There’s nothing quite like Detroit-style pizza: crispy edges, a thick, airy crust, and a savory, sauce-topped finish. If you're craving that perfect bite and want to make it at home, our University of Que Detroit Style Pizza Dough Mix is here to help you get the job done with ease. Below, we’ll walk you through the steps to make dough that rises beautifully in the fridge and bakes into the ultimate Detroit-style pizza right in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Start with the Basics
To get that classic Detroit crust, begin by preparing your water and yeast. You’ll need 2 cups of water at 95°F – this slightly warm temperature is ideal for activating the yeast and starting your dough on the right track.
Add the water to your stand mixer bowl.
Open your bag of Detroit Pizza Group Pizza Dough Mix, find the yeast pack and remove it from the bag. (Do you like my purple shoes?)
Then sprinkle in the yeast, letting it dissolve into the water for a few seconds.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients and Mix
Once the yeast is in, add the remaining dry ingredients from our Detroit Style Pizza Dough Mix to the mixer bowl.
Attach the dough hook or spiral attachment to your mixer, set it to a low speed, and let it mix for about 90 seconds. This initial low-speed mixing helps combine the ingredients gently, setting the foundation for a great dough.
After that, turn up the speed to medium and let the mixer work its magic for 5 to 6 minutes. This longer mixing time strengthens the dough’s gluten structure, resulting in the ideal texture – soft and airy but with enough structure to hold up under toppings and bake into those signature crispy edges.
Step 3: Divide, Coat, and Tuck
When the dough is done mixing, remove it from the mixer bowl and divide it in half. We like to weigh the entire ball of dough and then divide that in half. Each half will make one pizza, so if you're feeding a crowd, this mix is perfect!
Roll each piece into a tucked ball, coating it in a little olive oil to keep it from sticking and drying out. Place the dough balls into separate oiled bowls, cover them, and transfer them to the refrigerator.
Step 4: The Key to Flavor – The Cold Rise
Detroit-style pizza dough benefits from a long, cold rise in the refrigerator. This slow fermentation process develops the dough’s flavor and texture, giving it the lightness and air pockets you’re looking for in a perfect crust. Let the dough rest in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours – patience here is key, and it’ll be worth it!
Step 5: Prep for Baking
When you’re ready to make your pizza, take one dough ball out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This brief resting time makes it easier to handle and stretch.
After the 15 minute rest, lightly grease your Detroit-style pizza pan and place the dough inside. Gently stretch the dough, using its own weight initially, then by pulling it gently to the edges of the pan. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes, then try again.
Step 6: Let It Rise
Once you’ve stretched the dough to fill the pan, let it rise at room temperature for about three hours with a lid on the pan. This final proof gives the dough the height and fluffiness that make Detroit-style pizza unique. It may seem like a long wait, but this step is essential for getting that light yet thick crust.
Step 7: Time to Make Pizza!
With the dough ready and beautifully risen, it’s time to assemble and bake! Top your crust with a layer of cheese (50/50 Brick and Mozerrala for authentic DSP), spreading it all the way to the edges of the pan to create those iconic crispy, caramelized edges. If you cannot find Brick Cheese, check out our Blog on our Cheese suggestions, they make an AMAZING pizza as well! We use 16oz. of cheese for one 10" x 14" Detroit Style Pizza.
Add your favorite toppings next! Be careful to not put a lot of very wet toppings on your pizza as it can make the dough gummy....this means NO PINEAPPLE!
Next, sprinkle a little bit of sea salt and oregeno on the pizza.
Last, spread your sauce on in rows across the top. We suggest our Classic Pizza Sauce!
Bake your pizza in a preheated 450 degree oven for 8 minutes then spin it around and bake for another 8 minutes (or until cheese is starting to brown and crust is nice and golden on the bottom), and watch as the crust puffs up and the cheese bubbles and browns. Once it’s done, carefully lift it out of the pan, slice, and serve hot.
Enjoy the Taste of Detroit at Home!
With our Detroit Style Pizza Dough Mix, making an authentic Detroit-style pizza is easy and delicious. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pizza that’s every bit as good as what you’d find in the Motor City. So grab your mix, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make pizza night a whole new experience! Be sure to tag us with your pizza creations on all of the different social media platforms! #DetroitPizzaGroup #universityofque
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