Description
Pepperoni Pizza Burger
Take your burger game to the next level with this loaded pizza burger!
Ingredients:
1/2 lb ground beef
3 slices smoked mozzarella
5 slices pepperoni
1 sourdough bun
2 tbsp roasted garlic marinara
Fresh arugula for topping
Instructions:
Form and cook the beef patty in a skillet until medium doneness.
Spread marinara on the sourdough bun and layer with the patty, cheese, and pepperoni.
Add arugula for a fresh twist.
Bake for 3 minutes until cheese is melted.
What’s your go-to burger topping?
#LoadedPizzaBurger
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare your ingredients: Form the 1/2 lb of ground beef into a patty slightly larger than your sourdough bun, as it will shrink. Have your mozzarella, pepperoni, marinara, and arugula ready.
2. Cook the patty: Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the beef patty for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness (medium is recommended).
3. Assemble the base: While the patty cooks, lightly toast the sourdough bun halves. Spread one tablespoon of roasted garlic marinara on the bottom bun and the other on the top bun.
4. Layer the ingredients: Place the cooked patty on the bottom bun. Immediately top it with the three slices of smoked mozzarella and the five pepperoni slices.
5. Melt the cheese: Carefully transfer the open-faced burger to a baking sheet and place it under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
6. Final assembly: Remove from the broiler, add a handful of fresh arugula on top of the melted cheese, and crown with the top bun.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich burger immediately while hot and gooey. Pair it with light, crispy sides to cut through the richness, such as a simple green salad, sweet potato fries, or garlic-parmesan zucchini chips. For a true pizza-parlor experience, offer a small side bowl of extra warmed marinara for dipping.
How-to Summary
To make a Pepperoni Pizza Burger: Form and cook a beef patty. Spread marinara on a toasted sourdough bun, then layer with the hot patty, smoked mozzarella, and pepperoni. Broil for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese, finish with fresh arugula, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. Provolone, fontina, or a low-moisture mozzarella ball sliced thinly are excellent substitutes for smoked mozzarella.
Can I cook this on a grill? Yes. Cook the patty on the grill, then assemble the burger on a foil packet to melt the cheese under the closed lid before adding to the bun.
How can I prevent a soggy bun? Toasting the bun thoroughly before adding any sauce is key. It creates a moisture barrier.
Is there a way to make this spicier? Use spicy marinara, add sliced jalapeños under the cheese, or opt for spicy pepperoni or chorizo sausage.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time? You can form the patties and refrigerate them for up to a day in advance. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the burger: Stick to the recommended quantities. Too much sauce or too many toppings will make it messy and difficult to eat.
- Using cold cheese: Have your cheese slices ready at room temperature so they melt quickly and evenly under the broiler.
- Skipping the bun toast: An untoasted bun will become soggy instantly from the warm patty and sauce.
- Overcooking the patty: Remember it will cook slightly more under the broiler. Remove it from the skillet when it’s just slightly under your target doneness.
Conclusion
The Pepperoni Pizza Burger is the ultimate fusion meal, delivering the hearty satisfaction of a burger with the beloved flavors of a pepperoni pizza. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality, indulgent sandwich at home. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that answers the question of whether to have pizza or burgers—why not both?
