Detroit-Style Square Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Pepperoni

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

A thick, airy Detroit-style pizza with a crispy, cheesy crust topped with sweet caramelized onions and spicy pepperoni slices. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 100 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 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: 80 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups bread flour, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Stir in 1 cup warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Step 2: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  3. Step 3: While dough rises, thinly slice 1 large yellow onion and sauté over medium heat in 1 tbsp olive oil for 15 minutes until golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 500°F and lightly oil a 9x13-inch rectangular metal pan. Press the dough evenly into the pan, stretching to the edges.
  5. Step 5: Evenly distribute 12 oz cubed mozzarella cheese over the dough, then place 40 pepperoni slices on top, followed by the caramelized onions. Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese around the edges to create the crispy cheese crust.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden and crispy.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and spread 1 cup tomato sauce evenly over the top. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper. Slice into squares and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Detroit-Style Square Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Pepperoni take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (80 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 Pizza with Caramelized Onions 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 Pizza with Caramelized Onions 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 Pizza with Caramelized Onions 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 Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Pepperoni?

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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