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Detroit-Style Pepperoni Pizza

Sink your teeth into thick Detroit-style pepperoni pizza with a crispy, chewy crust and indulgent toppings. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe brings you a slice of America's favorite dish with rich flavors and gooey cheese.
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Prep Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 720 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel
  • Saucepan for sauce preparation

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings

  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz pepperoni slices
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough

  • In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  • Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead gently for about 5 minutes until smooth.
  • Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour until you reach the right texture.

Let the Dough Rise

  • Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Sauce

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Tip: Tasting as you go is key—adjust seasoning to your preference for a sauce that perfectly complements the pizza.

Assemble the Pizza

  • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Once the dough has risen, press it into the greased baking pan. Let it rest while you prepare the toppings.
  • Spread shredded mozzarella evenly across the surface of the dough, and layer pepperoni slices over the cheese.
  • Pour the prepared sauce over the toppings, ensuring it seeps into the edges.

Bake the Pizza

  • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are crispy.
  • Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Serve Warm

  • Once baked, allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. It’s a feast fit for sharing!

Notes

Pro tips