Chorizo and Roasted Red Pepper Detroit Pan Pizza

Chorizo and Roasted Red Pepper Detroit Pan Pizza

Step into the delicious world of Detroit-style pizza with a vibrant, flavorful twist! This Chorizo and Roasted Red Pepper Detroit Pan Pizza takes the beloved characteristics of a classic Motor City pie—its thick, airy crust, crisp cheesy edges, and rectangular shape—and elevates them with bold, exciting toppings. Originating in Detroit in the mid-20th century, this unique pizza style traditionally baked in steel utility pans (like those used for auto parts) results in an incredibly satisfying, almost focaccia-like base with a caramelized cheese crust that's utterly irresistible. Here, we layer a zesty tomato sauce with crumbled, spicy chorizo sausage, sweet and smoky roasted red peppers, and a generous blend of gooey mozzarella and sharp provolone. The combination of heat from the chorizo and the mellow sweetness of the peppers creates a fantastic balance of flavors. Perfect for a cozy night in or a lively gathering with friends, this recipe promises a pizza experience that's both comforting and adventurous, delivering that signature crispy-chewy texture and a burst of memorable tastes in every square bite. Prepare to fall in love with homemade Detroit-style pizza, perfected with this dynamic duo of toppings.

Preparation time
25 min
Cooking time
25 min
Total time
50 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Preparation

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Liberally grease a 10x14-inch rectangular Detroit-style pizza pan or a similar heavy-duty metal baking pan with olive oil, ensuring the corners are well-coated.
  2. 2Press the Detroit-style pizza dough evenly into the prepared pan, stretching it to reach all corners. If the dough springs back, cover it with a towel and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then continue stretching until it fills the pan. This rest allows the gluten to relax.
  3. 3In a medium skillet, cook the crumbled chorizo over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Set aside.

Assembly and Baking

  1. 1Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese mixture over the dough, ensuring some cheese reaches the edges of the pan to create the signature crispy, caramelized crust.
  2. 2Dollop the tomato sauce over the cheese. A common Detroit-style technique is to add the sauce in stripes or scattered dollops rather than a full spread, allowing the cheese to bubble up around it.
  3. 3Distribute the cooked chorizo and chopped roasted red peppers over the sauce and cheese. If using, sprinkle the optional parmesan cheese on top.
  4. 4Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the edges are deeply caramelized and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  5. 5Remove the pizza from the oven and carefully slide it out of the pan onto a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into squares and serving immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories
751 kcal
Protein
35 g
Fat
46 g
Carbs
50 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories751 kcal
Protein35 g
Fat46 g
Carbs50 g

By Chef Michael Ilin