Detroit-Style Pizza with Garlic Cheese Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crispy, thin-crust pizza topped with a rich garlic cheese sauce and melted mozzarella, inspired by Hazel Park's best pizza spots. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes blends ball (approx. 12 oz) pizza dough, tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle, stretching to 1/8-inch thickness.
  2. Step 2: Brush dough with olive oil, then spread tomato sauce evenly over the surface.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle garlic, salt, and black pepper over the sauce, then layer mozzarella cheese on top.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
  5. Step 5: Slice into triangular pieces and serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Detroit-Style Pizza with Garlic Cheese Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Detroit-Style Pizza with Garlic Cheese Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Detroit-Style Pizza with Garlic Cheese Sauce?

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 Pizza with Garlic Cheese Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pizza with Garlic Cheese Sauce?

American quick meals 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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