What is tavern style pizza?

Tavern-style pizza, also sometimes called "tray bake pizza" or "Detroit-style pizza," is characterized by its unique features that distinguish it from other pizza styles:

• Thick, Deep Dish Crust: Unlike thin crust or even Chicago deep dish, tavern-style boasts a thick, but not overly tall, crust. The crust is often airy and slightly chewy in the center, with a crispy, caramelized edge that's almost like a cracker. This characteristic edge is a key feature.

• Rectangular or Square Shape: It's baked in a rectangular pan, typically a half-sheet pan, resulting in its distinctive shape. This contrasts with the round shape of most other pizza styles.

• Wisconsin Brick Cheese: While variations exist, a key component is often Wisconsin brick cheese, known for its sharp flavor and ability to create a beautiful, browned crust. Other cheeses are sometimes added as well.

• Crispy, Caramelized Crust Edges: As mentioned, the edges are a crucial component. The cheese often extends up the sides of the pan, creating a delicious, crispy, and slightly browned crust that’s often referred to as the "frico."

• Sauce on Top: Unlike many other pizza styles, the sauce is typically added after the cheese, near the end of baking. This keeps the crust from getting soggy.

• Regional Variations: While the above are common characteristics, variations exist based on regional preferences and specific pizzeria recipes. Some might use different cheeses, different types of sausage, or slightly adjusted cooking methods.

In short, tavern-style pizza is a delicious, relatively thick-crust pizza with a distinctively caramelized edge and a flavorful cheese-forward profile, often featuring a late-added sauce. It's a style that's gained significant popularity in recent years.