Sicilian vs Detroit Pizza: What’s the Difference?

Last Updated on September 14, 2024 by Shari Mason

Pizza is loaded with **tons of styles** and flavors. Lately, Sicilian and Detroit pizzas **skyrocketed in popularity** and **received heaps of praise** **from many people**.

While both styles have unique characteristics and loyal fan bases, they differ in several ways, from the crust to the toppings. 

To find out the differences between Sicilian vs Detroit pizza, our team did a taste test and examined the ingredients. Read on to discover what we found out.

What Are The Origins Of Sicilian & Detroit Pizza?

Sicilian pizza originated in Sicily, Italy, where it was created in the 19th century. It’s a traditional pizza with a thick, fluffy crust that’s usually rectangular. 

The pizza is often topped with tomato sauce [1], cheese, and other toppings such as onions, peppers, and sausage. 

Sicilian pizza has become popular in the United States, where it’s often served in pizzerias and Italian restaurants. 

On the other hand, Detroit pizza originated in Detroit, Michigan, in the United States, during the 1940s. The pizza is rectangular with a thick, crispy crust, usually baked in a rectangular pan. 

It’s topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like pepperoni, bacon, or vegetables. Detroit Pizza is also famous in the United States, especially in the Midwest.

Read: Does Pepperoni Go On Top Of Cheese?

What Are The Differences In Crust?

One of the main differences between Sicilian and Detroit pizza is the crust.

Sicilian pizza has a thick and fluffy crust about an inch or two thick. The crust is airy and light, with a crispy exterior and a soft interior. 

In contrast, Detroit Pizza has a thick, crispy crust that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. 

How Are Sicilian & Detroit Pizza Cooked?

Sicilian pizza and Detroit pizza are both cooked differently. Sicilian pizza is usually baked in a rectangular pan and is cooked in a hot oven. The pizza is baked for 15-20 minutes, and the crust becomes golden brown and crispy. 

The toppings and cheese are usually placed on the crust before baking. On the other hand, Detroit pizza is also cooked in a rectangular pan, but it’s baked in a slightly cooler oven. 

“You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I’m not hungry enough to eat six.”

– Yogi Berra, Baseball Catcher

The pizza is baked for about 25-30 minutes, and the crust becomes crispy and golden brown. The cheese is usually placed on top of the toppings and the sauce, creating a unique and delicious flavor. 

Both pizzas require some time to cook thoroughly and achieve the desired texture and flavor.

Which Toppings Are Commonly Used On Sicilian & Detroit Pizza?

Sicilian pizza is typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese [2], and toppings such as onions, peppers, and sausage. 

Sometimes, Sicilian pizza is also topped with breadcrumbs, which adds a crunchy texture to the pizza. In contrast, Detroit pizza is usually topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like pepperoni, bacon, or vegetables. 

Detroit pizza sometimes features a layer of sauce on top of the cheese, which creates a unique flavor.

Both pizzas offer a wide range of topping options, and toppings can be customized to suit individual preferences. 

Which Is Healthier – Sicilian Or Detroit Pizza?

Regarding health, neither Sicilian nor Detroit pizza is particularly healthy. Both types of pizza are high in calories and fat, and the thick crusts add to the overall calorie count. 

However, Sicilian pizza might be a better choice if you want a slightly healthier option. The crust is lighter and airier, which means it has fewer calories than the thick, crispy crust of Detroit pizza. 

Additionally, Sicilian pizza often includes vegetables as toppings, which add some nutritional value to the pizza.

FAQs

In Conclusion

Sicilian and Detroit Pizza are popular pizza types with unique characteristics and flavors. Sicilian pizza has a thick and fluffy crust often topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like onions, peppers, and sausage. 

In contrast, Detroit Pizza has a thick, crispy crust baked in a rectangular pan and topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like pepperoni, bacon, or vegetables. 

Both types of pizza offer a wide range of toppings and flavors, and the choice will ultimately come down to personal preference. 

While neither Sicilian nor Detroit pizza is particularly healthy, Sicilian pizza may be a slightly better option due to its lighter and airier crust. 

Whether you prefer the traditional square-shaped Sicilian pizza or the unique rectangular Detroit-style pizza, both types will satisfy your craving for this beloved dish.

References:

1. https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/basic_tomato_sauce/
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/299147