1. Make the Dough (Day Before or 3+ Hours Ahead)

Start the process by preparing the dough. This step is essential for developing flavor and texture.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast.

2. Add bread flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise at room temperature for about 2 hours.

5. For the best flavor, cold ferment the dough by refrigerating it for 12-72 hours.

2. Prepare the Sauce

While the dough is fermenting, prepare the sauce to enhance the flavors.

1. In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.

2. Stir the ingredients together and let the sauce sit at room temperature to allow the flavors to blend.

3. Note: Traditional Detroit-style pizza has the sauce placed on top of the cheese, not beneath it.

3. Prepare the Pan and Shape the Dough

Now, let’s prepare the pan and shape the dough for baking.

1. Generously oil your Detroit-style pizza pan (10×14 inches) with olive oil to ensure the crust becomes crispy.

2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator 30 minutes before shaping. This will make the dough easier to work with.

3. Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan, working from the center outward. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly covered at first—let it relax and stretch naturally.

4. Cover the dough and let it rise for 30-45 minutes, allowing it to become puffy and airy.

4. Add Toppings

Here comes the fun part—adding the cheese, toppings, and sauce!

1. Start by distributing cubed cheese evenly over the dough, ensuring some cheese reaches the edges for that signature caramelization.

2. If you’re using pepperoni, sprinkle it evenly over the cheese.

3. Dollop the sauce in 3-4 spoonfuls across the pizza’s surface, but don’t spread it out entirely—let it remain in blobs.

5. Pizza Oven Setup

Preheat your pizza oven to 500-550°F (260-290°C) to replicate the traditional high heat used for Detroit-style pizza.

1. If using a wood-fired pizza oven, allow the flames to die down, and let the heat stabilize before baking.

2. Place the rack in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.

6. Bake the Pizza

It’s time to bake your pizza!

1. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating the pizza halfway through for even browning.

2. Look for a golden, crispy bottom, caramelized cheese edges (also called “frico”), bubbling sauce, and an internal temperature of 200°F in the crust.

7. Finishing Touches

Once the pizza is baked to perfection, finish it off with these final steps:

1. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes.

2. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pizza while it’s still hot.

3. Use a thin spatula to gently release the caramelized cheese from the edges of the pan.

4. Cut the pizza into squares and serve immediately!