Looking for the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods? This Double Pepperoni Pizza Smash Burger recipe brings together the juicy, flavor-packed goodness of a smash burger with the irresistible cheesy taste of pepperoni pizza. It's a game-changer for any burger lover who craves that iconic delicious pizza flavor. Whether for a weekend barbecue or a weeknight dinner, these pizza burgers are guaranteed to impress.
This Pizza burger recipe is perfect for a number of occasions. In the UK, the Double Pepperoni Pizza Smash Burger will be particularly popular during summer barbecues, Bonfire Night, and festive occasions like the FA Cup Final or other big football matches. It's also a hit at casual gatherings and Christmas parties, offering a hearty, crowd-pleasing option for indulgent comfort food lovers.
In the US this Pizza burger will especially favored during summer grilling season, making it a standout at barbecues and outdoor gatherings. The burger's indulgent nature also makes it a favorite for Super Bowl parties, game days, and tailgating events, where hearty, crowd-pleasing foods are a must. Additionally, it's a fun and festive option for casual holiday get-togethers, like Fourth of July or Labor Day, when people are looking to combine their love for burgers and pizza in one delicious bite to create a new recipe.
If you're looking for another delicious smash burger themed recipe but minus the buns, my Brie and Bacon Smash Burger Tacos are also a hit for burger lovers! For another delicious fusion burger recipe, perfect for parties and gatherings, try my Cheeseburger Spring Rolls which are one of my favorite dishes to make as an appetizer.
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Ingredients
Beef Mince -Â The base of any great burger, high-quality beef mince provides the juiciness and robust flavor essential for a satisfying bite. The fat content in the mince plays a crucial role in creating that delicious crust when the patties are smashed in the pan so try to avoid lean ground beef.
Parmesan -Â Adding parmesan to the meat mixture gives the patties an extra layer of umami and a slightly salty kick, which complements the richness of the meat. It also helps bind the ingredients together while infusing the pizza burgers recipe with a cheesy undertone.
Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Oregano, and Garlic Salt -Â These seasonings will help give the burger a delicious flavor to the easy pizza burgers. Salt and pepper are classic essentials, while paprika adds a hint of smokiness. Oregano brings that Italian herby note reminiscent of pizza. Garlic salt gives the patties a subtle yet essential garlicky depth.
Olive Oil - Olive oil is used to grease the pan so that the pizza burger patties cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior. Olive oil also enhances the overall flavor, adding a subtle fruitiness that pairs well with the Italian-inspired ingredients.
Toppings for Pizza Burgers
Mozzarella - Melting mozzarella over the pizza burger patties mimics the gooey, stretchy cheese found on a traditional pizza. Its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine while still offering that creamy texture that’s irresistible.
Pepperoni - Pepperoni adds a spicy, savory punch that perfectly complements the beef. Its slightly crisp edges when cooked offer a delightful contrast to the juicy patties.
Tomato Passata - Used as the base for the pizza sauce, tomato passata provides a rich, tangy foundation . This will help balance the richness of the beef and cheese. Simmering it with Italian seasoning deepens its flavor, making it the ideal topping for these pizza burgers.
Italian Seasoning - This blend of herbs, including basil, thyme, and rosemary, infuses the tomato passata with authentic Italian flavors. This that every bite of your pizza burger feels like a trip to your favorite pizzeria.
Gem Lettuce - Fresh and crisp, gem lettuce adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy patties. It also helps cut through the heaviness of the burger, making each bite more balanced.
Garlic Mayo - Spreading garlic mayo on the buns not only enhances the garlic flavor. This adds a creamy, tangy element that ties all the components together. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in flavor.
Fresh Basil - Torn fresh basil leaves offer a fragrant, sweet note that brightens up the entire dish. It’s the perfect finishing touch that brings out the pizza flavors in these smash burgers.
Brioche Buns - Brioche buns are ideal for pizza burgers because of their soft, buttery texture and slight sweetness, which perfectly complements the savory, rich flavors of the beef and toppings. They also toast beautifully, adding a slight crunch that contrasts nicely with the juicy patty and melted cheese.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mince with grated parmesan, a pinch of salt, cracked black pepper, paprika, oregano, and garlic salt. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated. Pour the tomato passata into a small saucepan and stir in the Italian seasoning. Simmer over low heat for about 8-10 minutes while you put together the burgers and smash them in the pan, allowing the flavors to meld together and reduce slightly.
- Step 2: Divide the ground beef mixture into 8 equal portions for double smash burgers or 4 portions for standard-sized patties. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on a square of baking paper—this makes it easier to smash and handle in the pan.
Cooking the Pizza Burgers
- Step 3: Heat a non-stick pan over high heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil. Place 2-4 beef patties into the hot pan with the baking paper side up. Here, you could also cook more patties in a separate skillet or do them in batches. Using a spatula, press down firmly on each patty to smash it into a thin disc. Remove the baking paper and let the burger patties cook for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
- Step 4: Flip the burger patties over, reduce to medium-high heat, and immediately spoon a little of the simmered tomato passata onto each one. Top with a slice of mozzarella cheese and a few slices of pepperoni. Add a tablespoon of water to the pan and cover with a lid to create steam, which will help melt the cheese to perfection. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the pepperoni is slightly crispy.
5. Step 5: While the patties are finishing, lightly toast your burger buns. Spread a generous amount of garlic mayo on each of the bottom buns. Place a handful of chopped gem lettuce on the bottom bun, then add the cheesy, pepperoni-topped patties. Finish with a few torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
Hint: To achieve the perfect crispy edges on your pizza smash burgers, make sure your pan is very hot before adding the patties. Smash them quickly and evenly for that classic crust while keeping the center juicy. Between the cooking of each pizza burger I also like to use a kitchen towel to wipe up some the remaining grease from the previous patties.
Substitutions for Pizza Burgers
Pizza burger patties
Beef Mince - You can substitute beef mince with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner alternative. These meats still provide a juicy base for these pizzas in burger form while offering a milder flavor, making them a healthier yet satisfying choice.
Parmesan - Grated pecorino romano or even aged cheddar can be used instead of parmesan. Pecorino adds a similar sharpness and umami, while aged cheddar introduces a creamy richness that complements the beef without overpowering the other flavors.
Paprika - Chili powder can replace paprika. Chili powder adds a slight heat, enhancing the overall flavor without overwhelming the pizza burger. You could also use a beef rub instead for a mix of different seasonings in this special dish.
Oregano - If you’re out of oregano, try using dried thyme or marjoram. Thyme offers a subtle earthiness, while marjoram brings a slightly sweeter, citrusy flavor, both of which blend well with the other Italian-inspired seasonings in the burger.
Garlic Salt - Replace garlic salt with fresh minced garlic and a pinch of regular salt. Fresh garlic delivers a more potent, aromatic flavor, enhancing the taste of the patties while maintaining the necessary savory element from the salt.
Olive Oil - Substitute olive oil with canola or vegetable oil if necessary. These neutral oils perform well at high cooking temperatures, ensuring the patties cook evenly without adding extra flavors that could compete with the pizza burger’s other ingredients.
Toppings for the Pizza Burgers
Mozzarella -Â For mozzarella, you can use provolone or Monterey Jack cheese. Provolone offers a similar melt and mild flavor with a slightly smoky edge if you wanted to make a slightly smoked pizza burger, while Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a creamy texture that pairs well with the beef. You could also use a mixture of Provolone and Monterey Jack or just American cheese.
Pepperoni - Swap pepperoni with chorizo or salami for a different taste. Chorizo adds a smoky, spicy kick, while salami provides a similar savory profile with a touch of sweetness, both complementing the other pizza-inspired elements of the pizza burger.
Tomato Passata -Â If you don't have tomato passata, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste or marinara sauce work well for the tomato sauce. Crushed tomatoes provide a chunkier texture with a fresh tomato taste, while marinara sauce adds depth with its pre-seasoned, slightly sweet flavor.
Italian Seasoning - Substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, thyme, and rosemary. This homemade blend mimics the classic Italian seasoning, bringing a balanced mix of herbal notes that infuse the sauce with a traditional, aromatic flavor.
Gem Lettuce - Romaine or butter lettuce can easily replace gem lettuce. Romaine adds a similar crunch and freshness, while butter lettuce offers a softer texture and a delicate flavor, both providing a refreshing contrast to the rich burger.
Garlic Mayo -Â Regular mayonnaise with a dash of garlic powder or minced fresh garlic makes a great substitute for garlic mayo and will still provide a great flavor for the burger patty to sit on. This alternative ensures you still get that creamy texture and garlicky flavor without needing a pre-made garlic mayo.
Fresh Basil - Replace fresh basil with fresh parsley or cilantro. Parsley adds a mild, slightly peppery flavor that brightens the dish, while cilantro offers a fresh, citrusy note, both of which bring a lively finish to the burger.
Brioche Buns - Instead of using a brioche bun for each burger, you can use whole-grain or ciabatta buns. Whole-grain buns offer a healthier option with added fiber and a nutty flavor, while ciabatta provides a slightly chewy texture and a rustic taste that pairs well with the burger’s Italian-inspired ingredients. Although I recommend these buns, any of your favorite buns will work for the hamburger buns. You could even try English muffins or cooked pizza dough!
Variations
The best thing about these Pizza burgers is that they are customizable, load them up with any of your favorite pizza toppings and enjoy these in many different creative ways. You could even remove the top bun and make open-faced pizza burgers.
Spicy Chorizo or Italian sausage - Replace the pepperoni with spicy chorizo slices for a smoky, bold flavor that adds a unique twist to the pizza burgers. Italian sausages would also add a tasty element to this special dish.
Vegetarian -Â Substitute the beef mince with a plant-based alternative and top with grilled mushrooms, red onions, green bell pepper, and mozzarella for a delicious vegetarian version.
BBQ - Swap the tomato passata for BBQ sauce, giving the pizza burger a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the pepperoni and melted cheese. This will give you a top burger for bbq lovers.
Air fryer - For an air fryer version of this delicious recipe, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Prepare the beef mixture as usual, then shape into patties. Place patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flip, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Meanwhile, simmer the passata with Italian seasoning. Top each patty with passata, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Return to the air fryer for 2 minutes to let the cheese melt.
Equipment
Parchment paper or baking sheet
Large skillet or Pan
How to store and reheat Pizza Burgers
To store leftover Double Pepperoni Pizza Smash Burgers, let them cool to room temperature, then place the patties and any leftover toppings separately in airtight containers. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat the leftover pizza burgers, remove the patties from the airtight container and warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water and covering with a lid to retain moisture and ensure the cheese melts perfectly. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the patties tough and the cheese rubbery. Toast the buns separately and reassemble the burgers once everything is hot.
Top Tip
To achieve the perfect crispy edges on your smash burgers, make sure your pan is very hot before adding the patties. Smash them quickly and evenly for that classic crust while keeping the center juicy. For an even more flavorful burger, consider mixing finely chopped pepperoni directly into the beef mince mixture before forming the patties. This ensures every bite is infused with that iconic pepperoni taste.
FAQ
Use lean ground meat or a plant-based patty, whole-grain buns, low-fat cheese, and load up on veggies. Opt for homemade tomato sauce with no added sugars.
A pizza burger typically includes a beef patty, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, combining the flavors of pizza with the structure of a burger.
Pizza burgers pair well with sides like garlic fries, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these Double Pepperoni Pizza Smash Burgers:
Recipe
Pepperoni Pizza Double Smash Burgers
Equipment
- Parchment paper or baking sheet
- Large skillet or Pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 500 g beef mince 1.1lb
- 30 g parmesan
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 125 g mozzarella
- 50 g pepperoni
- 250 g tomato passata 1 cup
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 200 g gem lettuce
- 3-4 tablespoon garlic mayo
- Fresh torn basil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mince with grated parmesan, a pinch of salt, cracked black pepper, paprika, oregano, and garlic salt. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.500 g beef mince, 30 g parmesan, Salt and pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic salt
- Pour the tomato passata into a small saucepan and stir in the Italian seasoning. Simmer over low heat for about 8-10 minutes while you put together the burgers and smash them in the pan, allowing the flavors to meld together and reduce slightly.250 g tomato passata, 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Divide the ground beef mixture into 8 equal portions for double smash burgers or 4 portions for standard-sized patties. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on a square of baking paper—this makes it easier to smash and handle in the pan.
- Heat a non-stick pan over high heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil. Place 2-4 beef patties into the hot pan with the baking paper side up. Using a spatula, press down firmly on each patty to smash it into a thin disc. Remove the baking paper and let the burger patties cook for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.1 tsp olive oil
- Flip the burger patties over, reduce to medium-high heat, and immediately spoon a little of the simmered tomato passata onto each one. Top with a slice of mozzarella cheese and a few slices of pepperoni. Add a tablespoon of water to the pan and cover with a lid to create steam, which will help melt the cheese to perfection. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the pepperoni is slightly crispy.50 g pepperoni, 125 g mozzarella
- While the patties are finishing, lightly toast your burger buns. Spread a generous amount of garlic mayo on each bun half. Place a handful of chopped gem lettuce on the bottom bun, then add the cheesy, pepperoni-topped patties. Finish with a few torn fresh basil leaves.200 g gem lettuce, 3-4 tbsp garlic mayo, Fresh torn basil
