Mini Detroit Style Pizzas: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

Borrowing the wife’s mini loaf pan turned out to be a stroke of genius for a home cook on a quest to recreate one of America’s most beloved pizzas on a miniature scale. That’s right, we’re talking about Detroit style pizza, but not as you know it. These are mini Detroit style pizzas, and they’re about to become your new obsession.

Let’s paint a picture. Detroit style pizza, if you’re not familiar, is a thick, focaccia-like pie celebrated for its crunchy, cheesy edges and pillowy, light foundation. Traditionally cooked in a rectangular pan, it takes on a unique shape and a wonderfully crisp underside thanks to the deep aluminum pan it’s baked in. The cheese, often a mix featuring the wonderfully gooey brick cheese, is generously spread to the edges before the toppings come into play, resulting in a delectable crispy, caramelized cheese perimeter that’s absolutely divine. And we can’t overlook the sauce, which is sometimes drizzled on top of the cheese and toppings for an unconventional finishing touch.

Envision all that deliciousness, but in a charming, bite-sized rendition. That’s precisely what this innovative home chef accomplished when they stumbled upon a mini loaf pan and thought, ‘Hmm, this could be perfect for mini Detroit style pizzas!’ And perfect it was. By tweaking a reliable recipe from Serious Eats and adjusting it to suit the smaller scale, they embarked on a culinary venture that would redefine pizza night.

Why opt for mini pizzas, you might wonder? Well, for those who adore those crispy, cheesy edges (let’s be real, who doesn’t?), crafting the pizza in a mini version ensures you get more edge with every bite. Each slice is essentially an edge piece, which is essentially a dream scenario for Detroit style pizza enthusiasts.

The process kicks off with the dough, which is left to cold ferment in the refrigerator for 24 hours to develop those intricate flavors we all cherish. The dough is then meticulously portioned and shaped into mini pizzas, adjusting the dough quantity based on the pan size to achieve the ideal crust-to-cheese ratio. And as for toppings, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni or are a veggie enthusiast, these mini pizzas serve as the perfect canvas for your culinary imagination.

But it’s not just about the flavor. The miniature Detroit style pizzas pay homage to the rich heritage of Detroit style pizza, tracing back over 75 years to a spot called Buddy’s Pizza. Buddy’s is credited with originating this iconic pizza style, and it remains a cherished establishment in Detroit today, renowned for its traditional techniques and the use of original pans that have been seasoned over generations to create that distinctive flavor.

This homemade mini iteration exudes confidence, lacking the decades of tradition but offering a delightful nod to the original. With the right pan – be it a mini loaf pan or a standard muffin tin – and a touch of culinary inventiveness, crafting them at home is remarkably straightforward.

Whether you’re a die-hard pizza aficionado ready to explore something new, or you’re simply looking for a fun and tasty project to tackle in the kitchen, mini Detroit style pizzas are sure to make a lasting impression. From the crispy, cheesy edges to the fluffy, soft base, these petite pizzas capture all the flavors of their full-sized counterparts in a charming mini package. Give them a try – your taste buds will thank you.

As the old adage goes, good things come in small packages, and these mini Detroit style pizzas are a prime example. They stand as a testament to the influence of culinary ingenuity and a delightful reminder that sometimes, the finest things in life are not only the simple ones but also the mini ones.

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