Detroit-Style Deep Dish at Little Caesars: Worth It?

Detroit-Style pizza has taken the American culinary scene by storm, expanding far beyond its Michigan borders to become one of the most requested pizza styles nationwide. Recognizing this trend, Little Caesars was one of the first major national pizza chains to commercialize it on a massive scale. At $8.00 per pizza, is the Little Caesars Detroit-Style Deep Dish worth picking over their classic round pies? In this comprehensive review, we put it to the test and break down the history, preparation, texture, and value.

The Origin of Detroit-Style Pizza

To truly appreciate the Little Caesars version, we must look back to the origin of Detroit-style pizza. Created in the 1940s at Buddy's Rendezvous in Detroit, this style was born out of utility. Pizzerias baked the dough in heavy, rectangular blue steel pans originally designed as automotive parts trays in Detroit's manufacturing plants. The result was a thick, highly-hydrated crust that crisped up perfectly on the bottom while retaining a light, airy center.

Key Characteristics of Detroit-Style Deep Dish

• The Rectangular Pan: Baking in a rectangular pan forces the dough upward, yielding a thick but light crust.
• Crispy, Caramelized Cheese Edges: The cheese is spread all the way to the edge of the pan. As it bakes, the cheese melts down the sides, caramelizing against the hot pan to create a dark, crispy, savory crust border.
• Sauce on Top: Authentic Detroit style places the tomato sauce on top of the cheese, often in distinct "racing stripes" or dollops. This prevents the dough from getting soggy.
• Muenster and Mozzarella Blend: Little Caesars uses a blend of mozzarella and Muenster cheese to achieve the perfect cheese pull and flavor profile.

Little Caesars Detroit-Style: Our Taste Test

Little Caesars' version hits all the essential marks of an authentic Detroit-Style pizza. The crust achieves a satisfying crispy exterior with a pillowy, doughy interior. The caramelized cheese border is the absolute star of the show — it's crunchy, salty, and incredibly savory. By spreading the cheese all the way to the edge, there is no wasted "naked crust" that goes uneaten.

The sauce has a balanced, sweet-and-tangy tomato flavor that cuts through the rich fat of the cheese and pepperoni. At 390 calories per slice, it is undeniably a heavy meal, but the fluffy texture of the dough means it doesn't feel like a brick in your stomach.

Price vs. Competitor Comparison

How to Properly Reheat Detroit-Style Deep Dish

If you have leftover deep dish pizza, do not put it in the microwave. Microwaving turns the thick crust chewy and rubbery. Instead, follow these steps to restore its original crispy texture:

1. The Oven Method (Best): Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 375°F. Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the bottom crust is crispy.
2. The Skillet Method: Place the slice in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to trap the heat. Heat for 5-6 minutes until the bottom crust is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Final Verdict

For $8.00, the Little Caesars Detroit-Style Deep Dish is one of the absolute best values in the entire fast-food industry. It delivers the signature caramelized crispy borders and thick, pillowy crust that define the style, at a fraction of the cost of artisanal pizzerias. If you are tired of standard round pizzas, this deep dish is highly recommended. Make sure to check our Coupons and Deals page to check for active deep dish discounts before ordering!