There are many distinct forms of pizza, but the new york and detroit style pizza are now the two that are consumed the most frequently. What exactly difference between new york and detroit style pizza, and which one is the superior option?
That, of course, is up to you and your personal tastes in terms of flavor. Pizza made in the Detroit style is crustier and chewier, whereas pizza made in the New York style is crispier and thinner.
Both options are appealing in their own ways, so the choice boils down to personal taste. Why not give both varieties of pizza a shot if you aren’t sure which one is your favorite? It’s possible that you’ll be astonished to find out which one is your favorite.
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What Is New York Style Pizza?
Most people automatically picture New York-style pizza when you say the term “pizza.” This thin, hand-tossed kind has a delicate and chewy crust and is often served in large slices. Its signature crisp exterior and tender interior are the result of high heat cooking in a stone deck or conveyor belt oven. Although it’s up to individual taste, some staples of a traditional New York pizza include tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic, oregano, and basil.
What Is Detroit-Style Pizza?
The distinctive deep dish shape and crunchy, chewy crust of Detroit-style pizza have contributed to its meteoric rise in popularity over the past decade or so. It has a square form and is usually baked in a pan with thicker sides than the pie’s center. The high oil/fat content of the dough is what gives it its signature crunch and flavor. Classic Detroit-style pizzas often have red sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil, though the exact toppings are up for debate.
What Is The Difference Between New York And Detroit Style Pizza?
There are endless options when it comes to pizza toppings. However, New York pizza and Detroit pizza are two of the most well-known varieties. To that end, I’d like to know what distinguishes New York pizza from Detroit pizza.
The thin crust that defines New York pizza is what sets it apart. A crisp and bendable crust is the result of hand-tossing the pizza dough in a well-oiled pan. The sauce has crushed tomatoes and garlic as its main ingredients. Onions, pepperoni, and mushrooms are standard on pizzas with any toppings.
Detroit pizza, on the other hand, is known for its thick and airy crust. Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, this dough is baked in a square pan greased with oil or butter. The crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and basil used to make the sauce give it a deeper flavor than plain tomato sauce. Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham are typical toppings.
There’s more, though; let me explain in greater depth:
Crusts
Despite their shared ancestry in the original hand-tossed cheese pizza, New York-style and Detroit-style pizza are distinct in a number of important ways. The crust has been modified significantly.
The pizza crust in New York City is thin and crisp, but in Detroit it’s thick and chewy. The reason for this distinction is because square pans are used to bake pizzas in Detroit, whereas round pans are used in New York.
Detroit pizza gets its distinctive cheesy flavor from the thick crust and a higher cheese-to-sauce ratio. The well-done, crispy, and slightly caramelized edges are another distinguishing feature of Detroit-style pizza, in addition to the unique dough.
Because of the special cooking procedure, the resulting pizza is light and crispy, with a hint of sweetness. There is a pizza out there for everyone, whether they want theirs thin and crispy or thick and chewy.
Toppings
Both New York and Detroit pizzas are wonderful, but the toppings used are very different.
Pepperoni, sausage, onions, and peppers are typical pizza toppings in the Big Apple. However, in Detroit you may expect to see pizzas featuring pepperoni, bacon, ham, and pineapple.
While cheese is common to both New York and Chicago pizza, the cheeses utilized are distinctive. In New York, mozzarella reigns supreme, while in Detroit, cheddar reigns supreme among many.
No matter which kind of pizza you choose, you can’t go wrong with either New York or Detroit.
Sauce
The sauce is what makes New York pizza so special, despite its thin crust and minimalist toppings.
Crushed tomatoes and a special blend of spices go into making the sauce for New York pizza; the result is a somewhat sweet sauce that goes great with cheese and pepperoni.
Detroit pizza, on the other hand, is known for its larger crust and heartier sauce. Made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and oregano, Detroit-style pizza sauce has a robust flavor that complements spicy toppings like sausage and peppers.
No matter what your pizza preference is (thin, thick, simple, or substantial), you have to admit that the sauce is what sets New York and Detroit pizza apart from the others.
What Is Pizza Style Loved Most In The US?
Pizzas made in the New York and Detroit styles are the most popular in the United States. Both have their own distinct qualities and flavors, thus the choice boils down to individual taste. New York’s thin crust and light toppings stand in contrast to Detroit’s deep dish slices, which are thick and loaded high with cheese and pepperoni.
One may be more easily attainable than the other depending on your location. But you can have excellent pizza in any style virtually anywhere in the United States.
What Makes New York Style Pizza Iconic and Detroit Style Pizza Unique?
New York-style pizza and Detroit-style pizza are both iconic in their own ways, with distinct characteristics that set them apart. Here’s what makes each style unique:
New York Style Pizza
- Thin and Hand-Tossed Crust: New York-style pizza is known for its thin, hand-tossed crust. The crust is crispy on the outside, yet chewy and foldable, allowing it to be easily eaten on the go.
- Large, Wide Slices: New York-style pizza is typically served in large, triangular slices that are wide and generous. This style of pizza is often associated with the image of holding a big slice, folded in half, while walking down a New York City street.
- Simple and Classic Toppings: New York-style pizza traditionally features simple and classic toppings such as tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and often a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. The focus is on the quality of the crust and the balance of flavors.
- Fast-Baked in High-Temperature Ovens: New York-style pizza is typically baked at high temperatures in deck ovens, resulting in a quick cooking time that contributes to the distinct texture and flavors of the crust.
Detroit Style Pizza
- Thick, Deep-Dish Crust: Detroit-style pizza stands out with its thick, deep-dish crust. The crust is airy and light on the inside, with a crispy, caramelized exterior that forms from the cheese extending to the edges of the pan.
- Square or Rectangular Shape: Unlike the round shape of many pizza styles, Detroit-style pizza is typically baked in square or rectangular pans. This shape allows for the crust to have more surface area, creating more crispy edges.
- Caramelized Cheese Crust: One of the defining features of Detroit-style pizza is the caramelized cheese crust that forms around the edges of the pan. This cheese crust adds a unique flavor and texture to the pizza.
- Sauce on Top: In Detroit-style pizza, the sauce is usually ladled on top of the pizza after baking. This helps to preserve the crispy crust and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Both New York-style and Detroit-style pizzas have gained popularity and developed devoted fan bases. They represent different approaches to pizza-making, with New York-style focusing on a thin and foldable crust with classic toppings, and Detroit-style showcasing a thick, crispy crust with a distinctive cheese crust edge.
How Much Difference In Calories Between New York And Detroit Pizza Style?
A slice of New York-style pizza will typically have between 250 and 350 calories, depending on the toppings you choose. One slice of Detroit-style pizza can have as many as 550 calories due to its thicker crust and higher oil content.
You can limit the number of calories in your pizza by selecting a thinner crust or using fewer toppings if you’re watching your weight. Picking lower-fat cheeses like part-skim mozzarella is another way to watch your weight.
What Is The Best Topping For Detroit-Style And New York Pizza?
The best topping for Detroit-style and New York-style pizza can vary depending on personal preference. However, there are some popular and classic toppings that are commonly enjoyed on each style:
Best Toppings for Detroit-Style Pizza
- Pepperoni: Pepperoni is a classic choice for Detroit-style pizza. The slightly crispy edges and spicy flavor of pepperoni pair well with the thick crust and caramelized cheese crust of Detroit-style pizza.
- Brick Cheese: Brick cheese is the traditional cheese used in Detroit-style pizza. It has a mild and creamy flavor, and when melted, it creates a gooey and flavorful layer between the crust and toppings.
- Sausage: Sausage, whether in crumbled or sliced form, is a popular topping for Detroit-style pizza. Its savory and robust flavor complements the richness of the crust and cheese.
- Green Bell Peppers and Onions: Adding green bell peppers and onions to a Detroit-style pizza can provide a nice contrast in flavor and texture. They add a fresh, slightly sweet and crunchy element to the pizza.
Best Toppings for New York-Style Pizza
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for New York-style pizza. Its mild and creamy flavor, along with its gooey and stretchy texture when melted, complements the thin crust and allows the other toppings to shine.
- Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is a fundamental component of New York-style pizza. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and toppings.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves can be a great addition to New York-style pizza. The aromatic herb adds a burst of freshness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the pizza.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a popular topping for New York-style pizza. They add an earthy and savory flavor, and their texture pairs well with the thin crust.
These are just a few suggestions, and the best topping choices ultimately come down to personal taste preferences. Feel free to explore and experiment with different toppings to find your own favorite combinations!
The Taste and Texture of Detroit-style pizza
The New York style is gradually being eclipsed by the Detroit style. Pizza created in the Detroit style has a very thick crust that is baked in a very deep pan. After the dough has been baked, the pizza is typically given further cooking time after the toppings have been added. The dough of a Detroit-style pizza is recognized for being crisp, and the toppings are always great.
FAQs
What is the main difference between New York-style and Detroit-style pizza?
The main difference lies in the crust and overall composition of the pizza. New York-style pizza has a thin and crispy crust, while Detroit-style pizza features a deep-dish, square-shaped crust.
What is the texture of New York-style pizza crust?
The crust of New York-style pizza is thin and crispy on the outside, but still chewy and soft on the inside.
How does the crust of Detroit-style pizza differ?
Detroit-style pizza has a thick, airy, and light crust with a crispy exterior. It is often characterized by a unique caramelized cheese crust formed along the edges.
What is the shape of New York-style pizza?
New York-style pizza is typically round and cut into large, triangular slices.
How is Detroit-style pizza typically shaped?
Detroit-style pizza is rectangular in shape, with the dough stretching all the way to the edges of the pan, creating a thick and crispy crust.
What is the baking method for New York-style pizza?
New York-style pizza is traditionally baked in a hot deck oven or on a baking stone, which gives it a quick and even bake.
How is Detroit-style pizza baked?
Detroit-style pizza is baked in a rectangular pan that is typically coated with oil, creating a crispy, caramelized crust. It is baked in a deck oven or a specific Detroit-style pan.
What are the typical toppings used in New York-style pizza?
New York-style pizza often features classic toppings such as tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. However, a wide variety of toppings can be added based on personal preference.
Are there specific toppings associated with Detroit-style pizza?
Detroit-style pizza commonly features toppings like tomato sauce, Wisconsin brick cheese, and pepperoni, which is typically placed under the cheese to prevent it from burning.
Can I find New York-style pizza outside of New York?
Yes, New York-style pizza has gained popularity worldwide, and many pizzerias outside of New York City offer their own versions of this style.
Is Detroit-style pizza widely available outside of Detroit?
While Detroit-style pizza originated in Detroit, its popularity has grown, and you can now find it in various locations across the United States and even internationally.
Which style is known for its large, foldable slices?
New York-style pizza is famous for its large, foldable slices, allowing you to easily eat it on the go.
Which style has a thicker layer of cheese?
Detroit-style pizza has a thicker layer of cheese, which melts and caramelizes along the edges of the pan, creating a crispy and flavorful crust.
Can I customize the toppings on both New York-style and Detroit-style pizza?
Yes, both styles allow for customization and the addition of various toppings to suit individual preferences.
What are the traditional serving sizes for New York-style and Detroit-style pizza?
New York-style pizza is typically served as a whole pie, which is cut into 8 slices. Detroit-style pizza is usually served as a square pie, cut into smaller rectangular slices.
Conclusion
So, now you are aware What exactly differentiates pizza from New York from pizza from Detroit, and which one is the superior option? The dough of a Detroit pizza is typically thicker and chewier, and there is typically a substantial amount of sauce and cheese spread across the pie. The addition of cornmeal or flour results in a crust that is often thinner and crunchier than that of a pizza ordered in New York.
Both are tasty in their own unique ways, so picking one over the other comes down to personal preference. What do you think about the crust? What about the thickness? How much mozzarella do you prefer on your pizza, and how much tomato sauce? Do you enjoy a dry pie? Try out each of these tactics and see which one appeals to you more.

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