Here’s a homemade version of Emmy Squared Pizza that’s sure to wow you:
Emmy Squared Pizza Recipe
For the Dough:
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2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
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1 tsp sugar
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3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp kosher salt
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1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Toppings:
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1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (preferably whole milk, shredded)
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1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded (optional, but adds great flavor)
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1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese (for creaminess)
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1/2 cup pizza sauce (try a chunky marinara or a classic tomato sauce)
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
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Olive oil (for drizzling)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
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Pepperoni
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Sausage
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Mushrooms
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Red onion
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Fresh arugula (to add after baking)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
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Activate the Yeast:
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In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired, so use fresh yeast.
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Make the Dough:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder (if using). Add the olive oil and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.
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Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes on a floured surface or in a stand mixer with a dough hook until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Let it Rise:
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Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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2. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
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While the dough is rising, grease a 9×13-inch baking sheet (or a similar sized square or rectangular pan) with olive oil. This will help achieve the signature crispy edges.
3. Shape the Dough:
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to the greased baking sheet. Gently stretch the dough to cover the entire pan. You can use your fingers to press it into the corners and edges.
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Let the dough rest for another 15-20 minutes to allow it to rise slightly in the pan, giving it that fluffy texture.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
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Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it’s preheating to get a crispy bottom.
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Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and fontina cheese evenly over the dough.
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Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese across the surface for extra creaminess.
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Drizzle the pizza sauce over the top, either spreading it across the surface or leaving a bit of space between the cheese and sauce for a traditional “stripe” effect.
5. Bake the Pizza:
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Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden and crispy on the edges. The middle should remain soft and airy.
6. Finish and Serve:
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Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
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Garnish with fresh basil (if desired) and drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
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Cut into squares and serve!
Tips for Perfect Emmy Squared Pizza:
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Cheese Layering: Detroit-style pizza is known for the layering of cheese. It’s important to put a good amount of cheese along the edges, which will crisp up nicely in the oven.
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Toppings: While classic Emmy Squared pizza is simple with just cheese and sauce, feel free to add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or vegetables. Just make sure not to overload it, or it might get soggy.
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Pizza Sauce: You can either use store-bought pizza sauce or make your own by simmering crushed tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to develop the flavor.
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Crispy Edges: The key to the crispy edges is using enough oil in the pan to allow the crust to fry slightly in the oven. Don’t be afraid to use generous amounts of olive oil.
This Emmy Squared Pizza is thick, crispy, and absolutely packed with flavor. It’s perfect for pizza night, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something extra special!
Are you planning to give this a try? Or perhaps you want to adjust any ingredients or toppings?