Detroit-style pizza is a unique and beloved regional variation that traces its origins back to the mid-20th century. This distinct style of pizza was developed in Detroit, Michigan, and has since become one of the most recognized and celebrated culinary contributions from the city.
The Beginning: Buddy’s Rendezvous and Gus Guerra
The origins of Detroit-style pizza date back to 1946, when Gus Guerra, the owner of Buddy’s Rendezvous, a neighborhood bar on Detroit’s east side, decided to experiment with a new kind of pizza. Guerra, who was of Italian descent, wanted to offer something different from the traditional round, thin-crust pizzas that were popular in other parts of the United States. He took inspiration from the Sicilian-style pizza, which is known for its thick, rectangular crust, and adapted it to create something uniquely Detroit.
What set Guerra’s creation apart was the pan he used to bake the pizza. Instead of a conventional pizza pan, Guerra used a blue steel pan that was originally intended for holding small automotive parts in factories. These pans, which were readily available in Detroit due to the city’s automotive industry, turned out to be perfect for baking pizza. The pans gave the pizza its characteristic rectangular shape and, more importantly, helped create a crispy, caramelized crust that is now a hallmark of Detroit-style pizza.
The first Detroit-style pizza was topped with Wisconsin brick cheese, a semi-soft cheese that melts to a creamy consistency and has a mild flavor. The cheese was spread all the way to the edges of the pan, where it would melt and caramelize against the hot steel, creating a crispy, cheesy edge. The sauce, a simple but flavorful tomato sauce, was ladled on top of the cheese in two thick stripes, a method that allowed the crust to stay light and airy while ensuring that every bite had the right balance of cheese and sauce.
Buddy’s Rendezvous, which later became known simply as Buddy’s Pizza, quickly gained a reputation for this new style of pizza, and it wasn’t long before other pizzerias in Detroit began to replicate the recipe.
Expansion and Popularity
As Buddy’s Pizza grew in popularity, other Detroit pizzerias started to adopt and adapt the style. Notable among these were Cloverleaf, which was founded by Gus Guerra after he sold Buddy’s, and Loui’s Pizza, another East Detroit establishment that became famous for its take on the Detroit-style pizza. Cloverleaf is particularly significant because it was the place where Guerra continued to refine and perfect his original recipe.
Over the years, Detroit-style pizza became a staple in the Detroit area, cherished for its unique texture and flavor profile. Despite its local popularity, it remained relatively unknown outside of Michigan for many decades. It wasn’t until the 2010s that Detroit-style pizza began to gain widespread recognition across the United States, thanks in part to the rise of food television, social media, and the increasing trend of regional food styles being celebrated on a national level.
Key Characteristics of Detroit-Style Pizza
Several key characteristics define Detroit-style pizza:
- Rectangular Shape: The pizza is baked in a rectangular steel pan, giving it its distinct shape.
- Thick, Airy Crust: The crust is thick but light and airy on the inside, with a crispy, caramelized outer edge.
- Cheese to the Edge: The cheese, traditionally Wisconsin brick cheese, is spread all the way to the edges of the pan, resulting in a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Toppings Beneath the Sauce: Unlike other styles of pizza, where the sauce is spread directly on the dough, Detroit-style pizza has the toppings placed on the dough first, followed by the cheese, and then the sauce on top. This layering helps keep the crust from becoming soggy.
- Stripes of Sauce: The sauce is often applied in two thick stripes on top of the cheese, although some variations spread the sauce evenly across the entire pizza.
Modern-Day Detroit-Style Pizza
Today, Detroit-style pizza has become a culinary phenomenon, with both old-school pizzerias and new establishments serving this unique style across the country.
Iconic Detroit Pizzerias
- Buddy’s Pizza: The original creator of Detroit-style pizza, Buddy’s remains a Detroit institution. With multiple locations across the metro area, Buddy’s continues to serve the classic version of its signature pizza, complete with the caramelized cheese edges and rich, tomato sauce.
- Cloverleaf Pizza: Founded by Gus Guerra after he sold Buddy’s, Cloverleaf has become another iconic spot for Detroit-style pizza. The recipe here stays true to Guerra’s original vision, with a focus on a light, airy crust and a well-balanced combination of cheese and sauce.
- Loui’s Pizza: Located in the Detroit suburb of Hazel Park, Loui’s is another legendary spot for Detroit-style pizza. Loui’s is known for its generous portions and traditional preparation methods, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
National Expansion
In recent years, Detroit-style pizza has expanded beyond Michigan. Pizzerias across the United States, from New York to Los Angeles, have embraced the style, often putting their own twist on the classic recipe. Even major pizza chains like Jet’s Pizza, which was founded in Michigan in 1978, have popularized Detroit-style pizza on a national level, offering their version of the rectangular, deep-dish pizza in multiple states.
Typical Toppings for Detroit-Style Pizza
While the classic Detroit-style pizza is traditionally topped with Wisconsin brick cheese and tomato sauce, there are a variety of toppings that can be used to customize this pizza. Some of the most common toppings include:
- Pepperoni: Often placed directly on the dough, beneath the cheese, to create a crispy layer.
- Sausage: Italian sausage is a popular topping, adding a savory and slightly spicy flavor.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are a common choice, complementing the rich flavors of the cheese and sauce.
- Green Peppers and Onions: These vegetables add a fresh, slightly sweet flavor to the pizza.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits can add a smoky, salty kick to the pizza.
- Olives: Black or green olives are sometimes added for a briny contrast to the rich cheese.
Conclusion
Detroit-style pizza is a true testament to the creativity and innovation of Detroit’s culinary scene. What started as a local experiment in a small neighborhood bar has grown into a nationally recognized and celebrated pizza style. With its thick, airy crust, crispy cheese edges, and unique sauce placement, Detroit-style pizza offers a delicious and distinctive alternative to the more widely known New York and Chicago styles. Whether enjoyed at one of Detroit’s iconic pizzerias or at a new establishment across the country, Detroit-style pizza continues to win over pizza lovers with its rich history and unforgettable flavor.
Photo by Stanford Smith on Unsplash