Detroit-style pan pizza is a unique style of pizza that originated in Detroit, Michigan, in the 1940s. It’s known for its thick, square-shaped crust, crispy edges, and toppings that are typically placed under the cheese. Here’s a basic recipe to make Detroit-style pan pizza:
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, etc.)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Stir the mixture until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Generously grease a 9×13 inch rectangular baking pan with olive oil. Make sure the pan is well-oiled to achieve a crispy crust.
- Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to the greased baking pan.
- Gently press and stretch the dough evenly to cover the bottom of the pan. Make sure the dough extends slightly up the sides of the pan.
- Add Toppings:
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add your desired toppings over the cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes.
- Use a spatula to carefully lift the pizza out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Slice into squares and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Detroit-style pan pizza!
Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preference, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors to make it your own!
