Baked Detroit-Style Pepperoni Pizza with Cheddar and Brick Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Thick, airy Detroit-style pizza baked in a rectangular pan with a crispy cheese crust, topped with spicy pepperoni and a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy brick cheese. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 105 minutes pairs bread flour, warm water, active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 90 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups bread flour, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Pour in 1 cup warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil, then mix to form a sticky dough. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Step 2: Lightly oil a rectangular 9x13 inch baking pan with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place the dough inside, pressing to spread evenly to the edges. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 500°F. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded brick cheese evenly over the dough, covering the surface completely to create the crispy cheese edges. Top with 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, then arrange 20 pepperoni slices evenly on top.
  4. Step 4: Bake the pizza for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and edges are golden and crispy. Remove from oven and spoon 1 cup pizza sauce in three stripes over the top. Optionally sprinkle 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
  5. Step 5: Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing into squares and serving with an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Detroit-Style Pepperoni Pizza with Cheddar and Brick Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (90 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Detroit-Style Pepperoni Pizza with Cheddar and Brick Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bread flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Detroit-Style Pepperoni Pizza with Cheddar and Brick Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Detroit-Style Pepperoni Pizza with Cheddar and Brick Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Detroit-Style Pepperoni Pizza with Cheddar and Brick Cheese?

American pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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