
Detroit-Style Hot Honey Pizza
- Prep Time
Approx. 4 hours - Difficulty
Medium - Servings
Makes one 10x14" Pizza
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp Instant Dry Yeast
- 3/4 cup & 2 tbsp of Water
- 2 cups & 3 tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 3/4 tsp Salt
- Butter or shortening
- White cheddar cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (grated)
- Whole peeled tomatoes (blended)
- Pizza toppings of your choice
- Mike's Hot Honey to taste
Instructions
Let's Make Some Pizza Magic!
The Perfect Dough (3.5 hours)
1. Mix it up (10 minutes):
- Dissolve salt in warm water
- Add flour to a large bowl
- Sprinkle yeast on top
- Mix until shaggy, then knead 8 minutes
- Dough should be soft but not sticky
2. First rest (20 minutes):
- Cover bowl with damp towel
- Let dough chill and relax
- This makes it easier to shape!
3. Pan prep:
- Butter that pan generously
- Don't skip the sides!
- This is crucial for those crispy edges
4. Shape and rise (2.5-3 hours):
- Press dough into pan corners
- Don't worry if it springs back
- Cover with towel
- Let rise until puffy
- Poke any large bubbles
The Assembly (15 minutes)
1. Preheat your oven:
- Set to 475°F
- Let it heat at least 30 minutes
- Position rack in lower third
2. The legendary Detroit cheese layout:
- Mozzarella in the middle
- Cheddar around the edges
- This creates those amazing crusty bits!
3. Sauce and toppings:
- Stripes of sauce on top (yes, on top!)
- Add your favorite toppings
- Don't overload—less is more
The Bake (15 minutes)
1. Bake until:
- Edges are dark brown
- Cheese is bubbly
- Bottom is crispy
- Toppings are slightly charred
2. The finishing touch:
- Remove from oven
- Drizzle generously with Mike's Hot Honey
- Let rest 5 minutes before cutting
Pro Tips for Pizza Perfection
Dough Success
- Use room temperature ingredients
- Knead until dough passes the windowpane test
- Don't rush the rise—patience makes perfect
- If dough springs back, let it rest 10 minutes
Cheese Choices
- Brick cheese is traditional
- White cheddar makes a great substitute
- Grate your own—pre-shredded doesn't melt as well
- Layer edge cheese generously for maximum crunch
Temperature Tricks
- Cold ferment dough overnight for better flavor
- Let pan come to room temp before baking
- Rotate pan halfway through for even cooking
Make It Your Own
Classic Combos
- Pepperoni & Hot Honey
- Sausage & Mushroom
- Buffalo Chicken & Ranch
- Margherita with Hot Honey Drizzle
Veggie Options
- Roasted Garlic & Mushroom
- Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts
- Caramelized Onion & Pepper
- Fresh Basil & Cherry Tomatoes
Troubleshooting Tips
Q: Dough not rising?
A: Check yeast freshness and water temperature
Q: Cheese not crispy?
A: Make sure it touches the pan edges
Q: Bottom not brown enough?
A: Try a darker pan or lower rack position
Storage & Reheating
- Best eaten fresh!
- Leftovers good for 3 days in fridge
- Reheat at 375°F until crispy
- Add fresh hot honey when serving
Ready to become a Detroit pizza pro? Find Mike's Hot Honey near you or shop online at mikeshothoney.com. Share your pizza creations with #MikesHotHoney