Detroit-style pizza is one of the most popular and unique types of pizza in America. It’s known for its rectangular shape, thick crust, and delicious toppings. With a crispy, golden crust on the outside and a soft, airy inside, this pizza is loved by many. But what makes Detroit-style pizza stand out from other pizza styles? In this article, we’ll explore what Detroit-style pizza is, its origins, and how Pizza Hut has brought its own twist to this beloved dish.
Origins of Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza first appeared in the 1940s in Detroit, Michigan. It was created by a man named Gus Guerra, who ran a restaurant called Buddy’s Rendezvous. The pizza was inspired by the Sicilian-style pizza, which was brought to the U.S. by Italian immigrants. However, Detroit-style pizza has some key differences that make it unique.
One of the most significant differences is the shape. Unlike the traditional round pizza, Detroit-style pizza is made in a rectangular pan. The dough is thick and airy, and it is usually cooked to a golden brown, creating a crunchy crust. The toppings are added after the cheese, which helps to create a distinct layering effect. The pizza is also known for its use of cheese that melts well, typically a blend of mozzarella and brick cheese.
Over time, Detroit-style pizza gained popularity and has become a beloved style across the United States. Its unique texture and flavor make it a standout among the various types of pizza available today.
The Unique Characteristics of Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza is easy to spot due to its distinctive features. Here are some of the key characteristics that make it stand out:
Rectangular Shape
Unlike traditional round pizzas, Detroit-style pizzas are baked in rectangular pans. This shape allows for a larger surface area, giving the pizza a different texture and making it easier to share with a group. The rectangular shape is also a result of the pan that was originally used to bake the pizza, which was a blue steel pan that resembled the pans used in the auto industry.
Thick, Light, and Airy Crust
The crust of a Detroit-style pizza is thick but light and airy. It has a crispy outer layer while remaining soft and fluffy inside. This combination creates a satisfying contrast in texture. The dough is often left to rise longer than other pizza styles, which gives it its light, chewy quality.
Toppings Under the Cheese
One of the most notable features of Detroit-style pizza is that the cheese is spread directly onto the dough, followed by the sauce and other toppings. This method is different from other styles where the sauce is usually spread directly on the dough before the cheese. The cheese melts and forms a golden, crispy edge, especially along the sides of the pan. The sauce is often added on top in a few straight lines, creating a unique look and taste.
Cheese Blend
Detroit-style pizza is known for its use of a specific cheese blend, typically mozzarella and brick cheese. The brick cheese gives the pizza a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy crust. The cheese is spread to the edges of the pan, allowing it to crisp up during baking.
Sauce on Top
Detroit-style pizza typically has a rich, tangy tomato sauce placed on top of the cheese and toppings. This gives the pizza a unique flavor profile, as the sauce doesn’t mix with the cheese during cooking. Instead, it sits on top, offering a burst of freshness and acidity that balances out the richness of the cheese and crust.
What Makes Pizza Hut’s Detroit-Style Pizza Special?
Pizza Hut is one of the most popular pizza chains in the world, and they’ve recently introduced their version of Detroit-style pizza. But what makes Pizza Hut’s take on Detroit-style pizza different? Here’s a closer look at how Pizza Hut has put its own spin on this iconic dish.
The Pan
One of the key elements of Detroit-style pizza is the pan it’s cooked in. Pizza Hut uses a specially designed pan that mimics the rectangular shape of the traditional Detroit-style pizza. This pan is designed to ensure the pizza has the perfect texture, with a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior.
The Dough
Pizza Hut’s Detroit-style pizza features a dough that is light and fluffy, similar to the traditional version. The dough is hand-stretched to fit the rectangular pan, and it is baked to a golden brown, creating the signature crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
The Cheese
For the cheese, Pizza Hut uses a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, which gives the pizza a rich, gooey texture. The cheese is spread all the way to the edges of the pan, allowing it to crisp up during baking, creating the signature cheesy crust that Detroit-style pizza is known for.
The Sauce
Pizza Hut’s Detroit-style pizza also features a tangy tomato sauce, which is placed on top of the cheese and toppings. This sauce is not mixed with the cheese but is instead spread in thick stripes across the top of the pizza, giving it a burst of flavor with each bite.
The Toppings
Pizza Hut offers a variety of toppings for their Detroit-style pizza, from classic options like pepperoni to more adventurous choices like sausage and vegetables. The toppings are placed on top of the cheese before the sauce is added, ensuring that the flavors are layered perfectly.
The Size
One of the standout features of Pizza Hut’s Detroit-style pizza is its size. It’s available in a larger portion, designed to feed multiple people. The pizza is cut into rectangular slices, making it easy to share with friends or family. Whether you’re having a small get-together or a larger party, this pizza is perfect for sharing.
Why Detroit-Style Pizza Has Gained Popularity
Detroit-style pizza has gained a lot of attention in recent years, especially with chains like Pizza Hut introducing their own versions. But what is it about this pizza that makes it so popular? Here are a few reasons why Detroit-style pizza has become a fan favorite:
Unique Texture and Flavor
The thick, airy crust and the combination of cheese, sauce, and toppings create a unique flavor profile that sets Detroit-style pizza apart from other pizza styles. The crispy edges and soft center provide a satisfying texture, while the tangy sauce and rich cheese make for a delicious flavor experience.
Easy to Share
The rectangular shape of Detroit-style pizza makes it easy to share with others. Whether you’re having a small gathering or a large party, the pizza can be cut into square slices, making it easy to serve and enjoy with friends and family.
Customizable Toppings
Detroit-style pizza can be customized with a wide variety of toppings, making it a versatile choice for different tastes and preferences. From classic options like pepperoni and sausage to vegetarian choices like mushrooms and onions, there’s something for everyone.
Comfort Food
Detroit-style pizza has become a go-to comfort food for many people. Its rich flavors, crispy crust, and hearty toppings make it the perfect food to enjoy on a relaxing night in or at a casual gathering.
Conclusion
Detroit-style pizza is a unique and delicious variation of traditional pizza. With its thick crust, rich cheese, tangy sauce, and rectangular shape, it has gained a loyal following over the years. Pizza Hut’s take on Detroit-style pizza brings this classic dish to a larger audience, offering a version that stays true to the original while adding its own twist. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional Detroit-style pizza or you’re new to it, Pizza Hut’s version is worth trying.
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