Hey Pizza Lovers!
Welcome back to The Ria Pizzeria blog, where we bring you the best tips and tricks to create mouth-watering pizza right in your own kitchen. Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of our beloved Detroit Style Pizza – the dough. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and embark on a dough-making adventure!
The Dough Story
First things first, let’s talk about what makes Detroit Style Pizza dough so special. Unlike its thin and crispy cousins, Detroit Style dough is thick, fluffy, and full of character. It’s the perfect foundation for all those delicious toppings and that iconic crispy cheese edge. But enough talk – let’s get baking!
Ingredients
To make the magic happen, you’ll need:
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (or one packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Yeast Activation Time!
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all foamy and frothy. This means the yeast is awake and ready to party!
2. Mixing Magic
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and kosher salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until it forms a shaggy dough. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook – but a good old wooden spoon works just as well!
3. Knead to Know Basis
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough that bounces back when you poke it. This is your workout for the day, so put some muscle into it!
4. Rise and Shine
Lightly oil a large bowl and place your dough baby inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Pro tip: If it’s a chilly day, let your dough rise in the oven with just the light on for a little extra warmth.
5. Pan Prep
While the dough is rising, prepare your baking pan. Traditional Detroit Style Pizza uses a rectangular steel pan, but any sturdy baking pan will do. Lightly oil the pan with olive oil – this helps give the dough that irresistible crispy bottom.
6. Spread the Love
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release some of the gas bubbles (it’s as satisfying as it sounds). Turn it out onto your prepared pan and stretch it to fit, pressing it into the corners. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes and try again – it’ll relax eventually!
7. Second Rise
Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise gives the dough its final bit of puffiness.
8. Top It Off
Now comes the fun part – toppings! Add your favorite sauce, a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, and any other toppings your heart desires. Remember, the magic of Detroit Style Pizza is the cheese that caramelizes around the edges, so don’t skimp on the cheese near the sides!
9. Bake Away
Preheat your oven to 500°F (or as hot as it’ll go). Bake your pizza on the middle rack for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the edges are crispy and caramelized.
10. Slice and Savor
Let the pizza cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set a bit and makes for cleaner slices. Then, dig in and enjoy your homemade Detroit Style Pizza masterpiece!
Final Thoughts
Making Detroit Style Pizza dough at home is not just about the ingredients – it’s about the love and care you put into every step. So take your time, enjoy the process, and most importantly, have fun! And if you ever need a break from cooking, you know where to find the best Detroit Style Pizza in town.
Stay saucy,
Jeff & The Ria Pizzeria Team 🍕
The Ria Pizzeria
401 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 465-9829 | www.theriapizzeria.com
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