Detroit Style Pizza

Savor the essence of Detroit Style pizza: a crispy, golden crust layered with gooey cheese, savory toppings, and tangy tomato sauce. It's a flavor-packed delight that embodies the heart and soul of Motor City culinary tradition.

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Combine lukewarm water, yeast, and whole wheat flour in a mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to rest for 15 minutes until bubbles start to form. This initial step activates the yeast and begins the fermentation process, which is crucial for developing flavor and texture in your dough.

Step 2

Add the remaining ingredients to your mixing bowl and use a wooden spoon to mix until the dough begins to clump together. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients evenly. Let the dough stand for 30 minutes. This step, known as autolyse, allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to start developing, resulting in a more elastic and flavorful dough.

Step 3

After 30 minutes, begin the stretch and fold process. To do this, gently stretch one side of the dough and fold it over the center, then repeat with the other three sides, creating a square shape. Repeat this every 15-20 minutes for at least two hours. Stretching and folding helps develop the gluten structure in the dough, resulting in a better texture and rise in the final baked product.

Step 4

After two hours, transfer your dough to a container with some room for expansion, ensuring it's tightly sealed. Then, place it in your refrigerator overnight. This slow fermentation process allows the flavors to develop further and enhances the texture of the final baked product.

Step 5

Retrieve your dough from the refrigerator at least four hours before baking. Leave it in the bowl and allow it to rest on your counter for at least two hours. This resting period enables the dough to come to room temperature and undergo further fermentation, enhancing its flavor and texture. After two hours, transfer the dough to a lightly oiled Detroit Style Pizza pan, such as a 10x14 LloydPan. Gently press the dough into the pan to stretch it, then let it rest in the pan for at least two hours. This allows the dough to relax and conform to the shape of the pan, resulting in a perfectly formed crust when baked.

Step 6

While your dough rest in your pan take out a blender or food processor, and combine the San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, pressed garlic, dry oregano, freshly ground black pepper, and kosher salt to taste (usually about 1 teaspoon). Blend until the sauce reaches your desired consistency, whether smooth or slightly chunky. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 7

Begin by arranging the brick cheese, cut into 1/2-inch squares, around the edges of the dough, pressing them gently against the side of the pan. This will allow the cheese to melt and create a deliciously crispy crust. Scatter a few more chunks of brick cheese evenly across the middle of the pizza. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface of the pizza, covering the brick cheese. Now, evenly distribute your pepperoni slices across the pizza, ensuring. Finally, add a few "racing stripes" of your prepared sauce over the cheese and pepperoni, creating a beautiful contrast of flavors and colors. Your pizza is now ready to bake.

Step 8

Position your pizza on a pizza stone or directly on the lowest rack of your oven. Allow it to cook for 20 minutes at 430°F. Keep in mind that oven temperatures may vary, so ensure your crust achieves a beautiful, evenly golden brown color before removing it from the oven.

Step 9

Allow your pizza to rest for 10 minutes before slicing into it. Enjoy!