Detroit Syle Pizza

 Normally I like thin crust pizza, but I do like this thick crust pizza.  The crust is so light.   I love when the cheese melts down the sides of the crust and leaves it crispy.   This is a pepperoni pizza, but put on whatever toppings you like.

DETROIT STYLE PIZZA 

Dough Ingredients:

*2 - 2 1/4 cups bread flour

*1 teaspoon instant or rapid rise yeast

*1 1/2 teaspoons salt

*1 cup warm water (remove 1 1/2 teaspoons and only use if needed)

Sauce Ingredients:

*2 tablespoons olive oil

*4 garlic cloves, minced

*2 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano 

*1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

*1 (28 ounce) can San Marzano sauce

*1 teaspoon garlic power

*1 teaspoon onion powder

*1tablespoon granulated sugar

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper 

Pizza Toppings:

*1 (12 ounce) package brick cheese or monterey jack cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

*1 natural casing pepperoni, cut about 1/8 inch thick (you can use any pepperoni, but a I like to use  higher quality).

Dough Directions:

~In a lage mixer, whisk flour, yeast, and salt.

~Add in water.

~Using a dough attachment, mix on low speed util the dough comes together.

~Allow dough to rest for 10 minutes.

~Mix again (or knead) until dough becomes smooth (around 10 minutes if using a dough hook.   About 15 minutes if kneading by hand).

~Form dough into a ball.

~Drizzle some olive oil over it and rub all over the dough.

~Place in bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean damp towel and allow to rise for  2 hours or until, doubled in size in a warm draft free area.

Sauce Directions:

~In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat until oil is hot, but not smoking.

~Add minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

~Stir and cook for about 25-30 seconds.

~Add crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, sugar, salt and pepper.

~Simmer for 30-40 minutes.

Time To Make The Pizza:

~Drizzle olive oil in the bottom and sides of 9x13 inch Detroit style pizza pan (I use about 2 tablespoons).

~Adjust oven rack to lowest position.

~Preheat oven to 500 degrees.

~Punch down dough and place in prepared pan.

~Press down dough spread to edges.

~Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest for 30-35 minutes (the dough may not reach the edges at this point, but don't worry).

~Press dough out towards the edges again, removing any air bubbles.

~Lay half of the pepperoni evenly over dough.

~Top with cheese, making sure cheese is touching the edges of the pan.

~Spoon pizza sauce over the pizza in three even rows (you will have extra sauce.  I freeze mine for next time).

~Add remaining pepperoni.

~Place in oven and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until edges are black and bubbly and cheese is melted and starting to brown.

~Remove from oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes before removing from pan and cutting.

~Run a thin metal spatula around the edges of the pan to loosen the pizza from the pan.

~Carefully remove pizza from pan and slide it onto a cutting board.

~Cut into 12 pieces and enjoy.

2. Other Topping Ideas:

*bacon

*sausage

*ham

*onions

*green bell peppers

*mushrooms

*pineapple