What Is Detroit-Style Pizza? (And Where to Get It in Macclesfield)
If you’ve heard people banging on about “Detroit-style pizza” and thought,
“Alright… so is it just a square pizza?” — you’re not alone.
Detroit-style is rectangular. But the shape is the least important part.
What you’re really getting is a thick, airy base with a proper crunch, cheesy edges that go crispy and caramelised all the way round, and bold toppings that don’t mess about. It’s indulgent, built to travel well, and when it’s done right, it’s the kind of pizza that makes you stop mid-bite like,
“Okay. I get it now.”
This guide breaks down what Detroit-style pizza actually is, why it’s different from deep dish and Sicilian, and what to look for if you want the real deal here in Macclesfield.
What is Detroit-style pizza, exactly?
So, what is Detroit-style pizza?
Detroit-style pizza is a rectangular, pan-baked pizza with a thick-but-light base, a crunchy bottom, and signature crispy cheese edges.
The vibe is simple:
Square slice, big energy
Light, airy dough (not stodgy)
Cheese goes right to the edge so it caramelises against the pan
Sauce often goes on top in stripes (yeah, really)
It’s not a “knife and fork” situation like some deep dish pizzas, and it’s not just a thicker version of your usual takeaway slice either. Done properly, it’s a texture + flavour flex, and exactly what you want when you’re craving quality pizza takeaway in Macclesfield.
Where did Detroit-style pizza come from? (A quick origin story)
Detroit-style pizza comes from Detroit, Michigan, where it was first baked in rectangular steel pans. These pans were often linked to the city’s industrial roots — tough, practical, and built to last.
That attitude shows in the pizza too:
Bold
No-nonsense
Built different
Over time, Detroit-style became famous for two things people never forget:
That crunch from pan-baking
Those edges where the cheese fries itself into crispy, caramelised goodness
Nothing stops Detroit — especially not hunger.
The 4 things that make Detroit-style pizza different
A proper Detroit slice isn’t just “pizza in a tray”. There are a few non-negotiables.
The pan: why shape (and steel) matters
Detroit-style pizza is baked in a rectangular pan, traditionally made from heavy steel.
That matters because it helps create:
A crisp bottom instead of a soft one
An even bake through the middle
A slice that can handle bold toppings without collapsing
This pan is a big reason why Detroit-style pizza feels sturdy but never heavy.
The edges: crispy, caramelised “frico” corners
This is the main character.
Cheese is pushed right to the edges so it melts down the sides and caramelises against the hot pan, forming a crispy, lacy, golden border.
Expect:
Crunch
Salty, cheesy umami
A quiet moment of “How is this allowed?”
Once you’ve had these edges, it’s hard to go back.
The base: thick, airy, and properly baked through
Detroit-style dough is thicker than normal pizza — but it should never feel dense.
When it’s done right, the base is:
Airy and light inside
Crispy underneath
Strong enough to hold indulgent toppings
You get comfort without feeling like you’ve eaten a brick.
Sauce on top: the “racing stripes” move
One of the most iconic Detroit-style moves is putting the sauce on top, often in stripes.
It’s not just for looks. Sauce on top:
Keeps the base crispier
Lets you taste each layer clearly
Finishes every bite with bold flavour
If you’re used to sauce always going under the cheese, this feels rebellious — in a good way.
Detroit-style vs deep dish vs Sicilian: what’s the difference?
These styles get mixed up all the time. Here’s the simple version.
Detroit-style vs deep dish
Deep dish is tall, rich, and pie-like
Often eaten with knife and fork
Detroit-style is thick but airy, crisp, and handheld
Detroit-style vs Sicilian
Both can be rectangular and thick
Detroit is known for cheese-to-the-edge caramelisation
Sicilian is usually softer and more bread-like
Easy memory trick:
Deep dish = pizza pie
Sicilian = thick square pizza
Detroit = thick square pizza with crispy cheese edges and crunchy base
What to expect when you order Detroit-style pizza in Macclesfield
When you order Detroit-style pizza in Macclesfield, here’s what you should get:
Crispy edges that stay crunchy
Soft, airy middle — never dense
Big flavours that don’t taste mass-produced
A slice that actually fills you up
It’s also great for sharing. Those slices are generous, and one box can feed more people than you’d expect.
Detroit-style pizza FAQs
Is Detroit-style pizza greasy?
It shouldn’t be greasy, but it is indulgent. Expect richness, not oiliness.
Is it just focaccia with toppings?
No. The crispy bottom and caramelised cheese edge make it completely different.
Why is it square?
Tradition and practicality. The pan shape helps create the signature bake and easy portioning.
Does sauce always go on top?
Not always, but it’s a classic Detroit move.
Is Detroit-style pizza good for takeaway or delivery?
Yes. It holds its shape well, and the edges usually stay crispy.
Where to get Detroit-style pizza in Macclesfield
If you’re in Macclesfield and wondering where to find real Detroit-style pizza, you don’t need to travel to Manchester or beyond.
The Detroit Slice is built around this style from day one — thick airy base, crunchy pan bake, and those famous caramelised edges. No boring copy-paste menu vibes. Just proper Detroit-inspired pizza made for Macclesfield.
If you want to see what’s cooking right now, check out The Detroit Slice menu and pick your favourite.
Fair warning: once you’ve had the edges, normal pizza can feel a bit… polite.
