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Crispy Homemade Detroit Style Pizza Recipe with Perfect Cheese Edges Made Easy

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A crispy homemade Detroit style pizza featuring a thick, airy crust and caramelized cheese edges, made with simple ingredients and straightforward technique for a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (about 440g)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 300ml)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for pan and dough
  • 2 cups shredded brick cheese (about 200g) or a mix of mozzarella and mild white cheddar
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100g)
  • 1 cup Italian-style pizza sauce (about 240ml), homemade or store-bought
  • 20–30 pepperoni slices (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling before baking)
  • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by mixing warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and olive oil while mixing.
  3. Knead the dough by hand or mixer for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Adjust flour or water as needed.
  4. Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Generously oil the Detroit style pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and help crisp the crust.
  6. Transfer the risen dough to the pan and gently stretch it out to the edges. Let rest 5 minutes if it resists stretching.
  7. Sprinkle shredded brick cheese evenly over the dough, pushing it right to the edges of the pan to create caramelized cheese edges.
  8. Spoon the pizza sauce in three long stripes lengthwise over the cheese.
  9. Add pepperoni or other toppings over the sauce if desired.
  10. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Bake the pizza on the middle rack for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden brown and crispy. Watch closely after 15 minutes.
  11. Remove from oven, sprinkle grated Parmesan and seasoning, then let cool for 5 minutes before slicing to allow cheese to set.

Notes

Use a heavy, well-oiled steel pan for best crispy cheese edges. If cheese edges aren’t crisping enough, broil for 1-2 minutes while watching carefully. Let pizza rest 5 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for better flavor. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute flours and cheeses accordingly but note texture changes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Detroit style pizza, crispy pizza, homemade pizza, cheese edges, rectangular pizza, thick crust pizza, easy pizza recipe

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-homemade-detroit-style-pizza-recipe-with-perfect-cheese-edges-made-easy/