Name: Detroit Style Tomato Herb Pepperoni Pizza
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought; 4 cloves garlic, grated; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped; 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seed; Chili flakes; Kosher salt and black pepper; 2 tablespoons pepperoncini, chopped; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1 1/2 cups cubed brick cheese or whole milk mozzarella; 1/2 cup cubed provolone cheese; 1/2 cup cubed cheddar cheese; 8 ounces pepperoni, sliced; Honey, for serving

Why You’ll Love Detroit Style Tomato Herb Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

If you love thick, airy pizza with crispy edges and plenty of cheesy goodness, this recipe is a must-try. The dough bakes up soft and fluffy inside while the cheese forms a delicious golden crust around the edges. Fresh basil, oregano, garlic, and fennel bring a bold herb-filled flavor that makes every slice taste extra special. The pepperoni adds a classic savory bite, while the pepperoncini and chili flakes give the pizza a subtle kick. Finished with honey, this pizza has an irresistible sweet-and-salty contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
4 cloves garlic, grated
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
1 teaspoon crushed fennel seed
chili flakes
kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons pepperoncini, chopped
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 cups cubed brick cheese or whole milk mozzarella
1/2 cup cubed provolone cheese
1/2 cup cubed cheddar cheese
8 ounces pepperoni, sliced
honey, for serving

Directions

Start by positioning an oven rack in the bottom half of your oven and preheating it to 500°F. Drizzle the olive oil into a 9×13-inch metal cake pan or Detroit-style pizza pan. Place the pizza dough into the pan and gently stretch it so it nearly reaches the corners. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

While the dough is resting, make the herb mixture. In a small bowl, combine the grated garlic, chopped basil, chopped oregano, crushed fennel seed, and a pinch each of chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Once the dough has rested, gently press it again so it reaches all the way into the corners of the pan. Begin assembling the pizza by layering half of the pepperoni slices over the dough, followed by the chopped pepperoncini. Spoon the marinara sauce over the top, then sprinkle on half of the herb mixture.

Add the cheeses evenly over the pizza, followed by the cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle the remaining herbs over the top, then finish with the rest of the pepperoni.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pizza is bubbly and the cheese around the edges has formed a crispy crust. Use a spatula to loosen the edges, then carefully slide the pizza onto a cutting board. Slice into squares and serve warm with fresh basil and a drizzle of honey.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 servings, making it a great choice for family dinner, casual gatherings, or game day meals.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 to 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

You can easily customize this pizza to suit your taste. Swap the pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage if you want a heartier topping. For a vegetarian version, leave out the meat and add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or olives. If you like extra heat, add more chili flakes or use spicy pepperoni. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as fontina or Monterey Jack, for a slightly different flavor and texture. For a fresher finish, top the baked pizza with arugula or extra basil before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, reheat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat until the bottom crisps up and the cheese melts again. You can also warm it in a 375°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the crust soft and chewy instead of crisp.

FAQs

What makes Detroit-style pizza different from regular pizza?

Detroit-style pizza is known for its thick, airy crust, rectangular shape, and crispy cheese edges. It is baked in a pan, which helps create its signature texture.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works very well in this recipe and makes preparation even easier.

What kind of cheese is best for Detroit-style pizza?

Brick cheese is traditional, but whole milk mozzarella is a great substitute. The provolone and cheddar add extra flavor and help create that rich, crispy topping.

Can I make this pizza less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce or omit the chili flakes and use mild pepperoni if you prefer a gentler flavor.

Why do I need to let the dough rest in the pan?

Resting the dough helps it relax, making it easier to stretch into the corners without shrinking back.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, onions, olives, or bell peppers. Just avoid overloading the pizza so the crust stays crisp.

What does the honey do?

The honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory cheese, pepperoni, and herbs beautifully.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can prep the herb mixture and chop the toppings ahead of time. You can also let the dough rest in the pan before assembling and baking when ready.

How do I know when the pizza is done baking?

The pizza is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling, the edges are deeply golden, and the crust looks crisp.

Can I freeze leftover pizza?

Yes, you can freeze cooked slices in an airtight container or wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Conclusion

Detroit Style Tomato Herb Pepperoni Pizza is the kind of recipe that turns a simple pizza night into something memorable. With its crisp edges, fluffy crust, fresh herbs, rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey cheese and pepperoni, every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you serve it for a weekend dinner, a casual party, or a fun family meal, this pizza is sure to be a hit.