Spicy Detroit-Style Pizza

Short Description

Spicy Detroit-Style Pizza is a bold and flavorful take on the classic deep-dish pizza, featuring a crispy, cheesy crust, a spicy tomato sauce, and layers of delicious toppings. Perfect for pizza lovers who crave heat and texture in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, Cheesy Crust: The signature caramelized cheese edges make this pizza irresistible.
• Spicy and Bold Flavors: A rich, zesty sauce with a kick of spice sets this pizza apart.
• Easy to Make at Home: No need for a pizza oven—this bakes perfectly in a regular home oven.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• Bread flour
• Warm water
• Instant yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Olive oil

For the Spicy Sauce:

• Crushed tomatoes
• Garlic, minced
• Red pepper flakes
• Oregano
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper

For the Toppings:

• Pepperoni slices
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Brick cheese, cubed
• Jalapeños, sliced
• Hot honey (optional, for drizzling)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes, then add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours.
2. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a rack in the lower third.
4. Assemble the Pizza: Press the dough into a greased Detroit-style pizza pan or 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer mozzarella and brick cheese cubes evenly, pushing some to the edges for a crispy crust. Add pepperoni and sliced jalapeños.
5. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and edges are caramelized.
6. Finish with Sauce: Spoon the spicy sauce in stripes over the top. Drizzle with hot honey if desired.
7. Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1-2 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Extra Heat: Add sliced habaneros or extra red pepper flakes.
• Meat Lovers: Include crumbled sausage or bacon.
• Veggie Twist: Swap out meat for roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
• Cheese Blend: Experiment with gouda, cheddar, or provolone.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze baked slices in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What makes Detroit-style pizza unique?

The thick crust, caramelized cheese edges, and sauce-on-top method set it apart.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but bread flour gives a better chew and structure.

What if I don’t have a Detroit-style pan?

Use a 9×13-inch baking dish or a heavy-duty cake pan.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes! Let it rise overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.

What’s the best way to get crispy edges?

Make sure cheese is pressed against the edges of the pan before baking.

Can I make this pizza without spice?

Yes! Skip the red pepper flakes and jalapeños for a milder version.

What cheese works best for this pizza?

A mix of mozzarella and brick cheese creates the best texture and flavor.

Can I cook this pizza on a pizza stone?

Detroit-style pizza is best baked in a pan for crispy edges, but a stone can work in a pinch.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Avoid overloading with toppings and bake at a high temperature.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes! Store-bought dough saves time and still tastes great.

Conclusion

Spicy Detroit-Style Pizza is a perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and spicy flavors that bring a bold twist to classic deep-dish pizza. Whether for a weekend treat or a special occasion, this homemade version delivers incredible results. Try different toppings and enjoy the delicious crunch of Detroit-style pizza at home!

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