The Not-So-Secret Weapon of Detroit-Style Pizza: Unveiling the Mystery of Brick Cheese
Ah, Detroit-style pizza. A deep-dish masterpiece with a crispy, caramelized crust that cradles a rich, cheesy interior. But what makes this pizza truly sing? It's not just the thick dough or the tangy tomato sauce. There's a secret ingredient hiding in plain sight: brick cheese.
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| What is Detroit Brick Cheese |
But What Exactly Is Brick Cheese?
Brick cheese, my friends, is not your average grocery store cheddar. This Wisconsin-made wonder is a semi-hard cheese with a fascinating history. Originally (and rather literally) formed into bricks using, well, bricks, it boasts a mild, creamy flavor when young, transforming into a nutty, tangier cheese with age.
Think of it as cheddar's cooler, slightly pungent cousin. Imagine cheddar cheese attending a wild cheese party and coming back with a touch of Limburger's funky personality. Not overpowering, mind you, but just enough to add some intrigue.
Why is Brick Cheese the King of Detroit-Style Pizza?
Here's the magic: brick cheese melts like a dream. It creates a gooey, yet surprisingly stretchy layer of cheesy goodness that holds everything together in your Detroit-style pizza masterpiece. No more cheese heartbreak where the cheese pulls right off the crust!
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Brick cheese also boasts a higher fat content than mozzarella, which contributes to that caramelized, crispy crust that Detroit-style pizza is famous for. Basically, it's the cheese that gives Detroit-style pizza its bold and flavorful punch.
Finding Your Brick Cheese Bae ️♂️
Now, the not-so-fun part: brick cheese can be a bit of a regional specialty. You might have trouble finding it outside the midwest. But fear not, intrepid pizzaiolo (that's fancy talk for pizza maker)! Here are a few tips:
- Hit up specialty cheese shops: These havens of cheesy goodness might just have your brick cheese soulmate waiting.
- Look online: There are online retailers who will ship brick cheese to your door (because cheese this good deserves special treatment).
- Get creative: In a pinch, you can try a mozzarella and cheddar blend. It won't be exactly the same, but it'll get you close to that Detroit-style pizza dream.
Brick Cheese FAQs ❓
How to use leftover brick cheese?
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Brick cheese is a delightful cheeseboard addition! It also pairs beautifully with sandwiches, salads, or even scrambled eggs.
How to tell if brick cheese is bad?
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Mold is a no-go. If your cheese smells overly pungent or has any discoloration, it's best to toss it.
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How to shred brick cheese?
A box grater might work, but a food processor is your best friend here.
How long does brick cheese last?
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Properly stored, brick cheese can last for months in the fridge.
How to make Detroit-style pizza with brick cheese?
Well, that my friend, is a whole other delicious adventure! There are tons of recipes online to get you started.
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