Detroit-Style Pan Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Smoked Cheddar

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-13 · Updated 2026-05-13

A thick, airy pan pizza with a crispy golden crust topped with sweet caramelized onions and sharp smoked cheddar cheese that pays homage to Detroit’s iconic pizza style. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 65 minutes pairs bread flour, (1 packet) instant yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups (110°F) warm water
• 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 medium, thinly sliced yellow onion
• 2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp (optional) crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups bread flour, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Add 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F) and 1 tbsp olive oil; stir until a sticky dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium thinly sliced yellow onions and cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until deeply caramelized and golden. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 475°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch Detroit-style pizza pan or cast iron skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil.
5. Step 5: Press the risen dough evenly into the pan, pushing it to the edges to create a thick crust.
6. Step 6: Spread 1 cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Scatter the caramelized onions over the sauce, then sprinkle 2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the cheese.
8. Step 8: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust edges are golden brown and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then slice into squares and serve warm.