Detroit-Style Pizza Pan: Seasoning Secrets

Seasoning a Detroit pizza pan is essential to creating an authentic Detroit-style pizza. The process involves preparing the pan, not adding herbs and spices, and is critical to achieving the desired flavour and texture of the pizza. The pans are typically made of square steel, modelled after automotive-parts trays, and require special care to maintain their integrity. The pans must be seasoned before use, and the older the pan, the better the pizza will taste.

How to Season a Detroit Pizza Pan

Use vegetable-based oil to prevent sticking

To prevent sticking, it is recommended to use a vegetable-based oil, such as canola oil or vegetable oil, to coat the Detroit pizza pan. This is an important step in the process of seasoning the pan, which is necessary to achieve the desired flavour and texture of an authentic Detroit-style pizza.

When oiling the pan, it is crucial to cover every surface, including the bottom, corners, and inside walls. However, it is important not to use too much oil, as this can cause puddles that will prevent the dough from stretching properly. After oiling, a dough ball can be placed in the pan and pressed out, allowing it to relax and stretch to the corners.

Once the dough is in the pan, it can be baked, and the pan can be used for future bakes without the dough sticking. This process of seasoning the pan with vegetable-based oil helps to create a non-stick surface, ensuring that the pizza can be easily removed and that the pan can be properly maintained.

In addition to using vegetable-based oil, there are a few other tips to prevent sticking. One suggestion is to dust the pan with cornmeal after oiling, creating a crunchy texture. Another option is to par-bake the crust, which involves pre-baking the dough in the pan for about 10 minutes before adding the toppings. This technique is recommended by Peter Reinhardt in his book "Pizza Quest."

By following these instructions and properly seasoning the Detroit pizza pan with vegetable-based oil, pizza enthusiasts can ensure that their creations will not only taste delicious but also be easily removable from the pan.

Avoid using soap and water to clean the pan

How to Season a Detroit Pizza Pan

It is imperative to keep your Detroit-style pizza pan clean, but it is equally important to avoid using soap and water to clean it. Here are some reasons why you should avoid using soap and water, along with some alternative cleaning methods to keep your pizza pan in top condition.

The Risks of Using Soap and Water

Using soap and water to clean your Detroit-style pizza pan can be detrimental for several reasons. Firstly, the pans are typically made of steel, which can oxidize and deteriorate even with slight water contact. While newer pans have improved water resistance, it is still recommended to keep them dry and avoid submerging them in water.

The Porous Nature of Pizza Pans

Pizza pans, especially those made of stone or ceramic, are porous by nature. This means that they can easily absorb water, leading to potential issues. Submerging the pan in water can ruin its integrity and negatively impact its ability to produce a crispy crust. The pores in the pan can also absorb soap residue, which may be challenging to remove and could potentially affect the taste of your pizza.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

So, what's the best way to clean your Detroit-style pizza pan? Here are some alternative methods:

• Scraping and wiping: Use a plastic or silicone scraper to remove excess oil and crumbs from the pan. Then, wipe down the pan with a dry cloth to ensure no debris is left behind.
• Brush and air dry: Allow the pan to cool down completely, then use a nylon brush to scrub away any remaining food particles. Pay close attention to cheese and other residue that may be stuck on. Afterward, air dry the pan on a rack and give it a final wipe with a microfiber cloth.
• Baking soda paste: For stubborn burnt residue, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the affected areas, let it sit briefly, and then scrub it away with a brush. Wipe the pan clean and allow it to air dry.

Final Thoughts

While keeping your Detroit-style pizza pan clean is essential, it's crucial to avoid using soap and water. By following the alternative cleaning methods outlined above, you can effectively maintain your pan, ensuring it remains in optimal condition for cooking those delicious, crispy Detroit-style pizzas.

Use a plastic scraper to remove excess oil and crumbs

To clean a Detroit-style pizza pan, you should never wash it with soap and water. In fact, the pan should never come into contact with water at all. Instead, use a 4- to 5-inch plastic scraper to remove excess oil and crumbs from the pan. Make sure there is no leftover debris inside the pan.

The plastic scraper should be able to remove any excess oil and crumbs from the pan. It is important to ensure that the pan is thoroughly scraped to prevent any buildup of oil or crumbs, which could affect the taste and texture of the pizza. The scraper should be able to reach all corners and sides of the pan to ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned.

After using the plastic scraper to remove the excess oil and crumbs, it is important to store the pan in a clean, dry place. This will help to prevent any moisture buildup and ensure that the pan is ready for future use.

Using a plastic scraper is an effective way to clean a Detroit-style pizza pan without damaging the pan's surface or affecting its seasoning. It is a simple and quick process that can help to maintain the pan's integrity and ensure consistent baking results.

Store the pan in a dry place

Detroit-style pizza pans should be stored in a clean, dry place. Cast iron pans, which are prone to rust, should be stored in a similar way. Here are some tips for storing your Detroit-style pizza pan in a dry place:

Firstly, make sure the pan is clean and completely dry before storing it away. You can dry it with a paper towel or a dish towel, or by placing it in a warm oven for a few minutes to evaporate any remaining moisture.

Next, consider the location. Kitchen cabinets are a great option, especially the lower cabinets since Detroit-style pizza pans can be quite heavy. Just make sure the cabinet is large enough to hold the pan and that the shelving units are strong enough to support the weight. Alternatively, you can store the pan on the stovetop if it's easily accessible and won't get in the way.

If you have limited space, you can also hang the pan on wall hooks. Make sure the hooks are sturdy, well embedded, and away from any water sources like sinks or splash zones. Another option is to store the pan in the oven, as it is naturally a low-moisture environment. Just remember to take the pan out before preheating the oven.

To further protect your Detroit-style pizza pan during storage, you can wrap it in paper towels or coat it with a thin layer of vegetable oil. This will help keep the pan dry and prevent rust from forming.

Brush the pan with oil before stacking for storage

Detroit-style pizza pans are typically made of square steel, modelled after the automotive-parts trays used in the past. These pans are essential to the baking process, influencing the bake time, texture, and flavour of the pizza.

To maintain the integrity of Detroit-style pizza pans, it is important to season them before use. Seasoning refers to the process of preparing the pan, not adding herbs and spices. A well-seasoned pan is crucial for a good bake, enhancing the flavour and texture of the pizza.

After cleaning a Detroit-style pizza pan, it is recommended to brush the pan with a coating of vegetable-based oil, such as canola oil or vegetable oil, before stacking them for storage. This step is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to prevent the pans from rusting, especially since these pans should not be washed with soap and water. Secondly, the oil acts as a barrier, protecting the pans from moisture and other elements that could cause corrosion. By brushing the pan with oil, a thin layer is created, safeguarding the metal and maintaining its quality. Additionally, the oil helps to condition the pan, preserving its natural finish and preventing it from drying out. This is particularly important for steel pans, which are susceptible to oxidation and rusting if not properly cared for.

When brushing the pan with oil, it is important to ensure that all surfaces are coated, including the bottom, corners, and sides. This helps to reduce or eliminate sticking when the pan is next used for baking. However, it is also crucial not to overuse oil, as puddles of oil can prevent the dough from stretching properly.

Properly caring for Detroit-style pizza pans ensures they can be used for decades, consistently producing delicious, authentic Detroit-style pizzas.

Frequently asked questions