FAQ About Pizza

Sicilian and Detroit-style pizzas are both known for their unique characteristics, but they differ in terms of their origins, crust, toppings, and baking methods. Here's a breakdown of the differences between Sicilian and Detroit-style pizza:

Origins:

• Sicilian Pizza: Sicilian pizza originates from Sicily, Italy. It is influenced by Italian-American culture and is often associated with New York-style pizza due to its popularity in that region.
• Detroit-style Pizza: Detroit-style pizza originated in Detroit, Michigan, United States. It was created by Gus Guerra at Buddy's Rendezvous, a bar in Detroit, in the 1940s.

Crust:

• Sicilian Pizza: Sicilian pizza features a thick, rectangular crust that is airy and fluffy on the inside while being crispy on the outside. The dough is often seasoned with olive oil and is allowed to rise for an extended period, resulting in a lighter and more bread-like texture.
• Detroit-style Pizza: Detroit-style pizza has a thick, rectangular crust that is crispy and chewy. The dough is similar to a Sicilian pizza, but it typically incorporates a higher hydration level, which gives the crust its distinct lightness and airy texture. The dough is then baked in a well-oiled pan, creating a caramelized, crispy cheese crust around the edges.

Toppings:

• Sicilian Pizza: Sicilian pizza typically features a generous amount of toppings. It often includes a rich tomato sauce, grated cheese, onions, anchovies, herbs, and occasionally, vegetables like bell peppers or olives.
• Detroit-style Pizza: Detroit-style pizza usually has the cheese placed directly on top of the dough, followed by the toppings, and finally, the sauce spread on top. This layering helps to protect the crust and allows the sauce to caramelize during baking. The toppings commonly include pepperoni, cheese, and other classic pizza toppings.

Baking Method:

• Sicilian Pizza: Sicilian pizza is traditionally baked in a rectangular baking dish or a sheet pan, allowing for a larger pizza that can be sliced into squares or rectangles. It is typically baked at a high temperature to achieve a crispy crust.
• Detroit-style Pizza: Detroit-style pizza is baked in a well-oiled, rectangular steel pan. The oil in the pan creates a crispy, caramelized crust. The cheese is spread to the edges of the pan, creating a distinct "ring" of crispy cheese around the edges.