What is Detroit-Style Pizza?
A Slice of Detroit History
Detroit-style pizza is a culinary treasure that stands out among the many varieties of pizza found across the United States. Known for its thick, airy crust, square shape, and signature toppings, this beloved pizza style has deep roots in the Motor City.
The history of Detroit-style pizza is often debated, with several pizzerias claiming to be its originator. Buddy's Pizza, founded in 1946, is widely recognized for popularizing this style. It features a thick, crispy crust baked in a rectangular pan, often topped with a blend of cheeses that extends to the edges, creating a delectable caramelized crust.
Another contender in the pizza debate is Cloverleaf Pizza, which some argue laid the groundwork for the Detroit-style pie with its unique approach to deep-dish pizza. Founded in 1953 by Gus and Anna Guerra, Cloverleaf was famous for its use of high-quality ingredients and a focus on a unique, buttery crust.
However, for our family, Loui's Pizza in Hazel Park has always held a special place in our hearts. Growing up, we cherished the memories of enjoying their exceptional Detroit-style pies, which have been crafted with love and tradition. Loui's remains a staple in our culinary history, influencing the recipes we serve today.
What Makes Detroit-Style Pizza Unique?
Detroit-style pizza offers several distinctive features that set it apart from other pizza styles:
Shape and Size: Unlike traditional round pizzas, Detroit-style pizza is baked in rectangular pans, giving it a square shape. Our 8"x10" pizzas provide all corner slices, ensuring that everyone gets a crispy edge.
Thick, Airy Crust: The dough is prepared fresh daily and is left to rise for several hours, creating a light and airy texture. The crust is thicker than most pizzas, providing a hearty base for all the delicious toppings.
Cheese to the Edge: A signature element of Detroit-style pizza is the cheese that extends to the edge of the pan, resulting in a caramelized, crunchy crust. The combination of toppings is typically layered under the cheese, ensuring that every bite is filled with flavor.
Sauce on Top: The sauce is often ladled on top of the cheese and toppings after baking, creating a delightful contrast between the rich cheese and the zesty tomato sauce.
A Family Tradition: Each pizza tells a story, reflecting the family traditions and recipes passed down through generations. At Gibroni's, we embrace this legacy by making our dough and sauce from scratch, ensuring an authentic experience for our customers.
Why Choose Detroit-Style Pizza?
The dedication to quality and tradition is what sets Detroit-style pizza apart. Our 8"x10" pizzas serve 1-2 people, making it comparable to a 12" or 13" round pie. Many of our customers enjoy leftovers, making each pizza a value-packed meal.
At Gibroni's, we take pride in honoring the history of Detroit-style pizza while offering a taste of the flavors we grew up loving. We invite you to savor our authentic Detroit-style pizzas and join us in celebrating this remarkable culinary tradition.