Pan-Seared Detroit-Style Square Pizza with Caramelized Onions

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

This recipe captures the essence of Detroit’s iconic square pizza, featuring a thick, airy crust topped with melted cheese and sweet caramelized onions. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 93 minutes pairs all-purpose 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 450 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.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, thinly sliced yellow onion
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz shredded brick cheese or Monterey Jack
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 tsp (optional) crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add 1 cup warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
2. Step 2: While dough rises, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 475°F. Lightly oil a 9x13-inch rectangular baking pan. Press the risen dough into the pan, spreading evenly to the edges. Sprinkle evenly with 8 oz shredded mozzarella and 8 oz shredded brick cheese.
4. Step 4: Dollop 1/2 cup tomato sauce in three stripes lengthwise over the cheese, then scatter the caramelized onions on top. Optionally sprinkle 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned at edges. Remove from oven, let cool 5 minutes, then cut into square slices and serve warm.