Detroit-Style Square Deep-Dish Pizza with Cheddar and Pepperoni

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

A thick, square pizza with a crispy crust and a layered topping of pepperoni and sharp cheddar cheese, reflecting Detroit’s iconic pizza tradition. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 40 minutes pairs bread flour, (110°F) warm water, (1 packet) active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 20 min Serves 6 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups bread flour, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir and knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Step 3: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 475°F. Lightly oil a 9x13 inch rectangular baking pan with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Press the risen dough evenly into the pan to cover the bottom and edges with a slightly raised rim.
  6. Step 6: Spread 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes mixed with 1 tsp dried oregano and 1 tsp minced garlic evenly over the dough.
  7. Step 7: Layer 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top of the sauce, then arrange 20 slices of pepperoni over the cheese.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing into squares.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Square Deep-Dish Pizza with Cheddar and Pepperoni?

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 Square Deep-Dish Pizza with Cheddar and Pepperoni?

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 Square Deep-Dish Pizza with Cheddar and Pepperoni 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 Square Deep-Dish Pizza with Cheddar and Pepperoni?

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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