Detroit-style pizza is a rectangular pan pizza with a thick, crisp, chewy crust. It is traditionally topped to the edges with mozzarella and/or Wisconsin brick cheese, which caramelizes against the high-sided heavyweight rectangular pan. The dough typically has a hydration level of 70 percent or higher, which creates an open, porous, chewy crust with a crisp exterior. The fresh dough is double-proofed and stretched by hand to the pan corners. The pizza is baked in a steel pan, which gives it a crispy, caramelized crust.

The Detroit-style pizza was first made in 1946 at Buddys Rendezvous Pizzeria on Detroits east side. The pizza was baked in forged-steel pans borrowed from local automotive plants, which produced a very light and crispy crust. Buddys is credited with creating the iconic pizza style and spreading its popularity, inspiring innovation to pizza chains across the country.

Detroit-style pizza is recognizable by its iconic square shape and crunchy, cheesy corner slices. The pepperoni is placed directly on the dough, allowing the rich flavors of the meat to be absorbed into the crust. Crumbled Wisconsin brick cheese, a proprietary blend created just for Buddys, is sprinkled across the pie before the other toppings. Finally, to finish off the unique look, three wide stripes of sauce are skimmed across the top of the pizza before being baked to perfection.

Today, Detroit-style pizza is a national favorite, and many pizzerias across the country offer their own versions of the pizza.