Pizza has always been a passion of mine. I’m not just someone who enjoys the occasional slice—I live for it. I even run a pizza group on Facebook where like-minded pizza lovers share their favorite spots, recipes, and photos of cheesy, doughy perfection. It’s a space where we celebrate everything pizza, from the classics to unique takes on this iconic food.
Recently, though, my pizza obsession reached a whole new level when I discovered Detroit Style Pizza. I’d heard about it in passing before, but I hadn’t taken the time to try it. Let me tell you: the moment I took that first bite, it was a game-changer.
For those unfamiliar, Detroit Style Pizza is a rectangular pizza baked in a special pan that was originally designed for industrial purposes—think auto parts trays, which feels fitting given Detroit’s Motor City roots. The dough is thick but airy, almost like focaccia, and it’s layered with toppings in a way that’s slightly different from the norm. The sauce is often dolloped on top of the cheese and toppings, rather than being spread beneath them. It creates a unique texture and balance of flavors that stands out from traditional pizza styles.
But the real magic of Detroit Style Pizza is the way the cheese is handled. Instead of just topping the pizza, the cheese is spread all the way to the edges of the pan, and as it bakes, it melts down the sides and caramelizes against the pan. This creates a crispy, golden edge that almost acts like a second crust. That cheesy crust is like nothing I’ve ever tasted before—crunchy, salty, and utterly addictive.
Each bite of Detroit Style Pizza is a perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough, crispy edges, gooey cheese, and tangy sauce. It’s not just pizza; it’s an experience. I can’t get enough of it, and I’ve already started incorporating it into my pizza group discussions. It feels like discovering a hidden gem and wanting to shout about it from the rooftops.
Interestingly, pizza seems to follow me everywhere these days—not just in my personal life but in the work I do with nonprofits and charity groups. Almost every meeting or event I attend includes pizza as the go-to food of choice. While it’s not usually Detroit Style Pizza, it’s still a comforting staple that brings people together, whether we’re brainstorming ideas, planning fundraisers, or simply sharing stories.
If you haven’t tried Detroit Style Pizza yet, do yourself a favor and find a place that makes it—or better yet, try making it yourself. The pans are available online, and there’s no better feeling than pulling that crispy, cheesy rectangle out of the oven and knowing you’re about to dive into something truly special. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.
