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Crispy Detroit Style Pizza Recipe with Perfect Caramelized Cheese Edges

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This Detroit style pizza features a thick, airy crust with irresistibly crispy, caramelized cheese edges. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for pan greasing)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk mozzarella preferred)
  • ½ cup (50g) brick or cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (120ml) pizza sauce
  • 20–25 slices of pepperoni (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon instant yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Slowly add 1 cup warm water and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-7 minutes.
  3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  4. Generously coat a Detroit-style pizza pan or a 9×13-inch rectangular pan with olive oil.
  5. Stretch the risen dough into the pan, pushing it to all edges. Let it rest 5 minutes and stretch again if needed.
  6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, making sure to cover the edges. Add shredded brick or cheddar cheese around the edges.
  7. Scatter pepperoni slices over the cheese, then dollop or spread ½ cup pizza sauce over the top in stripes or small pools, leaving some cheese visible.
  8. Let the assembled pizza rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbling, golden, and edges are caramelized and crispy.
  10. Let the pizza cool in the pan for 5-7 minutes before slicing to allow cheese edges to firm up.
  11. Optional: For extra crispiness, remove pizza from pan and place directly on oven rack for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.

Notes

Use a well-oiled pan to achieve the signature crispy crust. Stretch dough by hand to keep it airy. Baking at 500°F is ideal for caramelized cheese edges. Let pizza rest before slicing to firm up edges. For extra crispiness, finish pizza directly on oven rack for a few minutes after baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Detroit style pizza, crispy pizza, caramelized cheese edges, homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe, rectangular pizza, mozzarella pizza

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/crispy-detroit-style-pizza-recipe-with-perfect-caramelized-cheese-edges/