Cheeseburger Crust Pizza

Introduction

The Cheeseburger Crust Pizza is a delectable fusion of two classic favorites: pizza and cheeseburgers. Popularized through a Pizza Hut commercial, this innovative dish features a unique crust filled with mini cheeseburgers. It combines the savory flavors of a juicy burger with the cheesy, tomato-rich goodness of pizza. This recipe allows you to create a mouth-watering homemade version of this sensational dish in your own kitchen.

History

The Cheeseburger Crust Pizza gained worldwide attention through a Pizza Hut commercial that showcased its distinct shape and flavors. Originating as a limited-time offering, it captivated food enthusiasts for its creative approach to merging two iconic foods. The idea behind stuffed crusts isn't new; however, filling the crust with mini cheeseburgers brought this concept to an entirely new level.

Stuffed crust pizza first emerged in the 1990s and has evolved through various iterations to keep up with changing consumer tastes. By incorporating cheeseburger elements, this pizza embraces both American and Italian culinary traditions, providing an exciting adventure for the palate.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough - homemade or store-bought, enough for one large pizza
• Ground beef - 1 pound
• Cheddar cheese slices - approximately 8 to 10 slices
• Mozzarella cheese - 1 cup, shredded
• Ketchup - 1/4 cup
• Mustard - 2 tablespoons
• Tomato sauce - 1 cup
• Bread crumbs - 1/4 cup
• Egg - 1, beaten
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1 teaspoon
• Garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Lettuce - 1 cup, shredded (optional)
• Pickles - 1/2 cup, sliced (optional)
• Red onion - 1/2 onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Mini Cheeseburgers

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
3. Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and shape them into small patties that fit comfortably within the width of your cheese slices.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil.
5. Cook the mini burgers until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Top each burger patty with half a slice of cheddar cheese to melt slightly.

Step 2: Assemble the Pizza

1. Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle on a floured surface.
2. Place the mini cheeseburgers around the edges of the dough, arranging them evenly.
3. Fold the edge of the dough over each mini cheeseburger and pinch to seal the dough, encasing the burgers within the crust.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, mustard, and oregano. Spread this mixture over the center of the pizza dough.
5. Top with tomato sauce followed by an even layer of mozzarella cheese.

Step 3: Bake the Pizza

1. Place the assembled pizza on a baking sheet or a pizza stone.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
3. Check the doneness using a timer to ensure precise baking.

Serving Suggestions

Once baked to perfection, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with optional toppings of lettuce, pickles, and red onion for a fresh crunch that complements the richness of the pizza.

This Cheeseburger Crust Pizza is not only the perfect party starter but also a fantastic main course. Pair it with a side of crispy French fries or a refreshing salad to round out this indulgent meal.

Enjoy each slice, savoring the delightful combination of flavors and textures that make this recipe a gastronomic standout. The cheesy crust filled with mini burgers offers a surprise with every bite, transforming a simple pizza night into an extraordinary dining experience.