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Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza: A Perfect Plant-Based Twist on a Classic

New Digital Product Collection December 26, 2024

 



Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza: A Perfect Plant-Based Twist on a Classic

Detroit-style pizza is known for its thick, rectangular crust, tangy sauce, and generous cheese layer that forms a crispy, caramelized edge. This hearty pizza was born in the Motor City, but it’s no longer just a regional favorite. In recent years, Detroit-style pizza has gained popularity nationwide, and now, with the growing demand for plant-based foods, it's time to introduce a Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza that’s just as indulgent, satisfying, and delicious as the original.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make your very own Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza, complete with a crispy, golden crust, a hearty sauce, and a melty vegan cheese layer. We’ll also highlight the benefits of choosing plant-based ingredients and explain how you can customize this pizza to your taste. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for anyone—from beginners to seasoned pizza-makers—looking for a vegan alternative to the classic Detroit pie.

What is Detroit-Style Pizza?

Detroit-style pizza is known for its unique characteristics:

  • Thick, airy crust: The dough is proofed for a long time, giving it a light, airy texture with a slight crunch.
  • Cheese under the sauce: Unlike traditional pizzas, Detroit-style pizzas have cheese spread directly on the dough, under the sauce, to create that crispy, golden edge.
  • Rectangular shape: It’s traditionally baked in a rectangular pan, giving it a square or rectangular shape.

Traditionally, Detroit-style pizza is topped with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and a rich tomato sauce. In this vegan version, we’ll substitute the cheese with plant-based alternatives, and we can customize the toppings to make it our own.

Why Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza?

There are plenty of reasons to love vegan pizza, especially when it’s as satisfying and flavorful as Detroit-style pizza. Here’s why you should give it a try:

  • Dairy-Free: This pizza is completely dairy-free, making it a great option for vegans and people with lactose intolerance.
  • Rich, crispy crust: The thick, fluffy crust that Detroit-style pizza is famous for still holds up in the vegan version. It's perfect for those who love hearty, satisfying pizza.
  • Healthy Ingredients: With a plant-based crust, dairy-free cheese, and nutritious toppings, this pizza offers a healthier alternative to traditional pies.
  • Customizable: You can make this pizza your own by adding any plant-based toppings you like, from mushrooms to vegan sausage to fresh basil.
  • Eco-Friendly: By choosing plant-based ingredients, you’re making a more sustainable choice, reducing your carbon footprint and supporting animal welfare.

Ingredients for Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to create the perfect Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza.

For the Pizza Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 ½ cups crushed tomatoes (preferably organic)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

  • 1 ½ cups vegan mozzarella cheese (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup vegan pepperoni (optional but adds a great flavor)
  • 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
  • ½ cup black olives (sliced)
  • 1/2 cup vegan sausage (optional for added protein)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Olive oil (for greasing the pan and drizzling)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza

Follow these steps to make a vegan version of Detroit-style pizza that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1.      Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2.      Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir the mixture together until a dough forms.

3.      Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

4.      Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1.      Cook the sauce: While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

2.      Set the sauce aside: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Detroit-style pizza requires high heat for the best results, ensuring the crust is crispy and golden.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

1.      Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough to fit a rectangular pan (traditionally a 10x14-inch pan is used).

2.      Transfer to the pan: Grease the pan with olive oil and then transfer the dough into the pan. Use your fingers to gently spread the dough to the edges of the pan.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

1.      Add the cheese: Spread a generous amount of vegan mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. Be sure to cover the entire surface, including the edges, so that you get the signature crispy cheese crust.

2.      Add the sauce: Spoon the prepared tomato sauce on top of the cheese, spreading it evenly, but be sure to leave some space around the edges to create that crispy, cheesy crust.

3.      Add toppings: Now it's time to add your toppings! Arrange the vegan pepperoni, sliced red onion, mushrooms, and black olives over the pizza. Feel free to get creative with your toppings—vegan sausage, roasted peppers, or fresh spinach are great options.

4.      Drizzle with olive oil: Lightly drizzle some olive oil over the top for extra flavor and richness.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The edges of the crust should be crisp, with the cheese slightly caramelized.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1.      Garnish: Once the pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Optionally, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and freshness.

2.      Slice and enjoy: Slice your Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza into squares (the traditional way) and serve hot!

Why You’ll Love Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza

  • Crispy cheese edge: The combination of vegan cheese and crispy dough gives you that satisfying, caramelized cheese edge.
  • Hearty, satisfying crust: The thick, airy dough is perfect for holding all the toppings, making each bite indulgent and filling.
  • Customizable toppings: Add whatever toppings you love—mushrooms, peppers, olives, or vegan sausage—all while keeping the pizza plant-based.
  • Plant-Based Comfort Food: This vegan version doesn’t sacrifice any of the comforting qualities of a classic Detroit-style pizza.

Health Benefits of Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza

  1. Lower in Saturated Fat: Using plant-based cheese and eliminating the meat makes this pizza lower in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
  2. High in Fiber: The vegetables and whole wheat flour (if used) provide plenty of fiber, which helps with digestion and overall health.
  3. Packed with Nutrients: The toppings, especially the vegetables, offer a range of vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to a balanced diet.

Conclusion

If you're craving the crispy, hearty goodness of Detroit-style pizza but want a plant-based version, this Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza is the perfect solution. With its thick, airy crust, rich tomato sauce, and melty vegan cheese, it’s a comforting and satisfying pizza that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s healthier, more sustainable, and customizable to your taste.

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