Motor City Pizza, known for its distinctive Detroit-style square pies, offers a unique culinary experience. While the restaurant's expertise is undeniable, achieving that same crispy crust and flavorful cheese pull at home is entirely possible. This guide provides comprehensive cooking instructions to help you replicate the magic of Motor City Pizza in your own kitchen. We'll cover everything from preheating your oven to achieving that perfect caramelized cheese edge.
What Makes Motor City Pizza Unique?
Before diving into the instructions, let's understand what sets Motor City Pizza apart. It's the thick, focaccia-like crust, cooked in a deep rectangular pan, that provides a signature crispy edge and a soft, airy interior. The Wisconsin brick cheese is a key ingredient, melting to create that signature caramelized crust, and the generous toppings are usually applied after the initial bake. This process creates a pizza that's both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful.
Preparing Your Oven and Pan: The Foundation for Success
What type of pan do I need? A deep, rectangular pan is crucial for replicating the Motor City Pizza style. While the exact dimensions vary, aim for a pan with at least 1-inch sides. Cast iron, heavy-gauge aluminum, or even a sturdy baking sheet with high sides will work well.
Preheating is Key: Preheat your oven to a very high temperature—at least 450°F (232°C), and ideally closer to 500°F (260°C). A hotter oven is essential for achieving that perfectly crisp crust. If you have a pizza stone, preheat it alongside the pan for even better results.
Following the Motor City Pizza Dough Instructions (or Using Your Own)
Motor City Pizza likely uses a proprietary dough recipe, but many great Detroit-style pizza dough recipes are readily available online. Look for recipes that emphasize a focaccia-like texture – soft, slightly airy, and capable of holding up to the weight of the toppings and the high-heat cooking. Ensure your dough has had adequate time to rise.
How long should I let the dough rise?
The rising time depends on the specific recipe. Typically, a bulk fermentation (first rise) of several hours, followed by a shorter proof (second rise) after shaping, is necessary to develop flavor and texture. Follow your recipe's instructions meticulously.
Assembling Your Motor City Pizza: Mastering the Technique
Once your dough is ready, press or roll it to fit your baking pan. The dough should be about ½ inch thick. The edges should extend slightly up the sides of the pan, forming a thicker crust.
What kind of cheese should I use?
Wisconsin brick cheese is the traditional choice for the Motor City Pizza. Its melting properties are key to achieving that delicious caramelized crust.
What order should I add the toppings?
Unlike some pizza styles, Motor City Pizza typically involves a single layer of sauce and toppings after the initial bake. The cheese is spread across the entire dough and the pizza bakes until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Only after this initial bake will you add sauce and other toppings.
Baking Your Motor City Pizza: Achieving That Perfect Crust
Place the prepared pan into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is beginning to brown and caramelize around the edges. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
How do I know when my pizza is done?
The crust should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned around the edges. The center should be cooked through but still slightly soft.
Adding Toppings and Finishing the Bake
Remove the pizza from the oven (carefully, it will be hot!). Add your chosen toppings (sauce, pepperoni, sausage, etc.). Return the pizza to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the toppings are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover Motor City Pizza in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat for the best results; this will help to crisp up the crust.
By carefully following these instructions and paying close attention to the oven temperature and baking times, you can bring the delicious taste of Motor City Pizza into your own home. Enjoy!
