Crispy Edges, Cheesy Squares
This Detroit-style pizza is the kind of cozy homemade pizza recipe that feels special without being complicated. It bakes into a thick, airy crust with crispy golden edges, melty cheese all the way to the corners, and bold sauce stripes on top. Perfect for family pizza night, weekend baking, or a fun Pinterest-worthy dinner, this cheesy square pizza delivers crunch, softness, and saucy flavor in every bite.
- Prep: 25 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Rise: 1 hr 5 mins
- Total: 1 hr 45 mins
- Servings: 9
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 jar marinara sauce, 24 ounces
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 ounces shredded mild Cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces turkey pepperoni slices
Kitchen Tools
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- 10×14-inch Detroit-style pizza pan
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate: Add warm water, yeast, and sugar to a stand mixer bowl. Let it dissolve until slightly foamy.
- Make dough: Add 2 teaspoons olive oil, salt, and bread flour. Knead with the dough hook until smooth, soft, and elastic.
- Rise: Oil the pizza pan with the remaining olive oil. Place dough in the pan, stretch lightly, cover, and let rise until doubled.
- Simmer sauce: Warm marinara with oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder for 15 minutes.
- Assemble: Press dough to the edges. Add most turkey pepperoni, cover with cheese to the edges, then spoon sauce in three long stripes.
- Bake: Bake at 525°F until deeply golden and crispy, about 15 minutes. Rest 5 minutes, slice into squares, and serve.
Pro Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Subs: Use brick cheese if available, or swap in mozzarella for a milder melt.
- Meal Prep: Simmer the sauce and shred cheese ahead to save time.
- Serving: Pair with salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple sparkling lemonade.
Main Body
Detroit-style pizza is loved for its contrast: a light, bready center with crunchy caramelized edges. The cheese is pushed all the way to the sides of the pan, where it melts, browns, and creates that signature crispy border.
The most important technique is letting the dough relax and rise directly in the oiled pan. Avoid forcing it too quickly; a gentle stretch gives the dough time to become airy instead of dense.
Turkey pepperoni adds smoky, savory flavor while keeping the recipe pork-free. Monterey Jack melts beautifully, while Cheddar adds color and richness. Together, they create a bubbly top and crisp edges.
This recipe works beautifully for busy family nights because the sauce can simmer while the dough rises. Once the dough is ready, assembly is fast and the oven does the rest.
For the best texture, reheat slices in a skillet or air fryer instead of the microwave. This brings back the crispy bottom and keeps the cheese deliciously melty.
Variation Recipes
- Veggie Detroit Pizza: Use mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and onions under the cheese for a colorful meatless version.
- Spicy Turkey Pepperoni Pizza: Add extra red pepper flakes and a drizzle of hot honey after baking for sweet heat.
- Three-Cheese Detroit Pizza: Mix Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and mozzarella for a stretchy, golden, extra-cheesy finish.
Conclusion
This Detroit-style pizza is crispy, cheesy, saucy, and fun to make at home. Save it for your next pizza night and share it with anyone who loves thick crust with crunchy edges.
Nutrition (Estimated)
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 square | 470 | 21g | 36g | 27g | 3g | 5g |
Disclaimer: Estimates vary by ingredients and tools.