Deep Dish Dish: The Hilarious History of Detroit-Style Pizza
Ever wondered how a car city like Detroit ended up famous for its rectangular pizza? Buckle up, pepperoni pals, because this origin story is more dramatic than a Fast and Furious flick!
From Speakeasy to Square Eats: The Birth of Buddy's
Back in 1946, Gus Guerra, the owner of a not-so-secret speakeasy called Buddy's Rendezvous (wink wink), needed a new menu item to keep the party going. Enter Anna Guerra, Gus's wife, who, armed with her Sicilian mama's secret focaccia dough recipe, whipped up a rectangular masterpiece. But where to bake this beauty?
Tin Can Titans: Borrowing from the Auto Industry
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Here's where things get greasy (and a little hilarious). Since proper pizza pans were scarce, Gus, in a true Motor City move, snagged some heavy-duty rectangular pans from a nearby auto parts supplier. Yes, you read that right. We're talking about the kind of pans used to hold car parts! Guess those auto industry smarts came in handy after all.
Square, Crispy, and Cheesy: Detroit-Style Takes Off
This ingenious pan choice turned out to be a golden (or should we say cheesy) touch. The steel pans delivered a crispy, caramelized crust that perfectly cradled the gooey, melty cheese that Detroit-style is famous for. Word spread faster than a Ferrari on the freeway, and soon, Detroit was hooked on this unique pizza experience.
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Fun Fact: There's a debate about whether the original Sicilian inspiration came from Anna's mom's recipe for sfincione (a thick Sicilian focaccia) or from another employee's Sicilian family recipe. Let's just say, Detroit-style pizza is a true melting pot of deliciousness.
From Local Legend to National Craze: Detroit Deep Dish Dominates
For decades, Detroit-style pizza remained a Motor City must-have. But thanks to the tireless efforts of pizza pilgrims and the internet, this unique style has finally gotten the national recognition it deserves. Now, you can find Detroit-style pizza joints popping up all over the US, a testament to its irresistible flavor and ingenuity.
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## How To Detroit-Style Pizza: Your Burning Questions Answered
Still hungry for knowledge? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's a quick guide to making your own Detroit-style masterpiece:
How to Make the Dough? This one requires a little finesse. You can find plenty of online recipes that capture the focaccia-like texture, or you can visit your local Detroit-style joint for some inspiration (and maybe a slice or two).
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**How to Find the Right Pan?
** Channel your inner Gus Guerra and hit up an auto parts store! Just kidding (kind of). Look for a deep rectangular baking pan for that signature caramelized crust.
**How to Pile on the Cheese?
** Don't be shy! Detroit-style is all about that cheesy goodness. Brick cheese is a popular choice, but mozzarella works too.
How to Get the Perfect Crisp? ** Preheating your pan is key! The hot steel helps create that contrast between the crispy crust and the gooey center.
**How to Eat Detroit-Style Pizza?
** With your hands, of course! This ain't no fancy fork-and-knife affair. Grab a square corner and get dippin'!