Name: Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup crushed canned tomatoes (8oz or 244g); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil; ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; ⅛ teaspoon onion powder; ⅛ teaspoon granulated garlic; ½ teaspoon granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil leaves; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 ½ teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast; 1 cup room temperature water (8oz); 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour (290g); 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing the pan and your hands); 1 teaspoon table salt; 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 2 cups); 2 ounces shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (about ½ cup, or additional Monterey Jack)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 53 reviews

If you are craving a pizza with a crispy, cheesy crust that hugs every bite with a perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce and melty cheese, then this Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe is your new best friend. This pizza stands out with its rectangular shape, airy yet crunchy edges, and an indulgent blanket of golden Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses. Made from simple, honest ingredients that transform into a mouthwatering masterpiece, this recipe captures the heart of Detroit’s iconic comfort food in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several small clear and white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different pizza ingredients. In the center, there is a white bowl with a ball of smooth, pale dough. Around it, starting from the top left and going clockwise, there is a clear bowl with grated pale yellow cheese, a white bowl with sliced black olives, a clear bowl with thin, bright red bell pepper rings, a clear bowl with thin purple onion rings, a white bowl filled with red tomato sauce, a white bowl with thin, green bell pepper rings, a small clear bowl with fresh green basil leaves, a clear bowl with folded slices of pink ham, and another clear bowl with round slices of red pepperoni. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward, quality ingredients that work together to create an unforgettable flavor and texture. Each component, from the robust tomato sauce to the creamy Monterey Jack cheese and the perfectly risen dough, plays a crucial role to deliver that classic style and richness.

Crushed canned tomatoes (1 cup): Provides a fresh, slightly chunky base with rich, tangy flavor as the heart of your sauce.

Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and concentration to the sauce’s tomato goodness.
Olive oil (1 ½ teaspoons + 2 tablespoons): Enhances moisture and adds a subtly fruity note while keeping dough and pan perfectly greased.
Italian seasoning (¾ teaspoon) and dried oregano (¼ teaspoon): A fragrant herb blend that gives the sauce its authentic Italian flair.

Onion powder (⅛ teaspoon) and granulated garlic (⅛ teaspoon): These powdered essentials build savory layers in the sauce without overpowering it.
Granulated sugar (½ teaspoon + 1 teaspoon): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and helps activate the yeast in the dough.
Fresh basil (2 teaspoons): Adds bright, fresh herbaceous notes that lift the sauce to another level.

Salt (¼ teaspoon + 1 teaspoon) and pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings that sharpen and bring out the dish’s natural flavors.
Instant or rapid rise yeast (1 ½ teaspoons): Powers the fluffy yet crispy dough rise, giving rise to the hallmark airy edges.
Room temperature water (1 cup): Activates yeast and hydrates the dough for perfect texture.

All-purpose flour (2 ⅓ cups): The sturdy base of the dough that supports the thick, cheesy toppings.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (8 ounces): The star cheese with excellent meltability and mild creaminess that creates the signature crispy cheese edge.
Shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (2 ounces): Adds gooey stretch and a delicate milky taste to complement the Jack cheese.

How to Make Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by blending the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, Italian seasoning, oregano, onion powder, granulated garlic, sugar, fresh basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Cover it up and pop it in the fridge to let all those bright, layered flavors marry beautifully. This sauce can even be made a day or two in advance to deepen its richness.

Step 2: Ready the Pan and Begin the Dough

Lightly grease a 13x9-inch nonstick baking pan with vegetable spray, then brush it generously with olive oil on all sides. This step is vital to achieve that crispy, caramelized cheese crust Detroit-style pizzas are known for. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix flour, sugar, and yeast first. Then slowly add your room temperature water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil while mixing on low speed until all the flour disappears.

Step 3: Knead and Let the Dough Rest

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Add salt and switch to medium speed, kneading until the dough forms a sticky, elastic ball that clears the sides of the bowl—this usually takes about 8 minutes. Once ready, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead a bit more to smooth it out before transferring it to your prepared pan.

Step 4: Shape and Proof the Dough

Grease your hands with olive oil to prevent sticking, then gently press and stretch the dough to fill every inch of the pan’s corners and edges. If the dough resists, let it rest under plastic wrap for another 10 minutes and try again. Cover and allow it to rise at room temperature away from drafts until it more than doubles in size and bubbles appear on top—about 2 to 3 hours.

Step 5: Assemble Your Pizza

Preheat your oven to 500°F with the rack positioned at the lowest level to create that perfect, chewy bottom crust. Mix the Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses in a bowl, then spread this cheesy mixture evenly across your dough, reaching all the way to the edges for maximum caramelized crust effect. Spoon three long strips of the prepared tomato sauce lengthwise over the cheese as the final topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese bubbles up and turns delectably browned. Once baked, let your pizza cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then carefully run a thin knife around the edges to release it from the pan. Transfer to a board, slice into eight pieces, and get ready to dive into a piece of Detroit history from your own kitchen.

How to Serve Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe

A rectangular baked dish with four thick, even layers alternating between melted golden-brown cheese and bright red tomato sauce stripes running vertically. The cheese layers have a bubbly, slightly crisp texture with browned spots, while the tomato sauce layers appear smooth and thick. The edges of the dish show some browned, crispy cheese, creating a contrast with the soft center. The dish sits in a square metal pan placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a final flourish, scatter some freshly torn basil leaves or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil to brighten up the intense flavors. You might also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you love that hint of heat dancing with the creamy cheese and tangy sauce.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs beautifully with simple green salads, crisp coleslaw, or even roasted vegetables that lend freshness and balance the indulgent, cheesy richness. Garlic bread or a light Caesar salad can make your meal feel complete without competing with the pizza’s rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe on a rustic wooden board to highlight its homemade charm. For parties, offer classic toppings alongside so friends can customize their slices. For a fun twist, cut the pizza into smaller squares or even bite-sized pieces to turn it into irresistible finger food perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Detroit-style pizza, store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from becoming soggy, separate layers with parchment paper or paper towels that absorb moisture and preserve crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza will keep well for up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture when reheated properly.

Reheating

To enjoy your Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe leftovers with a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, reheat slices in a hot skillet over medium heat until the crust crisps up again and the cheese melts. Alternatively, bake in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave to keep the crust from turning chewy or soggy.

FAQs

What makes Detroit-style pizza different from other pizzas?

Detroit-style pizza is unique because of its rectangular shape, thick but airy crust with a crispy, caramelized cheese edge, and the way its tomato sauce is often added in strips on top of the cheese. The buttery olive oil and blend of cheeses also set it apart from other pizza styles.

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier and more consistent, you can mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It just takes a little extra elbow grease until smooth and elastic.

Why use Monterey Jack cheese in this recipe?

Monterey Jack melts beautifully and browns to a delightful crispy edge—the famous “frico” crust—that gives Detroit-style pizza its signature flavor and texture. It’s mild enough to complement the sauce without overpowering it.

Can I substitute fresh mozzarella for shredded mozzarella?

Yes, you can use fresh mozzarella, but be cautious with moisture content. It’s best to drain and pat it dry to prevent the pizza crust from getting soggy. Shredded whole milk mozzarella balances meltability with less moisture.

Is it possible to prepare the sauce or dough in advance?

Definitely! The sauce can be made up to two days ahead to develop deep flavors. The dough can be prepared and refrigerated to slow the rise and used within 24 hours for convenience without sacrifice in quality.

Final Thoughts

Sharing my love for this Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe feels like passing along a delicious family secret that brings warmth and joy every time it’s made. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce, it’s the perfect project for weekend cooking that rewards you with unmistakably satisfying pizza right out of your own oven. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen as well!

Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need