-style pizza. The dark finish helps to conduct heat evenly, promoting the crisping of the edges. You can also use blue steel pans. Commercial Detroit-style pizza pans are specifically designed for this purpose.
How Do I Get Those Crispy Cheese Edges?
The key to achieving those coveted crispy cheese edges is to ensure that the cheese extends all the way to the edges of the pan. The high butterfat content of the brick cheese and the heat of the oven work together to create the perfect caramelized crust.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Detroit-Style Pizza?
Reheating Detroit-style pizza in a cast iron skillet or frying pan is one of the best options, heating it up on the stovetop can help to maintain crispiness. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven, making sure to protect the crust from burning. A microwave will leave the pizza soggy.
Can I Use Different Toppings on Detroit-Style Pizza?
Yes! While classic Detroit-style pizza features pepperoni, you can experiment with a variety of toppings to suit your preferences. Sausage, mushrooms, onions, and peppers are all popular choices. However, remember to add them sparingly to avoid overloading the crust.
Where Can I Find Authentic Detroit-Style Pizza Outside of Detroit?
With the growing popularity of Detroit-style pizza, you can find it in many cities across the United States. Look for pizza restaurants that specialize in regional styles or those with a reputation for using quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Researching online reviews and local food blogs can also help you discover hidden gems.
How Do I Know if a Detroit-Style Pizza Is Authentic?
An authentic Detroit-style pizza will exhibit several key characteristics: a square shape, a thick but airy crust, caramelized cheese edges, sauce dolloped on top, and the use of Wisconsin brick cheese. Pay attention to these details to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
Is There a Detroit-Style Pizza Competition?
Yes, there are pizza competitions that showcase Detroit-style pizza. These events bring together pizza makers from around the world to compete for the title of “best Detroit-style pizza.” They are great opportunities to witness the creativity and skill involved in crafting this unique culinary creation.