detroit style pizza calories

Detroit Style Pizza: A Slice of Calorie Reality

Detroit style pizza, known for its thick, rectangular crust and caramelized cheese edges, tends to be higher in calories than many other pizza types. A single slice can easily contain 300-500 calories, depending on the toppings and size.

Calorie Breakdown in Detroit Style Pizza

The high calorie count in Detroit style pizza stems from several key factors:

The Thick Crust

Unlike thin-crust pizzas, the signature Detroit style crust is thick and focaccia-like. This requires more dough, which contributes significantly to the overall calorie count. The dough is typically made with a higher fat content, adding further to the caloric density.

Generous Cheese Application

Detroit style pizza is renowned for its abundant cheese coverage, typically Wisconsin brick cheese. This dense, high-fat cheese melts beautifully and caramelizes along the edges, creating that desirable crispy crust. However, all that cheese translates to a substantial calorie boost.

Rich Toppings

The toppings on Detroit style pizzas can range from traditional pepperoni and sausage to more gourmet options. Meats like pepperoni and sausage are high in fat and calories. The sauce, often a chunky tomato sauce dolloped on *after* baking, also adds calories, depending on the oil and sugar content.

Oil and Butter

The pans used to bake Detroit style pizzas are typically heavily oiled or buttered to achieve the crispy, golden-brown crust. This added fat further increases the calorie count per slice. The use of oil or butter creates a delicious flavor and texture but it does increase the calorie content.

Factors Affecting Calorie Count

Several factors influence the exact calorie count of a Detroit style pizza slice:

• Size of the slice: Obviously, a larger slice will contain more calories.
• Type and amount of cheese: Different cheeses have varying fat and calorie contents.
• Toppings: Meat-heavy pizzas will be higher in calories than those with vegetables.
• Dough recipe: Some recipes use more oil or butter than others.

Is Detroit Style Pizza Healthy?

Detroit style pizza isn’t typically considered a “healthy” food due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Choosing lighter toppings, opting for a smaller slice, and limiting your intake frequency are ways to enjoy it while mitigating the potential impact on your health. Learn more about pizza nutrition on Wikipedia.

FAQs About Detroit Style Pizza Calories

How many calories are in a whole Detroit style pizza?

A whole Detroit style pizza can easily contain between 2400-4000 calories, depending on the size and toppings.

Is Detroit style pizza worse for you than other pizzas?

Generally, yes. Due to the thick crust, generous cheese, and often rich toppings, Detroit style pizza is typically higher in calories and fat compared to thin-crust or even hand-tossed pizzas.

How can I reduce the calories in my Detroit style pizza?

Choose vegetable toppings, ask for less cheese, and consider making your own pizza at home with a healthier dough recipe.

What’s the average fat content in a slice of Detroit style pizza?

A single slice can contain 15-30 grams of fat or even more, depending on the cheese and toppings.

Does Detroit style pizza have more carbs?

Yes, due to its thick crust, Detroit style pizza has a higher carbohydrate content compared to thinner pizzas.

Summary

Detroit style pizza is a delicious and satisfying treat, but it’s also calorie-dense. Being mindful of the ingredients and portion size can help you enjoy it as part of a balanced dietary approach. Consider making informed choices about toppings and portion control to moderate the calorie intake.