Smoked Gouda & Caramelized Onion Detroit Pan Pizza
Smoked Gouda & Caramelized Onion Detroit Pan Pizza
Step into the world of Detroit-style pizza, a uniquely American culinary delight characterized by its thick, focaccia-like crust, a result of baking in rectangular steel pans, traditionally used in auto factories as drip trays. This Smoked Gouda & Caramelized Onion Detroit Pan Pizza takes that iconic foundation and elevates it with sophisticated flavors. The deep-dish style creates an irresistibly crispy, cheesy 'frico' crust along the edges, while the interior remains wonderfully soft and airy. Forget the round pie; Detroit pizza's square or rectangular shape ensures every slice boasts those coveted crispy corners. Here, the melted smoked gouda cheese provides a rich, creamy, and subtly smoky counterpoint to the sweet, deeply caramelized yellow onions, which are cooked to perfection in butter, bringing an umami-rich depth. A sprinkle of parmesan adds a final salty, nutty flourish. This recipe is more than just a meal; it's an experience in contrasting textures and harmonious flavors, offering a hearty, comforting, and utterly satisfying pizza that stands apart from its Neapolitan or New York cousins. Get ready for a delicious pizza journey that's perfect for a cozy weekend gathering or an impressive weeknight treat.
- Preparation time
- 20 min
- Cooking time
- 30 min
- Total time
- 2 hrs 30 min
- Servings
- 6
Instructions
Caramelize Onions
- 1Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, until onions are deeply browned, soft, and sweet.
Prepare Pizza Dough
- 1In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2Stir in flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes.
- 3Lightly oil a 9x13 inch Detroit-style pizza pan (or a similar metal baking pan) with olive oil, ensuring the sides are well-coated for the crispy crust. Place the dough in the pan, turn to coat with oil, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Assemble and Bake
- 1Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Gently press the risen dough into the corners of the oiled pan, stretching it to fully fill the pan. If the dough resists, let it rest for 10 minutes and try again.
- 2Evenly distribute the shredded smoked gouda cheese over the dough, ensuring generous coverage, especially along the edges to create a crispy cheese crust.
- 3Spread the caramelized onions over the cheese. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- 4Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly charred at the edges. For an extra golden crust, you can carefully slide the pizza onto a pizza stone or baking steel during the last 5 minutes of baking, if available.
- 5Remove from the oven, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, and let it rest in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing it and slicing into squares. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 651 kcal
- Protein
- 25 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Carbs
- 69 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 651 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Carbs | 69 g |
Tips
- Caramelizing onions low and slow is key; don't rush the process for maximum sweetness and deep flavor.
- Ensure your pan is thoroughly oiled before adding the dough to achieve the signature crispy, golden-brown crust.
- A cast iron or dark metal rectangular pan will yield the best crispy crust for this authentic Detroit-style pizza.