Pizza is something I talk about a lot. I know that at least once a week I say it out loud, either to myself or others. ‘I could eat pizza everyday’. I love everything about it. Pizza, and tacos could make this guy happy any day of the week. What I love about pizza making is not only the endless ideas that one can come up with, but the actual dough making process. Pizza dough making has and probably will always be somewhat of a challenge as most all of my dough never turn up the same. There are a few variables that always impact the dough process, at least in my uncontrolled world, but I have never had too many that disappoint.
This style of pizza is one that I truly love. It’s almost a focaccia, but better. It’s Detroit style. Thicker dough, surround with crispy cheese, and a layer of pepperoni. It’s a great square of pie. You can top this however you like, but I think the cheese and pepperoni make for a wonderful bite.
Plan ahead 1 day for this dough.
This dough will yield two large dough balls. Why two? Well… simple. Because two is better than one.
Ingredients for the Detroit Style Pizza Dough:
- 7 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups warm water
- 3 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 4 tsp instant dry yeast
- 5 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups your favorite marinara sauce
- Pepperoni slices, to cover
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, to cover
Let me start by saying the beauty of the Detroit style pizza is not only the end result (appearance and taste) but also the pan that it is cooked in. Typically a cast iron deep dish looking lasagna pan. Let’s face it though, not everyone has one of these pans in their kitchen, and if you want to pursue that purchase, you go right ahead. For me (and I think this will also work for you), I went ahead and used my deep lasagna style baking dish, and the results were super yummy. I have four others to attest to that!
Let’s get started as the dough takes time to rise.
To a mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, water, sugar, and yeast. Turn the mixer on medium and mix for 3 minutes. Slowly add in the oil and continue to mix on medium speed for roughly 8-10 minutes.
Once the dough is formed and thoroughly mixed, drizzle a bit more olive oil onto the dough to lightly coat, then place in a very large bowl or container that you can cover, and let it rest, covered for 1 hour.
Divide the dough in half. If you are not wanting to make two pizza right away, feel free to place the other dough in a large bowl, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Lightly butter the baking pan. Take one half of the dough and place it in the pan. Lightly butter that ball of dough, then lightly cover and let the dough rest for 45 minutes at room temperature.
After 45 minutes, begin stretching the dough, filling the bottom of the pan. Completely cover the bottom and edges of the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, then place in the refrigerator overnight.
The following day, remove the pan and let the dough come to room temperature. This will take about 45 minutes. While coming to temp, bring your oven to 500 degrees.
Once the dough is at room temperature, lightly push it around the pan to cover the bottom. Don’t worry, it will be a bit thick. Now you have a couple of options. Cheese first, or pepperoni first. I go pepperoni first. Then cheese. Then sauce.
Layer the entire dough with sliced pepperoni. Then layer on the cheese. I put my sauce on in two thick racing stripes. Some warm the sauce and finish the pizza when it comes out and then places the sauce. It’s your call. I used some great jarred sauce so I like to bake it with the pizza.
Place the pizza in the oven and bake for about 15-25 minutes, depending on your oven. Keep an eye on it because you do not want your cheese to over cook. I take mine out when the cheese is nice and golden.
Let the pizza set for about 5 minutes, then you should be able to easily lift, or lift and slide it onto a cutting board. Cut into squares and go to town.
The pizza is a real treat. A slice is a perfect slice. Great pepperoni in every bite, along with crispy cheese, and that dough… That dough is everything. Are you into the thicker dough when it comes to pizza? For me? Well, I’ll take pretty much any type, but this one has a special place in my kitchen. Hope you enjoy!