detroit deep dish pizza little caesars

Little Caesars Detroit-Style Deep Dish Pizza: A Square Deal?

Little Caesars brought Detroit-style deep dish pizza to the masses, offering a relatively inexpensive version of a regional favorite. Characterized by its rectangular shape, thick, airy crust, and cheese that extends to the edges, resulting in caramelized crispy edges, the Little Caesars version quickly became a popular menu item. But how authentic is it, and what can you expect?

What Defines Detroit-Style Pizza?

Detroit-style pizza, as the name suggests, originated in Detroit, Michigan. According to Wikipedia’s article on Detroit-style pizza, it’s typically baked in rectangular steel pans, originally automotive parts trays. This gives it its signature shape. The dough is thick and airy, resulting in a light yet substantial crust. A key element is the Wisconsin brick cheese which is pushed all the way to the edges of the pan. During baking, the cheese caramelizes against the hot steel, creating a distinctive crispy, cheesy crust edge. The sauce is traditionally ladled on top of the baked cheese and pepperoni, creating a layered effect.

Little Caesars’ Interpretation

Little Caesars’ Detroit-Style Deep Dish attempts to capture the essence of the classic. They use a rectangular pan and a thick crust. They also emphasize the cheese extending to the edges to create the crispy caramelized crust. However, some differences exist. The exact type of cheese used may vary, and the sauce placement may not always adhere strictly to the traditional post-bake application. Despite these variations, the Little Caesars version remains a recognizable and affordable take on the regional style.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordability: A major selling point is its price. Little Caesars offers Detroit-style pizza at a significantly lower cost than many independent pizzerias specializing in this style.
• Accessibility: With numerous locations, it’s readily available across the country.
• Taste Profile: It generally satisfies a craving for a cheesy, thick-crusted pizza with crispy edges.

Cons:

• Authenticity: While it captures the general concept, it might not fully replicate the authentic flavor and texture of a true Detroit-style pizza.
• Ingredient Quality: The ingredients might not be as high-quality as those used in artisan pizzerias.
• Consistency: Quality can vary depending on the location and time of day.

FAQs

What makes Detroit-style pizza different?

The rectangular shape, thick and airy crust, crispy cheese edges, and sauce ladled on after baking are the key differentiators.

Is Little Caesars Detroit-style pizza actually from Detroit?

While inspired by Detroit-style pizza, Little Caesars is a national chain, not exclusively based in Detroit.

How much does it cost?

The price varies, but it’s generally positioned as a budget-friendly option.

What kind of cheese is on Little Caesars Detroit-style pizza?

While they aim for a similar effect, they might not use traditional Wisconsin brick cheese, although the cheese is pushed to the edges to create the distinctive crispy crust.

Is it worth trying?

If you’re looking for an affordable and readily available introduction to Detroit-style pizza, it’s worth a try. However, expect a more mass-produced version compared to artisan offerings.

Summary

Little Caesars Detroit-Style Deep Dish offers an accessible and affordable take on a regional pizza favorite. While it might not be a perfect replica, it provides a satisfying option for those seeking a cheesy, thick-crusted pizza with crispy edges without breaking the bank. If you’re curious about Detroit-style pizza and looking for a budget-friendly option, it’s worth considering.