Open-Faced Pizza Burgers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Burger Patties

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or alternative) with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat.
• Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty, making a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up as they cook.
• Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the burger patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Toast the Buns

• While the burgers are cooking, cut the hamburger buns in half and toast them lightly. You can do this in a toaster, on the grill, or in a pan with a little butter for extra flavor. Toast until golden and crispy.

3. Assemble the Open-Faced Pizza Burgers

• Preheat your oven’s broiler on high.
• Place each toasted bun half on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
• Spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce onto each bun, spreading it evenly across the surface.
• Place a cooked burger patty on top of each sauced bun half.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each patty, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if using.
• Add your choice of pizza toppings. Popular choices include pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives. You can also add some fresh basil for extra flavor.

4. Broil the Pizza Burgers

• Place the assembled pizza burgers under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bun are slightly crispy.
• Keep a close eye on them to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn and the buns don’t toast too much.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added touch of flavor and color.
• Serve immediately while hot, with a side of salad or your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or extra marinara sauce.

Tips for Customizing Open-Faced Pizza Burgers:

• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is the classic pizza cheese, you can experiment with other varieties such as cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a bold twist.
• Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or other veggies to the toppings to boost the nutrition and flavor of your pizza burgers.
• Make Them Spicy: For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the cheese, or add sliced jalapeños or hot sausage to the patty.
• Make Them Mini: For a fun appetizer, try making mini pizza burgers by using smaller buns or slider-sized patties. Perfect for parties or game day!
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the regular buns for gluten-free burger buns, or use lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative.

Why Open-Faced Pizza Burgers Are a Winner:

• Pizza and Burgers Combined: What could be better than combining two of the most beloved foods—pizza and burgers? Open-Faced Pizza Burgers offer all the best flavors of a pizza with the satisfying juiciness of a burger.
• Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you like your pizza loaded with toppings or just with classic pepperoni, you can make these burgers your own with your favorite ingredients.
• Perfect for All Occasions: These pizza burgers are great for casual dinners, family nights, or even as a fun party dish. They’re also perfect for kids who love pizza but want something a little different.
• Easy and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, these burgers are an ideal weeknight meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation. You can make them quickly, and the results are always delicious.

Final Thoughts:

Open-Faced Pizza Burgers are a creative, fun, and mouthwatering twist on two iconic comfort foods—pizza and burgers. With a crispy bun, juicy burger patty, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted cheese, these burgers bring all the best flavors of pizza into a new, handheld form. Plus, they’re fully customizable, allowing you to mix and match your favorite pizza toppings for a unique twist every time.

Whether you’re craving something new for dinner or hosting a casual get-together, these Open-Faced Pizza Burgers will satisfy everyone’s cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds. Try them out today, and enjoy the ultimate pizza-burger fusion!