Detroit-Style Thick Crust Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Pepperoni

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

A rectangular Detroit-style pizza featuring a thick, airy crust topped with melted fresh mozzarella and crispy pepperoni, baked to golden perfection. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 93 minutes pairs bread flour, 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 450 calories and feeds 4, 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: 75 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water (about 110°F). Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups bread flour and 1 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Step 3: Lightly oil a Detroit-style rectangular pan with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place the dough in the pan, pressing it evenly to the edges. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with the rack in the lower third position.
  5. Step 5: Spread 1 cup pizza sauce evenly over the risen dough, leaving a small border. Arrange 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly on top, then layer 20 pepperoni slices over the cheese.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese around the edges of the dough to create a crispy cheese crust.
  7. Step 7: Bake the pizza for 15-18 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and edges are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing directly in the rectangular pan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Detroit-Style Thick Crust Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Pepperoni take to make?

Total time is about 93 minutes (75 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 Thick Crust Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella 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 Thick Crust Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella 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 Thick Crust Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Pepperoni 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 Thick Crust Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella 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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