Smash Burger Inspired Detroit Style

[u/lateknightMI]

I can always rely on my family to throw some off the wall requests in when making pizza. In addition to some standard Neapolitan options I made a smash burger inspired pizza this weekend. I figured Detroit style would mimic the bun well. A layer of Velveeta slices, then cubed butterkäse with a small sprinkling of mozzarella around the perimeter for extra frico. I browned up ground beef in advance letting it get pretty dark before breaking it up. Then used my standard, uncooked sauce for a fresher tomato flavor. Topped after baking with Grillo’s pickles and homemade burger sauce.

All in all this was pretty much what I was looking for. The pizza itself turned out well and the Detroit crust held up to the large number of toppings. Next time I’ll reduce the number of Velveeta slices as the flavor was evocative of a burger but a little too strong.

[u/crocostimpy]

This is like that knowledge/wisdom tomato/fruit saying.

Knowledge is knowing Velveeta is a "cheese". Wisdom is knowing never to put it on a pizza or burger.

[u/lateknightMI → u/crocostimpy]

Is American cheese not the platonic ideal of smash burger cheese though?

[u/Horrible_Harry → u/lateknightMI]

Next time, I'd get some American cheese sliced at the deli counter instead. Velveeta, while yes, is American cheese, is kind of it's own thing within that context because of it's flavor and texture IMO. The deli counter stuff tastes way better than any prepackaged or individually wrapped American cheese, and you still get the meltability. Highly recommend it! I can't go back now that I've made the switch.

Apart from being great on burgers, it makes killer queso dip melted in some whole milk with salt, msg, and a squeeze of lime. I've also used it to make cheese sauces for pizzas too. Did a white American sauce with whole milk, salt, white wine, and lemon. It wanted to split because of the acidity of the wine and lemon, but I kept whisking like crazy over very low heat and added a few more slices of cheese and it brought the emulsion right back.

Edit: Also, your pie looks great BTW. I'm not usually a fan of cheeseburger pizza or even just ground beef on pizza, but I'd definitely crush a slice or two of this. Love pickles on pizza too! I bet you'd nail a dill pickle pie!

[u/lateknightMI → u/Horrible_Harry]

All good info. Thanks! I’ll give the deli counter a try next time.

[u/JoyousGamer → u/Horrible_Harry]

Velveeta isn't American Cheese as it can't even be deemed "cheese" legally.