Steak, Feta, and Spinach Detroit Pan Pizza

Steak, Feta, and Spinach Detroit Pan Pizza

Welcome to the world of Detroit Pan Pizza, an iconic American culinary invention renowned for its thick, airy, focaccia-like crust and signature crispy, caramelized cheese edges, often referred to as 'frico' crust. This particular recipe takes that delightful foundation and elevates it with a sophisticated medley of flavors: tender, thinly sliced steak, savory feta cheese, and vibrant spinach. Originating in Detroit's automotive factories where square steel pans were repurposed for baking, this pizza style brings a unique textural contrast to every bite. Our Steak, Feta, and Spinach Detroit Pan Pizza offers a surprisingly elegant twist on a classic, showcasing how these robust flavors beautifully complement the rich, buttery crust. You'll prepare a simple yet flavorful marinade for the steak, build layers of premium mozzarella and bold feta, and finish with a fresh hit of spinach and a balsamic glaze. It's an approachable recipe that promises a truly remarkable pizza experience, perfect for a special meal or impressing guests. Get ready to bake a legendary pie that's bursting with flavor and unmatched texture, proving that Detroit-style is a pizza category all its own.

Preparation time
30 min
Cooking time
25 min
Total time
55 min
Servings
8

Instructions

Preparation

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch Detroit-style pizza pan or a dark metal baking pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring the corners and sides are well-coated to achieve the crispy cheese crust.
  2. 2In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced steak with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
  3. 3Press the pizza dough evenly into the prepared pan, stretching it to reach all corners. If the dough resists, let it rest for 10-15 minutes and then try stretching again. Drizzle a little olive oil over the dough surface.

Assembly and Baking

  1. 1Evenly distribute about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, pressing some into the edges of the pan for that characteristic frico crust.
  2. 2Arrange the marinated steak slices over the cheese, followed by the remaining mozzarella, crumbled feta, sliced red onion, and chopped spinach.
  3. 3Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese along the edges is deeply caramelized and crispy. The steak should be cooked through and the spinach wilted.
  4. 4Carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it rest in the pan for 2-3 minutes before carefully transferring it to a cutting board. This helps the cheese edges set.

Finishing

  1. 1Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze before slicing. Slice into squares—the traditional Detroit style—and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories
551 kcal
Protein
25 g
Fat
28 g
Carbs
46 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories551 kcal
Protein25 g
Fat28 g
Carbs46 g

Tips

  • Let the pizza dough proof at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before pressing into the pan to make it easier to work with.
  • Serve with a simple side salad to balance the richness of the pizza, or pair with a bold red wine for a sophisticated meal.

By Chef Michael Ilin