When it comes to pizza, the United States is a melting pot of styles, each with unique characteristics and devoted fans. Among these is the beloved Detroit style pizza, known for its thick crust, caramelized edges, and layers of toppings. One essential element of this delicious dish is its specialized pan. But how big is a Detroit style pizza pan? Let’s explore the size, shape, and significance of these pans, and unravel the secrets that make Detroit style pizza a must-have for culinary enthusiasts.
What Is Detroit Style Pizza?
Detroit style pizza originated in the Motor City, designed for a working-class environment in the 1940s. This unique style boasts a rectangular shape, a thick and airy crust, and is typically topped with a blend of cheese and various ingredients. Unlike traditional pizzas, which often have the cheese on top of the toppings, Detroit style pizza features cheese that hugs the edges of the pan, creating a crispy, caramelized exterior.
The Unique Design of Detroit Style Pizza Pans
Understanding the dimensions and construction of Detroit style pizza pans is crucial in replicating the iconic dish at home. The size, depth, and material of the pan play vital roles in delivering the authentic experience.
Size and Dimensions
A classic Detroit style pizza pan typically measures 10″x14″. This size allows for a pizza to be cut into square or rectangular pieces, making it easy to serve and share. Additionally, some home cooks prefer using slightly larger pans, with dimensions of 12″x18″, especially if they’re aiming to create a thicker crust or if they want to make a pizza meant for gatherings.
Depth of the Pan
Detroit style pizza pans are generally about 1.5 to 2 inches deep, which is key for allowing the dough to rise adequately and hold in the sauce and toppings. This depth not only leads to a fluffy crust but also provides enough space for the precious cheese to create that caramelized edge that fans adore.
Material of the Pan
Detroit style pizza pans can be made from a variety of materials, each contributing to the final product’s taste and texture. The two most popular materials are:
- Steel: This is often preferred for its superb heat conductivity, which promotes even baking and creates the desired crust. Steel pans are usually pre-seasoned or coated to enhance their non-stick properties.
- Aluminum: While aluminum pans have excellent heat distribution and are lightweight, they tend to require more care to avoid sticking. This option is often used for lower-cost alternatives or trial runs.
Creating the Perfect Detroit Style Pizza
Knowing the size of the pizza pan is only the first step in crafting the perfect Detroit style pizza. The magic happens when ingredients are combined in a way that respects the unique characteristics of the dish.
Choosing the Right Dough
The dough is essential for a successful Detroit style pizza. A high-hydration dough that has been allowed to ferment for a long period—approximately 24 hours—is recommended. This fermentation contributes to the airy texture and complex flavor profile, yielding a crust with a delightful chewiness and crispiness.
The Role of Toppings and Sauce
In Detroit style pizza, the traditional approach often includes a variety of cheese blends, such as mozzarella and Wisconsin brick cheese, layered under and on top of the toppings.
One distinguishing feature of this pizza type is the usage of the “sauce on top” method. Typically, the lush, flavorful tomato sauce is dolloped over the cheese and toppings before serving, ensuring that the crust maintains its integrity and isn’t soggy.
Baking Procedures and Tips
To achieve that authentic Detroit pizza flavor, certain baking techniques must be followed. Here are two vital tips:
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure to preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can handle—usually around **500°F (260°C)**. This high heat is essential for achieving the crispy crust.
- Use the Right Baking Surface: Place the pan on a preheated baking stone or steel if available. This technique helps achieve better heat conductivity, crucial for the pizza’s base.
Why Pan Size Matters
The size of the pan can significantly affect the outcome of your pizza. A larger pan might yield a thinner, crispier crust, while a smaller pan allows for a denser, bread-like texture. Therefore, understanding the size and choosing the right pan is essential for producing a consistent outcome.
Portion Control
Being aware of the pan dimensions aids not just in baking, but also in serving. A 10″x14″ Detroit style pizza typically feeds 3 to 4 people depending on appetite. If hosting a gathering, opt for larger pans for increased servings, enabling you to cater to more guests.
Where to Find Authentic Detroit Style Pizza Pans
For pizza enthusiasts eager to try their hand at making authentic Detroit style pizza, acquiring the right pan is crucial. Here are some options to consider:
Local Kitchen Supply Stores
Most kitchen supply stores stock a range of baking pans, including specialty pizza pans. Check if they carry Detroit style pans or ask staff for recommendations.
Online Retailers
Various online retailers offer Detroit style pizza pans, often with options in different materials and sizes. It’s best to read reviews to ensure you’re choosing a high-quality product that meets your baking needs.
Restaurant Supply Stores
If available in your area, restaurant supply shops often have the most authentic pans used in professional kitchens. These pans might be more durable and better suited for high-temperature baking than typical home baking pans.
Caring for Your Detroit Style Pizza Pan
Once you have your pan, it’s essential to maintain it to prolong its life and performance. Here are a couple of tips for care:
Seasoning the Pan
If your pan is made from steel, consider seasoning it like you would a cast iron skillet. This process involves applying a thin layer of oil and heating the pan to create a natural, non-stick surface over time.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After use, avoid soaking steel pans, as they can rust. Instead, wipe out any excess oil and food debris with a paper towel, then clean with warm soapy water and rinse. For aluminum pans, make sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent oxidation.
The Final Slice: Relishing Detroit Style Pizza at Home
Understanding how big a Detroit style pizza pan is—a standard 10″x14″ or sometimes 12″x18″—is fundamental to making this delicious dish. Mastering the dimensions and the crafting techniques allows you to recreate the essence of Detroit style pizza in your kitchen.
Armed with this knowledge, you can embark on a culinary adventure that not only satiates your appetite but also pays homage to the rich history and tradition of Detroit style pizza. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet night in or hosting a gathering of family and friends, the right size pan will set you on a path to pizza perfection. Embrace the artistry of this distinctive pizza style and indulge in every decadent, cheesy bite.
In conclusion, Detroit style pizza isn’t just about the pizza; it’s about the experience of making it, sharing it, and savoring it. So, grab your Detroit style pizza pan, roll up your sleeves, and bring the flavors of Detroit into your home!
What is Detroit style pizza?
Detroit style pizza is a distinct type of pizza that originated in Detroit, Michigan. It is characterized by its thick, rectangular crust, which is crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside. The dough is typically baked in a well-oiled pan, giving it a unique texture and allowing for a deliciously caramelized edge. One of the hallmarks of Detroit style pizza is that the cheese is often spread all the way to the edges of the pan, allowing it to brown and create a flavorful, crunchy crust.
In terms of toppings, Detroit style pizza is traditionally layered in a specific order. The cheese is placed directly on the dough, followed by toppings, and then the sauce is added on top, often in a striped pattern. This method not only ensures that the cheese melts perfectly but also helps keep the crust crisp. The combination of these elements results in a pizza that is robust in flavor and satisfying in texture, making it a favorite among many pizza enthusiasts.
What are the key features of Detroit style pizza pans?
Detroit style pizza pans are typically rectangular and made from materials that promote even heating, such as chrome or aluminum. The design of these pans allows for a thicker crust that can handle the weight of ample toppings and cheese. Many authentic pans feature a lip or edge that helps contain the melting cheese, creating that signature caramelized crust. Additionally, some pans are made without a non-stick coating to encourage better browning and crispiness.
Another important feature of Detroit style pizza pans is their thermal properties. The pans are often thicker than traditional pizza pans, which aids in heat retention and ensures that the pizza cooks evenly throughout. This is crucial for achieving the desired flaky crust and properly melted cheese. Some purists also argue that well-seasoned cast iron pans can be used to create authentic Detroit style pizzas, enhancing the flavors imparted by the cooking surface.
How do I properly season a Detroit style pizza pan?
To properly season a Detroit style pizza pan, start by cleaning it thoroughly with hot, soapy water to remove any factory residues. After rinsing, dry the pan completely to prevent rusting. Once dry, apply a thin layer of oil—vegetable oil or flaxseed oil works well—across the interior surface of the pan. Ensure that the oil is distributed evenly, using a paper towel if necessary to remove any excess oil that could lead to a sticky finish.
After applying the oil, preheat your oven to around 400°F (200°C) and place the pan upside down in the oven for about an hour. This process helps to create a seasoned surface on the pan that improves its non-stick properties and enhances the flavor of your pizza. Let the pan cool completely before using it, and avoid using soap on it afterward; simply wipe it clean with a cloth and lightly oil it before each use to maintain its seasoning.
Can I use a regular pizza pan instead of a Detroit style pizza pan?
While it is possible to use a regular pizza pan to make a Detroit style pizza, the results may not be as authentic or satisfying. Regular pizza pans are typically round and may not offer the same depth and edge that a rectangular pan provides, which is crucial for achieving the thick, airy crust characteristic of Detroit style. Additionally, the lack of a raised edge may result in toppings spilling over or the crust not caramelizing properly.
Using the correct Detroit style pizza pan ensures even cooking and the desired crispy edges essential for this style of pizza. If you only have a regular pan, you might consider modifying your cooking technique. For example, you can increase the dough’s thickness and carefully manage cooking times to achieve a better outcome, but it may still lack the distinctive features of a true Detroit style pizza.
What types of cheese are traditionally used on Detroit style pizza?
The traditional cheese used for Detroit style pizza is Wisconsin brick cheese, which is known for its excellent meltability and rich flavor. This cheese is typically spread all the way to the edges of the pan to create that crispy, caramelized crust. The use of brick cheese is vital because it offers a robust texture that complements the thick dough and allows for a luxurious mouthfeel when eaten.
Some pizzerias have started to blend different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or even aged cheddar, along with the traditional brick cheese, to create unique flavor profiles. This fusion can provide an exciting twist without straying too far from the authentic style. Ultimately, while brick cheese remains the classic choice, experimentation with different cheeses can yield delicious results for those looking to personalize their homemade Detroit style pizza.
How long does it take to bake a Detroit style pizza?
Baking a Detroit style pizza typically takes about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of the crust. For a classic thickness, preheat your oven to around 500°F (260°C) and keep an eye on the pizza after the 15-minute mark. You want to achieve a golden-brown crust with bubbling cheese and slightly charred edges. The high heat helps create that signature crispy texture that Detroit style pizza is known for.
If you’re using a thicker crust or adding additional toppings, you may need to extend the baking time slightly. It’s essential to let the pizza rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing, as this allows the cheese to set and makes for cleaner cuts. Remember, each oven can vary, so keep a close watch to ensure your pizza is perfectly cooked to your liking.
Can I freeze Detroit style pizza?
Yes, you can freeze Detroit style pizza, both before and after baking. If you want to freeze an uncooked pizza, assemble it in the pan but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy your pizza, you can bake it straight from the freezer, although you may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.
If you’re freezing leftover slices, allow them to cool completely and then wrap each slice in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for the best texture, as microwaving may result in a soggy crust. Freezing is a great way to preserve the flavors and enjoy Detroit style pizza even on busy days.