Best Cheese for Detroit Style Pizza: Top Picks & Insights

Many cheeses fail to deliver the signature crispy, caramelized edges Detroit-style pizza demands. Some simply melt away into greasy, flavorless puddles, while others lack the stretch and buttery richness that complement its thick, airy crust.

The best cheese for Detroit style pizza must offer a perfect balance of meltability, flavor depth, and a firm texture that crisps without losing structure.

Most standard cheeses either overpower the pizza with sharpness or fall short on melt quality, leaving that uneven, disappointing finish. The options reviewed here capture the unique cheese qualities essential for authentic Detroit-style pizza.

Choosing the Best Cheese for Detroit Style Pizza

Crafting an authentic Detroit style pizza starts with selecting cheeses that melt beautifully and create that signature crispy, golden crust. The right cheese blend can elevate every bite, combining rich flavor with perfect texture.

365 By Whole Foods Market Premium Shredded Blend for Gourmet Pizzas, 8 oz

Balancing flavor and meltability can be tricky when seeking the ideal cheese for authentic, thick-crust pizzas. Achieving that perfect golden, bubbly finish starts with the right blend of cheeses crafted specifically for high-heat baking.

Offering a thoughtfully crafted combination, 365 by Whole Foods Market presents a shredded blend that consistently delivers a rich flavor profile without overpowering your creation. It combines cheeses that melt smoothly, ensuring an even, luscious coverage across the crust’s surface.

With its convenient shredded form, this blend saves prep time while enhancing the pizza’s texture through a perfectly balanced stretch and browning. The blend is designed to meld distinct cheese notes with the dough’s robust character, a blend that answers the call for that classic pizzeria experience at home.

365 by Whole Foods Market is a brand known for combining quality with accessible ingredients, which means you benefit from premium cheese components without a hefty price tag or complicated sourcing. Whether baking Detroit-style or other thick, square-crusted pies, this blend brings an elevated finish.

Best for: Home chefs aiming to replicate authentic, square-cut, crispy-edged pizzas with a beautifully melted, flavorful cheese topping.

Pros:

• Consistent, smooth melting
• Rich, well-rounded flavor blend
• Convenient shredded format
• Supports bakery-style cheese browning
• Accessible premium quality from Whole Foods Market

Cons:

• May not suit those preferring single-cheese toppings

Carr Valley Cheese Authentic Bread Cheese 3-Pack – Unique Heat & Eat Grilling Cheese

Finding a cheese that holds its shape and crisps beautifully on a hot surface can transform your cooking adventures. Carr Valley Cheese offers a fascinating grilling cheese with a texture that resists melting into an unrecognizable puddle, ensuring a perfectly firm yet tender bite.

Produced with authentic Wisconsin craftsmanship, this bread cheese provides a subtle garlic-infused saltiness that elevates simple frying or broiling into a gourmet experience. Its ability to develop a crunchy exterior while remaining soft inside challenges what you might expect from traditional melting cheeses.

Enjoy its versatility by slicing it into strips for an addictive snack or pairing it with various dipping sauces, enhancing your meal’s complexity with minimal effort. The convenient 6-ounce pieces fit nicely into any routine without overwhelming your palate.

Carr Valley’s bread cheese invites creativity; use it in pan-browned sandwiches, crispy skillet snacks, or even as an innovative pizza topping alternative that adds texture and flavor layers. The cheese’s composition lets it hold heat without warping, making it a reliable ingredient in hot dishes.

Bold flavor, unique cooking properties, and careful portioning make this grilling cheese a smart choice for those wanting to break away from conventional options.

Best for: Home cooks seeking a reliable, flavorful cheese that crisps well for grilling and creative recipes.

Pros:

• Maintains shape when heated, preventing unwanted melting.
• Subtly salted with a garlic-infused flavor profile.
• Versatile for frying, grilling, or snacking.
• Conveniently portioned in 6 oz pieces.
• Delivers a crispy exterior with a soft, pliable inside.

Cons:

• Saltiness might be pronounced for some tastes.

Cheese Bros. Golden Baked Bliss Variety Pack – Wisconsin-Made Heat & Eat Bread Cheese

Crunchy edges and a buttery melt define the irresistible charm of this unique snack cheese, crafted to deliver golden baked bliss right from your skillet or oven. This isn’t your everyday block of cheese; it’s a cultured product born from traditional methods, designed to offer a distinct texture that squeaks pleasantly when bitten.

Bringing variety into your kitchen, the pack features three flavor profiles: original and Italian. Each captures a different savory nuance, enriching your culinary experiments or casual get-togethers with bold, flavorful depth. Enjoy distinct finishes that complement everything from simple bites to more adventurous dishes.

Preparing this cheese is versatile and straightforward — just heat it on a grill, pan, microwave, or oven and watch it transform. Its sturdy structure resists melting into a puddle, making it perfect for inventive snacking or layering without losing its form or flavor.

Wisconsin’s Cheese Bros. ensures careful vacuum-sealed packaging that preserves freshness without the need for constant refrigeration during transit. They rely solely on natural, high-quality ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, to maintain that authentic bread cheese experience.

Best for: Those looking to elevate casual meals or entertaining with a cheese that offers unique texture and rich, cooked flavor profiles.

Pros:

• Distinctively crispy yet chewy texture when heated
• Includes a flavorful mix of original and Italian varieties
• Handled with vacuum-sealed packaging to preserve quality
• Prepared easily with multiple heating methods
• Crafted with natural ingredients and no artificial additives

Cons:

• May be priced higher compared to conventional cheeses

The Wisconsin Cheeseman Authentic German-Style Brick Cheese 14oz Block

Strong, distinctive aromas often make finding a cheese that truly matches traditional Detroit-style pizza a challenge. German-style brick cheese delivers a bold flavor profile that sets it apart from the usual mild varieties. Using this cheese brings a sharpness and depth that cuts through the richness of thick crusts.

Creamy yet slightly tangy, this 14-ounce block provides the signature stretch and melt quality essential for that crispy, caramelized edge on pizza. The Wisconsin Cheeseman version stays true to authentic recipes, offering a texture that transforms perfectly when heated.

The cheese’s natural pungency adds character without overwhelming other toppings, elevating the overall taste. Letting it warm to room temperature before use enhances its unique notes and smoothness, enriching every bite. Its versatility goes beyond pizza to sandwiches or as a flavorful snack.

While not everyone prefers intense cheese aromas, those seeking something distinctive and traditional will appreciate how this option stands apart. Choosing this block means embracing a cheese with history and personality that complements dense, hearty dough.

The Wisconsin Cheeseman brings craftsmanship and quality in this classic cheese style, making it a worthwhile ingredient for recreating a genuine Detroit-style pizza experience at home.

Best for: Enthusiasts wanting authentic pizza toppings with a rich, complex cheese that melts beautifully and flavorfully.

Pros:

• Bold, complex flavor true to German brick cheese traditions
• Creamy texture that melts evenly with excellent stretch
• Enhances crust caramelization for authentic mouthfeel
• Versatile use in sandwiches or as a distinctive snack
• Presented in a convenient 14-ounce block

Cons:

• The strong aroma might not suit those preferring milder cheeses
• Portion size may feel small to some users accustomed to larger blocks

Widmer’s 2.25 lb Half Loaf Authentic Wisconsin Brick Cheese for Melty Pizza Excellence

Picture achieving that iconic crispy-edge, soft-center pizza crust topped with a cheese layer that beautifully balances melt and flavor. Widmer’s Brick Cheese, a genuine Wisconsin dairy classic, delivers exactly this distinct melting performance that many other cheeses struggle to replicate.

Boasting a rich, buttery creaminess, this half loaf lends itself superbly to slicing or shredding, easing your prep efforts. Unlike milder cheeses that may turn greasy, Widmer’s holds its texture under heat, promoting a perfectly gooey melt without excessive oiliness.

For Detroit-style recipes and beyond, this cheese offers more than just melt—it imparts a subtle tang and depth that enhances every bite. Crafted in Wisconsin, Widmer’s quality shines through with its traditional process that ensures freshness and authenticity.

Even when used solo, this cheese provides complex flavor layers that pizza aficionados crave. Pairing it with a quality pan can yield crisp edges and delightful buttery pockets, making each homemade pie feel like a specialty order.

Best for: Enthusiasts seeking a creamy yet structured cheese that elevates deep-dish, crispy-edged pizzas and savory casseroles alike.

Pros:

• Excellent melting behavior with minimal greasiness
• Rich, creamy texture that enhances savory dishes
• Authentically crafted Wisconsin dairy product
• Available in a generously sized half loaf for easy preparation
• Versatile for slicing or shredding

Cons:

• Premium cheese quality may mean a higher cost for some budgets

Carr Valley Cheese Bread Cheese Collection 3-Pack | Original, Pizza & Garlic Flavors for Grilling

Crisping cheese to golden perfection without the mess of melting into a greasy puddle can be challenging. Carrying a savory and buttery profile, this collection offers a unique grilling cheese experience that holds its shape while delivering rich flavor.

Featuring three distinct varieties—Original, Pizza, and Garlic—each piece invites a delightful twist for your culinary creations. The pizza flavor, in particular, enhances dishes with its balanced creaminess and mild tang, acting as a flavorful complement to any thick-crust, hearty base.

Crafted by Carr Valley Cheese, this set includes 6-ounce portions that heat evenly, providing a satisfying browned crust while maintaining a soft, melty interior. There’s no need to worry about excessive oiliness, as the cheese’s firm texture offers a clean grilling experience.

Perfectly suited for recipes needing a cheese that browns beautifully and adds layers of taste, it’s an alternative choice that might make you reconsider traditional options. Including a gluten-free profile, these cheeses can easily fit into varied dietary preferences. Easy to grill, rich in buttery flavor, and packed with authentic Wisconsin craftsmanship, this collection steps up homemade cheesy dishes.

Best for: Home cooks seeking a grilling cheese that elevates their thick-crust pizzas and melts without losing form.

Pros:

• Includes three versatile flavor options enhancing multiple recipes
• Firm texture suitable for grilling, pan-frying, or air frying
• Gluten-free and mild, appealing to diverse dietary needs
• Authentic Wisconsin origin ensuring quality and flavor integrity
• Rich, buttery taste without excess oiliness upon heating

Cons:

• May require cutting into smaller pieces for even browning

Silver & Lewis Wisconsin Brick Cheese 32 Oz – Creamy, Mild, Perfect for Melting

Bringing a rich and smooth texture to the table, this Wisconsin Brick Cheese shines when melted. Its semi-soft consistency and mild, nutty flavor create a delightfully creamy experience that can elevate any recipe.

Ideal for dishes that require cheese to beautifully soften without losing structure, it performs the task with ease. Home cooks find it especially useful for crafting grilled sandwiches, casseroles, and iconic deep-dish styles.

Produced by Silver & Lewis, this cheese has become a favored choice among enthusiasts craving that perfect melt and melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction. Its versatility moves beyond snacking, making it an excellent fit for hearty, comfort-focused meals.

Enjoy how it balances flavor and texture without overwhelming other ingredients, offering a subtle richness that enhances rather than dominates. Its smooth appeal is why it remains a top contender in kitchens looking for that distinct dairy dimension.

Best for: Pizza lovers seeking a cheese with ideal melting qualities and a smooth, mild taste.

Pros:

• Consistently creamy and smooth semi-soft texture
• Mild, nutty, and versatile flavor profile
• Melts evenly, perfect for grilled sandwiches and casseroles
• Comes conveniently in four 8 oz pieces
• Produced by a trusted Wisconsin cheese manufacturer

Cons:

• Flavor might be too mild for those preferring sharp, intense cheese
• Soft texture may not suit recipes needing firmer cheese

Key Specs Compared: Top Best Cheese For Detroit Style Pizza

Product Name	Type / Style	Weight / Size	Texture & Flavor	Recommended Use
Whole Foods Pizza Blend	Shredded Blend	8 oz	Good melt, flavorful	General pizza, multi-purpose
Carr Valley Bread Cheese	Grilling Cheese (Bread Cheese)	18 oz (3x 6 oz blocks)	Firm, slightly salty, subtle garlic	Grilling, pan-frying, snacking
Cheese Bros. Golden Baked Bliss	Baked Bread Cheese Variety	56 oz (7 pack)	Buttery, squeaky, rich	Heat & eat, appetizers
Wisconsin Cheeseman Brick Cheese	German-Style Brick Cheese	14 oz	Intense flavor, stinky aroma	Sandwiches, crackers
Widmer’s Brick Cheese	Authentic Wisconsin Brick Cheese	36 oz	Buttery, creamy, smooth melt	Detroit-style pizza, casseroles
Carr Valley Bread Cheese 3-Pack	Bread Cheese (Original/Pizza/Garlic)	18 oz (3x 6 oz)	Buttery, mild, savory	Grilling, pan frying
Silver & Lewis Brick Cheese	Mild Brick Cheese	32 oz (4x 8 oz)	Semi-soft, nutty, creamy	Detroit-style pizzas, melting

Which Cheese Traits Make Detroit Style Pizza Shine?

Not all cheeses perform equally on Detroit-style pies. Grasping what each feature contributes helps pinpoint the ideal choices. Here are the key factors shaping your pizza’s final texture and taste.

Meltability and Stretch

Meltability affects how evenly cheese blankets the pizza and behaves as it bakes. Stretch gives that classic, satisfying pull when you lift a slice. Cheeses like Wisconsin brick are prized for their superb melt and stretch qualities, creating a smooth, elastic texture that enhances every bite.

The magic lies in moisture and fat content. Cheeses with higher fat levels melt creamier but can turn greasy without enough protein. Wisconsin brick strikes a perfect balance with moderate moisture and rich fat, resulting in a buttery, stretchy melt that crisps beautifully along the edges.

Choosing cheese without good meltability can leave you with uneven cooking and clumpy spots. For Detroit-style pizza, this means losing the signature gooey layers and golden crust that make it so irresistible.

Flavor Profile and Aroma

Flavors in Detroit-style pizza range from mild and creamy to boldly tangy and pungent. The cheese should complement the sweet, caramelized crust and savory sauce without overpowering them. German-style brick cheese is a popular choice because it brings a unique sharpness that’s complex but never harsh.

The flavor comes from bacterial cultures and how long the cheese ages. Aged brick cheese offers buttery richness with sharp undertones, while fresher blends tend to be softer and more subtle. Aroma plays a big role too; some brick cheeses give off a strong scent that may surprise you, but it adds real depth to the taste.

Choosing a cheese with too weak a flavor can make your pizza taste dull. On the other hand, a cheese that’s too strong might overpower the toppings and crust, throwing off the balance.

Texture and Consistency

Texture plays a big role in how cheese behaves when heated and how it feels with each bite of pizza. Bread cheeses like Carr Valley’s have a firm, slightly springy texture that crisps up nicely without turning into a greasy puddle. This gives your pizza a unique, satisfying chew.

The secret lies in the cheese’s production — pressing and heating create a dense protein network that holds its shape under heat. This structure makes bread cheese stand out, offering a heftier bite compared to the usual soft mozzarella.

Picking a cheese without considering texture often leads to disappointment. Either it melts away too much or becomes rubbery, both of which take away from the authentic Detroit-style pizza vibe. Choosing cheese with the right consistency ensures a perfect balance between melt and bite every time you cook.

Authenticity and Regional Origin

Authenticity plays a big role in shaping the flavor and how the cheese melts. Wisconsin’s brick cheese, in particular, is a staple for Detroit-style pizza, known for its unique taste and texture. Brands like Widmer’s and Silver & Lewis offer authentic Wisconsin brick cheese that stays true to these roots.

Cheese makers in this region rely on special microbial cultures and aging methods that you just don’t find elsewhere. These factors bring out subtle flavors and create the ideal melt needed for that classic Detroit-style bite.

Choosing authentic regional cheese ensures you get those distinctive taste and texture qualities. Without them, your pizza might miss that signature character that makes Detroit-style so beloved.

Packaging and Portion Size

Cheese packaging plays a big role in keeping it fresh and easy to use. Shredded blends, like Whole Foods’ 365, are handy for quick application but often lose some freshness and don’t melt as smoothly as block cheeses.

Larger blocks, such as Widmer’s 2.25 lb loaf, give you more control over how thick you shred the cheese, which leads to a better melt and texture. Packaging that locks in moisture and stops clumping also makes a big difference when baking.

Choosing the right packaging means avoiding clumpy cheese and uneven melting, both of which can wreck the overall quality of your Detroit-style pizza. In the end, good packaging and portion size help deliver a consistently delicious slice.

Heat Resistance and Crisping Ability

Heat resistance plays a key role in how cheese behaves on a Detroit-style pizza. It allows the cheese to form those iconic crispy, caramelized edges without burning or becoming greasy. This quality is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance.

Brick and bread cheeses stand out because of their firm structures. They brown beautifully under high oven temperatures, maintaining shape and delivering a satisfying crunch. Carr Valley’s and Cheese Bros.’ bread cheeses are known for their exceptional crisping capabilities, making them favorites among pizza lovers seeking that ideal finish.

When cheese lacks proper heat resistance, it either burns too fast or turns soggy. This ruins the contrast between the crispy crust and chewy interior, which is a hallmark of Detroit-style pizza. Choosing cheese with strong crisping ability ensures every bite has the perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is traditionally used on Detroit style pizza?

Detroit style pizza traditionally uses Wisconsin brick cheese for its distinctive melt and flavor profile. This cheese balances a buttery creaminess with a slight tang and has the perfect stretch needed to create those signature crispy edges. Its semi-soft texture makes it ideal for the thick, airy crust.

Produced with specific bacterial cultures and aging processes, Wisconsin brick cheese brings authenticity and technical characteristics tailored for high-heat baking. This sets it apart from common mozzarella blends.

For best results, use block brick cheese that you shred yourself, as pre-shredded blends often lack the same melt quality and moisture balance essential to traditional Detroit-style pizzas.

Can other cheeses replace brick cheese on Detroit style pizza?

While other cheeses can be used as substitutes, they often fail to replicate the unique combination of melt, flavor, and crisping ability found in brick cheese. Some blends offer good melting but lack flavor, while grilling cheeses hold shape but don’t melt evenly.

For example, grilling cheeses like Carr Valley’s bread cheese create a firmer texture and crisp well but don’t deliver the same stretch or buttery richness. Shredded blends may melt better but can be more generic in taste.

Choose substitutes based on what aspect you prioritize—texture, flavor, or melt—but be aware that it may alter the classic Detroit-style experience in some way.

How does the flavor of brick cheese compare to mozzarella?

Brick cheese typically has a richer, creamier, and slightly tangy flavor compared to the milder and more neutral mozzarella. This complexity enhances Detroit-style pizza by adding depth without overpowering other ingredients.

The flavor comes from its aging process and specific cultures used, which develop buttery notes and a soft sharpness. Mozzarella tends to be fresher with a cleaner taste but less character.

For those seeking a more flavorful pizza, swapping mozzarella for authentic brick cheese can significantly enhance taste while retaining melt and stretch qualities.

Why do some cheeses not create crispy edges on Detroit style pizza?

Crispy edges require cheeses with a firm structure that can caramelize under high heat without melting into greasy pools. Cheeses high in moisture or with weak protein networks often fail to crisp properly.

Brick and bread cheeses excel because their composition supports browning and structural integrity. Excess moisture cheeses or generic blends tend to burn quickly or become soggy instead.

To achieve those prized crispy edges, select cheeses known for their heat resistance and browning qualities, avoiding overly soft or processed varieties.

Is shredded cheese as good as block cheese for Detroit style pizza?

Shredded cheese offers convenience but often compromises on freshness and moisture content compared to block cheese. The processing and anti-caking agents can affect melt behavior, making it less consistent.

Block cheeses like Widmer’s or Wisconsin Cheeseman’s brick cheese allow you to control shredding thickness and freshness, resulting in improved melt, richer flavor, and better caramelization.

For authentic Detroit-style pizza, purchasing block cheese and shredding just before use provides a superior texture and taste experience over pre-shredded blends.

Finding the Cheese That Defines Detroit Style

Choosing the right cheese bridges the gap between a bland, soggy pizza and one with a buttery, crispy, and flavorful finish. Authentic Wisconsin brick cheeses deliver the balance of melt, flavor depth, stretch, and browning essential for that distinct Detroit-style experience.

Heavy, creamy brick cheeses suit those craving traditional rich pizzas, while bread cheeses offer firmer textures for a different but delightful twist. Shredded blends fit multi-purpose use but may lack the crisp authenticity.

Handle cheese with care: preheat your oven properly, shred fresh cheese in appropriate thickness, and avoid moisture traps to maintain the ideal melt and crisp. Picking the right cheese is only part of the process; how it’s applied seals the deal.

Last update on 2026-02-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API