Detroit-Style Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza with Cheddar Cheese

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

Thick, airy crust layered with tangy tomato sauce, sharp cheddar, and crispy pepperoni, baked to bubbly perfection. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 38 minutes pairs bread flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 20 min Cook: 18 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (110°F), 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups bread flour, 1 tsp salt, and 3 tbsp olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Step 3: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 500°F and generously oil a 10x14-inch rectangular metal baking pan with olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the risen dough to the pan, stretching and pressing it evenly to the edges. Layer 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese first over the dough, then evenly distribute 30 pepperoni slices on top.
  6. Step 6: Spread 1 cup tomato sauce evenly over the pepperoni, then sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. Sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese.
  7. Step 7: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges of crust are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Detroit-Style Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza with Cheddar Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 38 minutes (20 min prep + 18 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 Detroit-Style Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza with Cheddar 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 Detroit-Style Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza with Cheddar 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 Detroit-Style Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza with Cheddar 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 Detroit-Style Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza with Cheddar Cheese?

Italian 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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