Move to New Haven, Chicago and New York.
A new urban specialty style is on the rise in the US — Detroit.
Ahead of National Pizza Day on February 9th, here’s a quick primer on the history of Detroit-style pizza and why this pie is growing in popularity.
For those unfamiliar, Detroit-style pizza is a square pie that has a crispier crust than its New York counterpart.
“Influenced by Sicilian square pizza, Detroit-style pizza consistently impresses pizza lovers with its unique layer structure and stunning presentation,” says the website for Buddy’s Pizza, the restaurant that claims to have invented Detroit-style pizza.
Unlike more standard pizza, where the sauce is covered with cheese and then any additional toppings are placed on top, Detroit-style pizza is the opposite.
Detroit-style square-sized pizza that has a crispier crust than other pizzas. Newsday via Getty Images
“Pepperoni is placed directly on the dough, allowing the rich flavor of the meat to be absorbed into the crust,” says Buddy’s Pizza.
Instead of the more typical mozzarella, parmesan or a mix of the two, Detroit-style pizza uses Wisconsin brick cheese on top of pepperoni.
“First made in the late 1800s and named for the bricks used to press the curds, brick cheese is derived from American white cheddar, but cultured at higher temperatures to produce more fat content and a different protein structure,” website for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin said.
Buddy’s Pizza says they are the originators and creators of “Detroit style” pizza. The Washington Post via Getty Images
Wisconsin brick cheese has a “relatively mild flavor with a sharper finish,” says Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
The sauce is spread on top in three wide strips and the pizza is then baked, says Buddy’s Pizza.
Although this shape of pizza may seem unusual, it has become quite popular in the nearly 80 years since it was first created.
The pizza now known as “Detroit style” was invented in the 1940s. Boston Globe via Getty Images
“[It’s] maybe its crispy, crunchy sides and bottom with a soft inner batter. It’s a great vehicle to bring pizza to the people,” Jeremy Damaske, owner of Pie Sci Pizza in Detroit, which sells 700 to 1,000 Detroit-style pies each week, told the Wealth of Geeks website.
“We get a lot of out-of-towners who come specifically for Detroit-style pizza. I would say the majority of the reaction has been very positive,” Damaske said.
Although what’s now known as “Detroit-style” pizza was invented in the 1940s, the name didn’t actually appear until the 1980s, Wealth of Geeks says.
Unlike standard pizza (pictured here) where the sauce is covered with cheese and then any additional toppings are placed on top, Detroit style pizza is different. Boston Globe via Getty Images
“First described as such in an industry trade magazine in the 1980s, the term became more widespread when a Texas pizza business run by former Metro Detroiters dubbed its product Detroit-style pizza to stand out,” they said.
In 2024, Detroit-style pizza is now found all over the country — far beyond its origins in Michigan’s largest city.
“When people think of pizza, there are a lot of places that come to mind, like Chicago or New York,” Emily Daunt, vice president of Communications and Brand Strategy for the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association told Wealth of Geeks.
Detroit-style pizza has made a name for itself over the years — and is still growing in popularity over other styles of pizza. Mac – stock.adobe.com
He continued, “However, with Michigan being home to some of the nation’s best-known franchises like Little Caesar’s, Dominos, Hungry Howie’s and Jet’s Pizza and nearly 3,000 other pizza places across the state, that’s a pretty big piece of the pie.”
Detroit itself has leaned on the popularity of its signature pizza.
In October, the Visit Detroit organization launched the “Detroit Pizza Pass,” which people can sign up for with their cellphones.
“Passport holders can earn points by checking in at participating pizzerias and redeem them for exciting prizes (pizza hats, aprons, shirts and Detroit stickers) at the rewards store,” said Visit Detroit.
“Detroit’s pizza heritage is like no other, and the Detroit Pizza Pass allows diners to enjoy it all. It’s a celebration of our city’s culinary creativity, and we can’t wait to take people on this delicious journey,” said Claude Molinari, president of Visit Detroit.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
