The Great Detroit Dough Debate: How Much is Too Much (Delicious)?
Ah, Detroit-style pizza. A rectangular masterpiece with a gloriously thick and crispy crust that puts all other crusts to shame. It's the kind of pizza that takes "carbs are life" to a whole new level. But before you dive headfirst into a vat of pizza sauce and cheese (we've all been there), there's a crucial question to answer: how much dough do you need?
| How Many Grams Of Dough For Detroit Style Pizza |
Size Matters (But Not How You Think)
Now, you might think the answer is simple: more dough equals more pizza, equals more happiness. But hold on to your brick cheese (a Detroit-style essential, by the way), because Detroit-style pizza is all about the pan. These bad boys are typically baked in deep rectangular pans, originally those used in Motor City factories.
Here's the thing: too much dough can lead to a doughy mess (gasp!), with a skimpy cheese-to-crust ratio that would make the purists weep. On the other hand, too little dough leaves you with a sad, lonely rectangle that looks like it belongs on a Barbie playset. So, how do we find the doughy nirvana?
The Goldilocks Guide to Detroit Dough Quantities
Fear not, pizza pilgrims! There is a happy medium, and it depends on the size of your pan:
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
- Small pan (8x10 inches): Aim for 300-400 grams of dough. This will give you a nice, thick crust with ample room for all your favorite toppings.
- Large pan (10x14 inches): Here, you can up the dough game to 500-600 grams. This pan is a beast, and it can handle the extra dough without sacrificing that glorious cheese crisp.
Remember, these are just guidelines! Feel free to experiment and find your own doughy sweet spot. Just don't blame us if you end up with a pizza that resembles a UFO (unless that's your thing, then by all means, embrace the UFO pizza!).
Bonus Tip: The Power of Cold
For an extra-crispy and flavorful crust, consider giving your dough a cold shoulder. Yep, that's right. After shaping your dough balls, refrigerate them for at least 12 hours, or up to 24. This allows the dough to develop its flavor and gluten structure, resulting in a crispier crust that will have you saying "dough yeah!" (We're sorry, we couldn't resist).
How To FAQs for the Discerning Dough Disciple:
How to know if I have the right pan for Detroit-style pizza?
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
A standard deep rectangular baking pan will work, but ideally, you want a Lloyd's Pan (the OG Detroit-style pan) or a similar auto parts pan. These pans are made from a special, high-conductivity steel that helps achieve that signature crispy crust.
How to tell if I've used too much dough?
Before baking, your dough should fill about ¾ of the pan. If it reaches the top, you might be in dough overload territory.
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
How to stop my dough from sticking to the pan?
Generously coat your pan with oil before adding the dough. You can also use a light dusting of semolina flour for extra non-stickage.
How to reheat leftover Detroit-style pizza?
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
The best way to reheat your pizza is in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. This will help crisp up the crust again.
How to impress my friends with my Detroit-style pizza expertise?
Just whip up a delicious pie using the tips above and bask in the glory of their amazed faces. You can also casually mention the "cold shoulder" technique and watch their minds be blown.