detroit pizza costco instructions

Detroit-Style Pizza from Costco: Cooking It to Perfection

Costco’s Detroit-style pizza has become a popular choice for its thick, airy crust and generous toppings. To achieve the optimal taste and texture, precise baking is crucial. This guide will walk you through the recommended cooking instructions for getting a delicious, restaurant-quality pizza right at home.

Understanding Detroit-Style Pizza

Detroit-style pizza, a relatively recent addition to the pizza landscape, is defined by its rectangular shape, thick crust, crispy edges, and sauce typically applied on top of the cheese. This style originated in Detroit, Michigan, and has rapidly gained popularity across the United States. For a deeper dive into its origins and characteristics, refer to Wikipedia’s article on Detroit-style pizza.

Costco’s Detroit-Style Pizza: What to Expect

Costco’s Detroit-style pizza is typically sold as a large, pre-made pizza that needs to be baked at home. It usually comes frozen or refrigerated, depending on your local Costco’s offerings. The key features are the thick, pan-baked crust and the generous layer of toppings. These pizzas are designed to be convenient and flavorful, but require proper cooking to truly shine.

Baking Instructions for Costco’s Detroit-Style Pizza

Follow these steps for best results:

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the middle.
2. Remove the pizza from its packaging.
3. If frozen, thaw the pizza partially for approximately 30-60 minutes to allow for more even cooking (check the package for the precise recommendation for thawing time).

Baking

1. Place the pizza directly on the middle oven rack. Using a pizza stone or baking sheet isn’t typically recommended for this style of pizza, as direct heat helps achieve the crispy crust.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
3. Keep a close eye on the pizza during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

Serving

1. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the pizza into squares.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for a Better Pizza

• Rotate halfway through: Rotate the pizza 180 degrees halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
• Check the crust: The bottom of the crust should be golden brown and crispy. If it’s not crispy enough, you can bake it for a few more minutes.
• Add extra toppings: Feel free to add additional toppings to customize your pizza. Add them before baking for best results.
• Thawing considerations: If your pizza is frozen and you’re short on time, you can bake it directly from frozen, but you’ll need to increase the baking time accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to cook a Costco Detroit pizza?

Typically, it takes 20-25 minutes to bake a Costco Detroit-style pizza at 400°F (200°C).

Do I need to thaw the pizza before baking?

While not strictly necessary, partially thawing the pizza for 30-60 minutes will generally lead to more even cooking.

Can I use a pizza stone for Costco Detroit pizza?

Directly baking the pizza on the oven rack is generally recommended for Detroit-style pizza to achieve the desired crispy crust. A pizza stone might not provide the same level of direct heat.

What temperature should I bake my Costco Detroit pizza at?

Bake at 400°F (200°C).

How do I know when my Costco Detroit pizza is done?

The pizza is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, the crust is golden brown, and the bottom of the crust is crispy.

Summary

Cooking Costco’s Detroit-style pizza is straightforward. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), partially thaw the pizza if frozen, bake directly on the oven rack for 20-25 minutes, and let it cool before slicing. By following these instructions, you can enjoy a delicious, convenient, and affordable Detroit-style pizza at home.