best cheese for detroit style pizza

Best Cheese for Detroit Style Pizza

Detroit-style pizza, known for its thick, rectangular shape and crispy, caramelized cheese crust, demands a specific type of cheese to achieve its signature characteristics. While mozzarella is often used, the best cheese (or blend of cheeses) typically involves a low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella and brick cheese combination to ensure proper melting and browning.

Why Mozzarella and Brick Cheese Work Best

The combination of low-moisture mozzarella and brick cheese creates the ideal texture and flavor profile for Detroit-style pizza. Low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella melts evenly and provides a good base flavor, while brick cheese, with its higher fat content, contributes to the coveted crispy, browned edges. The history of Brick cheese is tied to Wisconsin, and its unique properties are ideal for this style.

Mozzarella Characteristics

The right mozzarella is crucial. Avoid fresh mozzarella, as its high moisture content will lead to a soggy pizza. Low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella is the standard. Part-skim mozzarella can also be used, but it may not brown as well and lack the desired richness.

Brick Cheese: The Detroit Secret

Brick cheese is a semi-hard cheese that originated in Wisconsin. Its relatively high fat content is what allows it to caramelize and crisp up beautifully along the edges of the Detroit-style pizza. If brick cheese is unavailable, some pizza makers suggest using a blend of Monterey Jack and mild cheddar as a substitute, although the flavor won’t be exactly the same.

Cheese Blends and Experimentation

While mozzarella and brick cheese is a traditional combination, many pizza chefs experiment with other cheeses to add complexity and enhance the flavor. Provolone, Fontina, or even a small amount of Parmesan can be incorporated for added depth. The key is to maintain the integrity of the crispy, caramelized crust, so don’t use cheeses that release too much moisture.

FAQs About Detroit Style Pizza Cheese

What happens if I use fresh mozzarella on Detroit-style pizza?

Fresh mozzarella will release too much water during baking, resulting in a soggy crust and preventing the cheese from properly caramelizing.

Can I use only mozzarella for Detroit-style pizza?

Yes, you can use only mozzarella, specifically low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella. However, you may not achieve the same level of crispiness and flavor complexity as with a mozzarella and brick cheese blend.

Where can I find brick cheese?

Brick cheese can be found in many supermarkets, especially in the Midwest. If it’s not available locally, you can often order it online from specialty cheese retailers.

What’s a good substitute for brick cheese if I can’t find it?

A blend of Monterey Jack and mild cheddar can be used as a substitute for brick cheese, though it will not have the exact same flavor or melting characteristics.

How much cheese should I use on a Detroit-style pizza?

Detroit-style pizza typically uses a generous amount of cheese, about 1 to 1.5 pounds for a 10×14 inch pan. Be sure to spread the cheese evenly, extending it to the edges of the pan to create the signature crispy crust.

Summary

The best cheese for Detroit-style pizza is typically a blend of low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella and brick cheese. This combination provides the perfect balance of flavor, melting properties, and browning capabilities to create the pizza’s signature crispy, caramelized crust and rich, satisfying taste. Experimentation with other cheeses is possible, but maintaining the desired texture and flavor profile is key.