Detroit-Style Cheese Pizza

Nut-free option, Soy-free option 

Pizza Fridays were a tradition in our household growing up. Of course, living in the Detroit area, we would always get Detroit-style pizza. It’s traditionally rectangular and fluffy with crispy edges, and our version is no different. We recommend using our homemade Mozzarella for this recipe, but of course, you can use store-bought. Serve this with our Garlic Cheese Bread and Simple Ranch Salad.

Detroit-style pizza is a unique and delicious pizza variety that originated in the city of Detroit, Michigan. It’s known for its distinctive rectangular shape, thick and crispy crust, and toppings placed in reverse order, with the cheese often baked all the way to the edges, creating a crispy and caramelized cheese border. This style of pizza is often cooked in well-seasoned square pans, resulting in a golden and crunchy crust that is both chewy and airy on the inside.

One of the key features of Detroit-style pizza is the cheese placement. The cheese is spread all the way to the edges of the pan, allowing it to melt and caramelize against the sides of the pan, creating a deliciously crispy and cheesy crust. The cheese forms a sort of crown around the edges, which adds a unique and satisfying texture to every bite.

To make Detroit-style cheese pizza, a thick and airy dough is typically used, which is pressed into the well-oiled square pans. The dough is allowed to rise and fill out the pan, resulting in a fluffy interior. The toppings, including sauce, cheese, and any other desired ingredients, are then layered on top of the dough. The pizza is baked in a hot oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Detroit-style cheese pizza has gained popularity beyond its origins and can now be found in pizzerias across the United States and beyond. Its combination of textures, from the crispy and cheesy crust to the soft interior, along with the unique presentation and flavor, make it a favorite among pizza enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed plain or with various toppings, Detroit-style cheese pizza offers a delightful and satisfying pizza experience that stands out from other pizza styles.

PREP TIME: 15 minutes, plus prep time for Pizza Dough

COOK TIME: 20 to 25 minutes

YIELD: 8 to 10 slices

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 batch Pizza Dough
• 1 cup (240 g) vegan marinara sauce
• 2 cups (226 g) vegan Mozzarella shreds (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• 1 tbsp (14 g) vegan butter, melted (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• 1 tsp Garlic Salt or store-bought

TOPPINGS

• Dried oregano
• Dried or chopped fresh basil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush a 9 x 13–inch (23 x 33–cm) baking dish with the olive oil.
2. Press the pizza dough into the prepared dish, making sure to press it into the corners and up the sides for a thinner crust and thicker base.
3. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pizza dough.
4. Top the pizza with the vegan Mozzarella shreds.
5. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. While the pizza is baking, prepare the garlic butter mixture. In a small bowl, stir together the melted vegan butter and garlic salt.
7. Once the pizza is out of the oven, brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the crust.
8. Sprinkle dried oregano and chopped fresh basil over the pizza.
9. Allow the pizza to cool for 3 to 5 minutes, then carefully remove it from the baking dish.
10. Place the pizza on a cutting board and slice it into eight to ten pieces.
11. Serve the cheesy vegan garlic bread pizza immediately and enjoy!