The Difference Between Sicilian And Detroit-Style Pizza (2024)

allie ward

·3 min read

Detroit-style and Sicilian pizza, while sharing a rectangular shape, differ significantly in terms of origins, toppings, and baking method. Detroit-style pizza hails from the Motor City and is renowned for its thick, crispy crust. What sets this pizza apart, though, is the Wisconsin brick cheese that is both mixed on top of the dough and layered on top of the crust.

The hallmark of Detroit-style pizza is the way this cheese extends on top of the crust from edge to edge, creating a caramelized cheese perimeter. Toppings, most popularly small cup pepperoni, are then placed on top of the cheese, and it's finished off with stripes of tomato sauce laid in what are known as "tire tracks" across the top.

Sicilian pizza, on the other hand, originates from Italy and its crust tends to be more dense and focaccia-like, where it's crispy on the outside and lighter on the inside. It's also a bit thinner than Detroit-style. Cheese and toppings typically go on top of the sauce, which is more akin to traditional pizza.

Another unique thing that differentiates Detroit-style pizza from Sicilian is the baking method. Detroit-style is baked in blue steel pans similar to the ones used by the auto manufacturing industry, perhaps a nod to the Motor City. Meanwhile, Sicilian pizza is typically baked in a large rectangular pan.

Read more: The 101 Best Pizzas In America

The History Of Detroit-Style Pizza

The Difference Between Sicilian And Detroit-Style Pizza (2)

Legend has it that Detroit-style pizza emerged in the 1940s at Buddy's Rendezvous, a Detroit bar owned by Gus Guerra. No one really knows what inspired Guerra to one day decide to put his own spin on a Sicilian pie by using a blue steel pan, Giles Flanagin, who runs a Detroit-style pizza restaurant in Colorado, told Midstory. "He took one of these pans home one day, and he tried to make what was called a Sicilian pizza, and he cheesed it edge to edge, and bang! We got this caramelization that had previously not happened, not been invented."

Over the years, other pizzerias in Detroit adopted this style, contributing to its popularity. In 2012, Detroit-style pizza even took first place at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Today Detroit-style pizza has become a culinary icon, celebrated not only in its hometown but also appreciated by pizza enthusiasts around the world.

Sicilian Pizza's Origins

The Difference Between Sicilian And Detroit-Style Pizza (3)

Sicilian pizza's roots trace back to the Italian island of Sicily, and more specifically to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. With origins dating back to the 19th century when pizza became a staple in Italian cuisine, this type of pizza is best known for its signature crust structure, which is thick yet light and airy.

Sicilian pizza as we know it evolved from sfincione, a popular street food in Palermo. Meaning "soft sponge," traditional sfincione features a thick tomato sauce, breadcrumbs, anchovies, onions, and caciocavallo cheese. It later evolved into Sicilian pizza, which utilizes the more American mozzarella cheese (cows and buffalo are not a mainstay on the island of Sicily). It is said that an Italian immigrant brought this style of pizza with him to New York City in the late 1800s and from there, it gained popularity and is now a staple on most pizzeria menus.

Read the original article on Daily Meal.

The Difference Between Sicilian And Detroit-Style Pizza (2024)

FAQs

The Difference Between Sicilian And Detroit-Style Pizza? ›

Another unique thing that differentiates Detroit-style pizza from Sicilian

Sicilian
Traditional Sicilian pizza is often thick-crusted and rectangular, but can also be round and similar to the Neapolitan pizza. It is often topped with onions, anchovies, tomatoes, herbs and strong cheese such as caciocavallo and toma.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Sicilian_pizza
is the baking method. Detroit-style is baked in blue steel pans similar to the ones used by the auto manufacturing industry, perhaps a nod to the Motor City. Meanwhile, Sicilian pizza is typically baked in a large rectangular pan.

What is the difference between Detroit and Sicilian pizza? ›

It has a much thinner crust, and Detroit-style pizza is baked in deep steel pans. It's closer in appearance to Sicilian pizza, but again the type of pan used is different, and Detroit-style pizza is constructed “upside-down” traditionally with stripes of sauce atop the cheese.

What makes Sicilian pizza different? ›

The original, authentic version from Sicily comes from Palermo and is called sfincione, which loosely translates as "thick sponge." Sicilian pizza has a fluffy, spongy bread base topped with a meatless sauce made from tomatoes, onions, herbs, and anchovies, which is covered with breadcrumbs and an optional grating of ...

What makes Detroit pizza different? ›

Detroit-Style Pizza is recognizable by its iconic square shape and crunchy, cheesy corner slices. Influenced by square Sicilian-style pizza, Detroit-Style Pizza consistently impresses pizza lovers due to its unique layering structure and stunning presentation.

What is the difference between Sicilian and Roman pizza? ›

It's the original Roman street food and is an institution of the city that can be found all over Italy. The dough is crispy and sturdy so it can hold a ton of toppings, but is light and airy enough to eat an extra slice. On the other hand, Sicilian pizza has a thick, spongy, and fluffy dough.

Why is Detroit-style pizza the best? ›

Detroit pizza is a Motor City take on a Sicilian pie, rectangular and pillowy with cheese scattered edge to edge, toppings above it and sauce on top, generally in two thick bands. What I like about it is the lacy, almost frico-like intensity of the cheese at the edges, where it crisps against the pan.

What is the opposite of Sicilian pizza? ›

While Sicilian crust is similar to our focaccia, Neapolitan crust is thinner and chewier. Because it's often baked at a higher temperature, it often has char marks and bubbles. Both crusts have a wheat flour base.

What is the difference between Sicilian and deep dish pizza? ›

Because Sicilian pizza is often cooked in a rectangular pan, it is sometimes referred to as a “pan pizza.” It's sometimes referred to as “thick crust pizza” as well. Sicilian pizza should not be confused with deep dish pizza, which is a different concept. Sicilian pizza comes out of the oven with a thick, airy crust.

What pizza chain has the best Detroit-style pizza? ›

We're Jet's Pizza® – the world's best Detroit-Style pizza. We're proud of it. Coming from the city that works hard and knows being good, just isn't enough. You've gotta be better—hone in on your craft and perfect it.

What kind of cheese is used on Detroit-style pizza? ›

Brick cheese is a high-fat aged cheese from Wisconsin. It has a buttery flavor and browns very well, giving Detroit pizza its distinct flavor. You can order it online from Amazon. If it's unavailable, you can use a combination of.

Is Sicilian pizza thin crust or thick crust? ›

Sicilian Pizza

This is pizza that is prepared using a method that originated in Sicily, Italy. The name is synonymous with thick crust pizza as traditional Sicilian pizza was rectangular and featured a thick crust. The dough can be over an inch thick. The modern Sicilian pizza features a generous amount of cheese.

What is the most popular type of pizza in Italy? ›

Whether in its simple version with mozzarella fiordilatte or mozzarella de bufala (in which case it would technically be called a Bufalina pizza), the Margherita pizza is undoubtedly the favourite pizza of Italian people.

What is the difference between Roman style pizza and Detroit-style pizza? ›

Compared to Detroit-style, Sicilian is definitely saucier and less cheesy. Roman versions are commonly rectangular with a thinner crust (approximately one-quarter of an inch versus Milana's one-inch thickness). Consider ordering the pepperoni and honey, which captures a messy sweetness in every cupped round of 'roni.

What is the difference between Detroit and New York pizza? ›

What is the difference between Detroit and New York Pizza? Short answer: everything! There could not be any two pizza crusts that any more different than New York Style Pizza and Detroit style pizza. Detroit is a thick, pan pizza while New York thin crust is applied directly to deck ovens.

How big is a Detroit-style pizza? ›

Most come in sizes of either 8×10 or 10×14, but are still referred to as squares. Forget the thick, heavy doughs used to make Chicago-style deep dish pizzas. Detroit-style pizza dough is light and airy, resembling a focaccia or Sicilian-style dough.

What is Detroit-style pizza pan? ›

Detroit Edge Pizza Pan where every piece is cut with an edge. 10x14x2.5 inch.

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