Sink your teeth into this classic Detroit Style Pizza—a heavenly fusion of a thick, chewy, and airy crust blanketed with a rich sauce, oozing mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni cups. This delightful creation, inspired by Sicilian and Chicago-style pizzas, ditches the lengthy ferment for a time-efficient method without compromising on flavor. Perfect for pizza aficionados craving a satisfying bite that’s both homely and gourmet!
Budget Information
Total Recipe Cost: Approximately $15.00
Cost per Serving: Around $2.50
Why This Recipe Works
The charm of Detroit Style Pizza lies in its intricate balance of textures—fluffy dough juxtaposed against a crispy crust and gooey layers of cheese topped with pepperoni that curls into perfect crispy cups. This method skips the typical 24-hour ferment, bringing this piece of the Midwest faster to your table without skipping on that rich depth of flavor. It’s like the bear hug of pizzas, comforting and profoundly satisfying.
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
For the Dough:
– Olive oil ($1.00)
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour ($0.50)
– 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt ($0.10)
– 1 tsp instant yeast ($0.20)
– 3/4 cup warm water ($0.05)
For the Toppings:
– 3 oz aged provolone, cubed ($2.00, substitute with more mozzarella if needed)
– 8 oz shredded mozzarella ($2.00)
– 1/2 cup pizza sauce ($1.50, substitute with marinara if necessary)
– 5 oz pepperoni cups ($2.50)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Begin by lovingly mixing the flour, kosher salt, and instant yeast in a large, preferably dramatic-looking bowl. Pour the warm water and olive oil over the dry ingredients, stirring it just until combined. It’s a little like putting together a culinary puzzle—all pieces should fit snugly but without excessive fuss.
Step 2: Immerse the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan with a few tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring it glistens evenly like a sun-soaked pool. Gently place your dough into the center, pressing it down slightly to encourage spreading.
Step 3: With nimble fingers, create dimples across the dough, allowing it to relax as if it’s lounging under a cozy blanket. Cover with plastic wrap or a gentle kitchen towel, giving it a 15-minute breather in a warm, draft-free spot. Patience is key, here.
Step 4: After its brief respite, nudging it closer to the pan’s edges to explore more of its surface, but not all the way—just a polite half. Another 15-minute intermission awaits under its cover.
Step 5: At the signal of your timer, coax the dough gently, stretching it towards the pan’s ends, as if it’s straining to greet the corners with sheer enthusiasm. Another hour of rest awaits as it rises in confidence and stature.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to a sizzling 500°F, like revving an engine for a victorious race. Unveil the dough and adorn it with pizza sauce, reaching every edge—as crusts aren’t the star here!
Step 7: Decorate with cubes of provolone and a snowfall of mozzarella, letting the edges receive sprinklings for crispy fringe benefits. Next, lay down pepperoni cups, overlapping to form the pepperoni equator—a bubbly, crispy phenomenon.
Step 8: Bake for 14 minutes total, rotating halfway through for a symphony of even baking. The edges will be golden, the cheese bubbly—a culinary concert in your oven!
Step 9: Out of the oven, grant a short cooling period before transferring to a cutting board. Slice with gusto, and perhaps a bit of dramatic flair. Dive in!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Total Fats: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate any leftover slices by wrapping them in foil or securing them in an airtight container, ensuring freshness for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F, wrap slices in foil, and warm for about 10 minutes or until cheese re-melts into its rightful gooey state.
Serving Suggestions
Complement this robust pizza with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or enjoy alongside a zesty marinara-dipped garlic bread. A chilled glass of Italian soda or light lager beer will harmonize splendidly with those cheesy, pepperoni-laden bites.
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Don’t be intimidated by the dough’s initial stickiness; it’s part of the charm and ensures fluffiness. For those equipped with a pizza stone, feel free to use it under the tray to recreate classic Detroit crispiness. Experiment with the cheese ratio—provolone brings a nutty piquancy, while mozzarella ensures melt. It’s a canvas, make it yours!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose? Yes, you’ll achieve a slightly chewier texture. Adjust water as needed for the correct dough consistency.
What if I can’t find pepperoni cups? Regular pepperoni works too; opt for a thicker slice to mimic the ‘cup’ quality.
Can I prepare the dough in advance? Absolutely! Mix it the night before, refrigerate, and bring to room temp before baking for a relaxed approach.
Is it necessary to have a dark baking pan? While a dark pan helps achieve that quintessential crisp crust, a standard one still works, just increase your bake time slightly.
Can I make it vegetarian? Easily swap pepperoni with roasted veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for a veggie delight!
