Vegetarian Detroit-Style Pizza Recipe
Legend has it that the first Detroit-style pizzas were baked in a repurposed oil pan–a fitting origin story for a pizza born in the Motor City. Whether or not that’s true, the square pan gives this pie its distinct shape, as well as its delicious caramelized edges (one of the keys to a good Detroit-style pizza is spreading the cheese all the way to the edge). This thick, but surprisingly light, square-cut pizza has been beloved by Detroiters for decades. Judging by the number of Detroit-style pizzas I’ve seen in New York alone, I think the rest of the country is catching on. And if you don’t have a solid Detroit-style pizza shop near you yet, here is your chance to make your own!
Cooking time: 25 minutes | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
Calories: 280 | Total Fat: 12g | Total Carbohydrates: 32g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Protein: 10g
KITCHEN TOOLS
9x13-inch rectangular baking pan (preferably a Detroit-style pizza pan)
Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Kitchen towel
Saute pan
Ladle or spoon
INGREDIENTS
For the Pizza Dough:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pizza Toppings:
1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
1 cup sliced red onions
1 cup sliced black olives
1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
DIRECTIONS
In a bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and add active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Grease the Detroit-style pizza pan with olive oil.
Roll out the pizza dough to fit the pan and press it into the pan, covering the bottom evenly. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow it to rise slightly.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly. Add sliced bell peppers, red onions, and black olives. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese. Spread pizza sauce over the ingredients in thick lines.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Allow the pizza to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy your vegetarian Detroit-style pizza!
