Description
Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Stack
Love burgers? Love pizza? This is the best of both worlds—juicy patties, gooey cheese, and crispy pepperoni stacked into one glorious bite!
Ingredients:
4 large burger patties
1 cup marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella
6 slices cheddar cheese
10 slices pepperoni
4 burger buns, cut into rounds
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions:
Cook burger patties to perfection.
Layer buns, marinara, cheese, and beef patties.
Stack until all ingredients are used.
Finish with mozzarella and pepperoni.
Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Devour & enjoy the cheesy magic!
#CheeseOverload #PizzaBurgerDream #FoodGoals
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the perfect stack.
- Prep & Cook Patties: Season your burger patties with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook them in a skillet or on a grill over medium-high heat until they reach your desired doneness, approximately 4-5 minutes per side for medium.
- Prepare the Base: While patties cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a round cutter or a knife, cut your burger buns into rounds slightly larger than your patties. Place the bun rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Build the First Stack: On each bun round, spread a tablespoon of marinara sauce. Add a slice of cheddar cheese, then place one hot burger patty on top. Repeat this layering sequence—sauce, cheddar, patty—until you have used all four patties, creating four individual towers.
- Final Topping & Bake: Top each stack with a generous 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and arrange 2-3 pepperoni slices on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and the pepperoni is slightly crisp.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the stacks from the oven. Let them rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set slightly, preventing a total collapse when you take the first bite.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and hearty stack is a meal unto itself. Serve it with a light, crisp side to cut through the richness. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, classic coleslaw, or a handful of crispy potato chips or fries are perfect companions. For dipping, offer a small bowl of extra warmed marinara sauce on the side.
How-to Summary
To create the Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Stack, cook seasoned beef patties. Build towers on bun rounds by layering marinara, cheddar cheese, and patties. Crown each stack with mozzarella and pepperoni, then bake at 375°F until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey. Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made meatballs instead of patties? Yes, for a different twist, you can use large, flattened meatballs. Ensure they are fully cooked before assembling and baking.
How can I prevent the stack from falling over? Ensure your bun base is sturdy and your layers are evenly stacked. Letting it rest for a few minutes after baking helps the cheese act as a “glue.” Using a skewer to hold it together is also an option.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer? Absolutely. Assemble the stacks and air fry at 370°F for 6-8 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What are good cheese substitutes? For a different flavor profile, try provolone, fontina, or a gouda instead of mozzarella. For the cheddar layer, Swiss or pepper jack work well.
Can I prepare these ahead of time? You can pre-cook the patties and assemble the stacks up to the point of baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours, then add a few extra minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-saucing: Using too much marinara will make the stack soggy and difficult to handle. Use it as a thin, flavorful layer.
- Underseasoning the Patties: The patties are the star. Don’t forget to season them generously with salt and pepper in addition to the listed herbs.
- Skipping the Bun Toast: Using a soft, untoasted bun round as a base can lead to sogginess. Lightly toasting the bun rounds before assembling adds crucial structural integrity.
- Overbaking: The goal is melted cheese, not dried-out burgers. Bake just until the cheese is perfectly melted to keep everything juicy.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Stack is the triumphant fusion of two beloved classics. It’s a fun, impressive, and indulgent dish that delivers maximum flavor and cheesy satisfaction in every towering bite. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily master this crowd-pleaser and create a memorable meal that perfectly blends the best of burgers and pizza.