How to Make the Perfect Motor City Pizza at Home
Motor City Pizza is known for its unique Detroit-style, rectangular pizza with a crispy, chewy crust and a generous layer of cheese that spills over the edges. If you're craving this delicious pizza but don't want to travel to Detroit, you can easily recreate it at home!
Here's what you need and how to make it:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Sauce:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup crumbled Italian sausage
- 1/4 cup sliced onions
- 1/4 cup sliced green peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy.
- Add olive oil, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide it in half.
- Roll out one half of the dough into a rectangle that is slightly larger than the baking pan.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, pressing it into the corners.
- Brush the dough with the prepared sauce.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses.
- Top with pepperoni, sausage, onions, green peppers, and mushrooms.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Cool and Slice:
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Use a pizza cutter to cut the pizza into squares.
Tips:
- For a crispier crust: Use a light-colored baking sheet and preheat the oven for longer.
- For a chewier crust: Add a little more water to the dough or use bread flour.
- For a thicker crust: Use a larger baking pan.
- For a thinner crust: Use a smaller baking pan.
Enjoy your homemade Motor City pizza!
