Cranberry BBQ Cheeseburger Pizza

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together, and then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook to do this step.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the beef: While the dough is rising, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
2. Season the beef: Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and the spices are fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up, or simply use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference and the shape of your baking sheet or pizza stone. Aim for about 12-14 inches in diameter for a classic pizza size.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce. Stir well to combine. This will serve as the base sauce for your pizza.
4. Top the pizza: Spread a thin layer of the cranberry BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Then, sprinkle the seasoned ground beef and onions evenly over the sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
2. Check for doneness: If you’re using a pizza stone, the pizza should cook quickly, with a crispy crust and golden cheese. If you’re using a baking sheet, it may take a minute or two longer to get the desired crispiness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor. You can also add sliced pickles on top for extra crunch and a pop of acidity, similar to a classic cheeseburger topping.
2. Slice and enjoy: Slice the pizza into wedges and serve with extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Cranberry Sauce: If you’re using store-bought cranberry sauce, make sure it’s the type without added gelatin for a smoother texture that will spread better on the pizza. Alternatively, you can make your own cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest for a more complex flavor.
• Cheese Choices: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, you can mix in other cheeses like gouda, fontina, or provolone for a more gourmet pizza experience.
• Make it spicy: If you prefer a spicier pizza, try adding a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes to the cranberry BBQ sauce, or sprinkle some jalapeño slices on top before baking.
• Customize the toppings: This pizza is versatile! You can add bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even lettuce and tomato after baking to add more “burger-like” elements.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavor Combination: The sweetness of the cranberry sauce, combined with the smoky BBQ sauce, creates a unique and savory base that pairs perfectly with the juicy, seasoned ground beef.
• Perfectly Balanced: The rich, melty cheese contrasts beautifully with the tangy and sweet sauce, while the ground beef adds a hearty, satisfying element.
• A Fun Twist on a Classic: If you love cheeseburgers and pizza, this recipe brings them together in a whole new way. It’s a creative and delicious spin on two comfort food favorites.
• Customizable: You can adjust the flavor profile to your liking, making this pizza perfect for both BBQ lovers and those who enjoy a bit of sweetness in their savory dishes.

Conclusion

Cranberry BBQ Cheeseburger Pizza is a deliciously bold, creative dish that combines the best of both worlds—savory cheeseburger flavors and smoky BBQ goodness—wrapped in a crispy pizza crust. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, enjoying a family dinner, or just craving something different, this pizza is sure to impress with its unique combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. It’s an exciting take on pizza that brings a touch of creativity and a lot of deliciousness to the table!