How to Bake Detroit-Style Pizza with Perfectly Crispy Edges

by Shawn Randazzo

Detroit-style pizza has gained immense popularity in the culinary world. Each piece of this pizza is like a little taste of paradise, thanks to its thick, light crust, zesty tomato sauce, and melted cheese topping. But what truly sets it apart?


It is all about their caramelized crunchy sides. If you have ever enjoyed a piece and asked what makes those edges so deliciously crunchy, you are in for a surprise. Let's explore the secret of getting that desired crunch.


The Dough: The Heart of Crispy Edges


The journey of crispy edges begins with authentic Detroit style steel pans and the generous amount of cheese put to the edges of the pans which creates a caramelization. Detroit-style pizza dough is well-known for its high hydration, which means it's packed with more water than traditional pizza dough. The extra water creates a light and airy texture and crispy bottom. 


The perfect way to make Detroit Style Pizza is by buying a Detroit Style Pizza Kit which comes with a Detroit Style Pizza pan, a lid, pizza spatula, grippers, and our authentic Detroit Style pizza mix all you have to do is add water and mix. You can order the kit https://detroitstylepizza.com


The Steel Pan: A Key Player in Crispy Edges


Now, let's talk about the pan. Detroit-style pizza is traditionally baked in a rectangular pan. One thing that makes this pan special is that we seasoned them its feature of creating a crispy crust at the bottom and airy inside. It also bakes evenly and from the seasoning the more you bake with this pan the more flavor you have. The pan helps caramelize the edges. It is a thick pan that should last forever it is 27 Gauge Steel seasoned. It is the original pizza pans used in 1946 when Detroit Style pizza first came to America when they used the oil dripping pans from the automotive companies. 

Why Pans?

  • Heat Retention: The pans have excellent heat retention and distribution capabilities. It is important to achieve a crunchy, golden exterior. They quickly and evenly heat up, making sure every part of the pizza's edges becomes crispy. 

  • Even Cooking: The thickness of pans ensures uniform heat distribution. This prevents hot spots that can lead to uneven cooking. With a pan, you're guaranteed an even bake.

Before using the pan, coat it with canola oil, vegetable oil, Avocado oil, or Soy oil.  This prevents sticking and enhances the crispy texture. 


Preheat and Bake: The Final Touches


Preheating your oven is essential for baking perfect crispy edges. Preheat to a high temperature - around 475°F (245°C). Before you put pizza in the oven make sure the dough is at room temperature. 


Baking Tips:

  • Stretch the Dough: Once your dough is ready, weigh the dough (9.5 ounces for a small and 17.5 ounces for a large) and put the dough in the pan. Put the lid on the pan and let sit for about 20 minutes then stretch the dough in the pan by pressuring hard, do not force it to the sides or corners let it sit, for another 20 minutes with the lid on then finish pressing it to the sides and the corners. Put the lid on the pan and let it rise one third to halfway up the pan. 
  • Layer the Cheese: If you are using pepperonis a Detroit Style pizza trademark is to put the pepperonis on the dough to give the dough more flavor Spread the cheese all the way to the edges of the pan for an authentic Detroit-style pizza add any toppings you prefer on top of the cheese. While the cheese heats up and becomes bubbly, it will turn brown. 

  • Add the Sauce: Traditionally, Detroit-style pizza features a layered approach. Add the sauce on top of the cheese before baking. 
  • TIP: We heat up the sauce and put it on after the pizza is baked. This creates so the dough does not become Soggy. And you can taste the flavor of your toppings better.

Baking Time

Bake your pizza for 12-15 minutes, and look for a golden-brown crust and bubbly, slightly caramelized cheese. The high oven temperature is key to achieving that crispy edge.

Conclusion:

The secret to those perfectly crispy edges in Detroit-style pizza depends on a blend of high-quality dough, a Detroit Style Steel pan, the homemade pizza kit, and precise baking techniques. By getting these things, you can make delicious Detroit-style pizza right in your kitchen.


Amaze your loved ones with tasty, crispy pieces. Embrace the journey, savor your preferred toppings, and relish the delightful crunch of homemade Detroit-style pizza!  And enjoy your pizza experience. 

Back to Detroit Style Pizza Blog