There are comfort foods—and then there are cheesy pizza burgers on garlic bread buns, which deserve their own category of indulgent, gooey greatness. Imagine the cheesy satisfaction of a cheeseburger pizza recipe fused with the bold, saucy flair of your favorite old school pizza burgers, all layered between golden, buttery garlic bread instead of your standard bun. This recipe is a glorious mashup that delivers the best parts of a burger and a pizza in one handheld masterpiece. Whether you're a fan of pizza burgers ground beef style, or curious about revamping classic hamburger pizza recipes, this one is going to become a repeat favorite.
Cheesy Pizza Burgers on Garlic Bread Buns
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Large Skillet or Griddle For cooking the burger patties.
Mixing bowls One for seasoning the meat and another for garlic butter.
Baking sheet To toast the garlic bread buns and melt the cheese under the broiler.
Spatula or burger press To shape and flip the burgers.
Broiler (oven) Essential for finishing with that bubbly, cheesy pizza topping.
For the Garlic Bread Buns
- 4 large sub rolls or hoagie buns you can also use hamburger buns for a more classic pizza burgers recipe hamburger buns vibe
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pizza Burger Patties
- 1½ pounds ground beef 80/20 for juiciness
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup finely chopped pepperoni or Spam yes, you can make pizza burgers with Spam for a retro twist!
For the Pizza Topping
- 1 cup pizza sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced black olives optional
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms optional
- ½ cup green bell pepper diced (optional)
- Red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
Prep the Garlic Bread Buns
Cut the sub rolls or buns in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Brush the garlic butter generously onto each bun half. Set aside while you prep the burgers.
Make the Burger Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped pepperoni or Spam. Mix gently—don’t overwork it—to keep the burgers tender. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into burger patties slightly larger than the buns (they’ll shrink a bit as they cook).
Cook the Patties
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. You’re going for a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Set the cooked patties aside on a plate.
Assemble the Pizza Burger
Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of pizza sauce over the cooked burger patty, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella. Add olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers if you’re going for a supreme pizza vibe.
Broil the Garlic Buns
While the cheese is melting, place the garlic buns under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden and crispy. Watch them closely to avoid burning.
Melt the Cheese
Return the pizza-topped patties to the baking sheet and place them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—just enough for the cheese to get bubbly and slightly browned.
Build and Serve
Place each pizza burger on the bottom half of a toasted garlic bread bun, then cap it with the top half. Serve hot and melty.
Pairings
These pizza burgers are hearty on their own, but a few well-chosen sides can round out the meal perfectly.
Best Sides:
- Crispy curly fries or garlic Parmesan wedges: They complement the garlicky notes in the bun.
- Caesar salad: Adds a fresh crunch and balances the richness.
- Mozzarella sticks or fried ravioli: Keep the Italian theme going strong.
- Pickles or giardiniera: For a tangy contrast.
Beverages:
- Classic cola or root beer: The sweetness balances the savory.
- Sparkling lemonade or Italian soda: Refreshing and citrusy.
- Milkshakes (vanilla or chocolate): If you’re going full-on diner-style.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! You can absolutely swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take on these pizza burgers recipe. Just note they may be a bit leaner, so consider adding a splash of olive oil or a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to keep them juicy.
2. What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is the go-to for that stringy pizza pull, but feel free to mix it up. Provolone, cheddar, or even a smoky gouda can take this cheese burger pizza over the top.
3. Is Spam really a good idea?
Absolutely—it’s a nostalgic twist. Many pizza burger pie recipe variations from the '70s and '80s used Spam for that salty, umami kick. If you’re into old school pizza burgers, try it at least once!
4. Can I make this vegetarian?
You can! Use plant-based ground beef and meatless pepperoni or mushrooms. Keep the rest of the pizza sandwich recipe elements the same.
5. What if I want to make this into a full pizza?
If you want to turn this into a pizza burger pie, simply layer cooked burger crumbles, sauce, and toppings over pizza dough and bake like a traditional hamburger bun pizza. It’s like the reverse of a pizza burger recipe—more pizza, less burger!
