Description

Deep Dish Detroit-Style Pizza is a unique rectangular pizza featuring a thick, airy yet crispy crust baked in a well-oiled pan. It boasts caramelized cheesy edges, bold and savory toppings, and a bright tomato sauce layered on top for an explosion of flavor. Perfectly balanced in texture and taste, this pizza is a true crowd-pleaser for pizza purists and adventurous eaters alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

2 ½ cups high-gluten flour
1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
1 tablespoon honey or malt syrup
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for pan coating)

Cheese

12 ounces mozzarella cheese or brick cheese, sliced or shredded

Toppings

6 ounces Italian sausage or pepperoni slices
Optional vegetables for vegetarian version: mushrooms, bell peppers, olives

Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce, well-seasoned with garlic, herbs (basil, oregano), and crushed tomatoes

Additional Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves
Oregano
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling before serving

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine high-gluten flour, yeast, warm water, honey or malt syrup, salt, and olive oil. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours. This creates the light but sturdy structure essential for the crust.
Oil the Pan and Shape the Dough: Generously coat a rectangular Detroit-style pizza pan or suitable heavy, deep baking pan with olive oil, covering every corner. Gently stretch the risen dough to fill the pan evenly, making sure the thickness is uniform and the dough reaches all edges to develop the signature caramelized crust corners.
Add the Cheese Layer: Distribute the mozzarella or brick cheese evenly over the dough, spreading it all the way to the edges to allow it to melt against the pan and create the characteristic crispy cheesy crust.
Assemble Toppings and Sauce: Arrange sausage, pepperoni, or chosen vegetables over the cheese layer. Carefully spoon the tomato sauce in three thick stripes on top of the toppings—this layering keeps the cheese creamy beneath and delivers a bright, saucy bite in every slice.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Bake the pizza for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown, cheese edges are caramelized, and the pizza is bubbly. Monitor closely to avoid burning but ensure full development of flavors.
Garnish and Serve: After baking, sprinkle fresh basil or oregano, a dusting of Parmesan if desired, and drizzle extra virgin olive oil for added richness and aroma. Slice into squares for serving, complemented by optional dipping sauces or side salads.

Notes

Use a well-seasoned Detroit-style pan or a heavy, deep rectangular pan to achieve the authentic crispy crust.
Allow dough sufficient rising time (1–2 hours) for airy yet robust texture.
Brick cheese offers ideal melting and caramelizing properties; high-moisture mozzarella is a suitable substitute.
Place tomato sauce on top of the toppings, not beneath, to keep crust crispy and cheese perfectly melted.
Generously oil the pan to ensure the signature fried crust exterior.
Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crust crispiness and cheese melt; avoid microwaving.
Variations include vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, spicy, and white sauce options.

Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
Calories: 360
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Detroit-style pizza, deep dish pizza, rectangular pizza, crispy crust pizza, brick cheese pizza, Italian sausage pizza, Detroit pizza recipe