Supreme Pizza Burgers: The Ultimate Pizza-Burger Mashup
A gooey, saucy creation that blends classic flavors into one unforgettable feast.
If you’ve ever faced the impossible choice between a juicy, cheesy burger and a loaded supreme pizza, this recipe is about to solve your dilemma forever. Supreme Pizza Burgers bring together the bold, comforting flavors of Italian-American pizza and the satisfying bite of a classic burger—all in one irresistible package. Layered with savory meats, melty cheese, classic pizza vegetables, and tangy marinara sauce, every bite is a celebration of two legendary comfort foods. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or as an indulgent weekend treat, this burger is pure, flavorful fun.
The Inspiration Behind Supreme Pizza Burgers
The idea for Supreme Pizza Burgers comes from the desire to combine two nostalgic favorites: pizza night and burger cookouts. Ree Drummond, known as The Pioneer Woman, took her initial Pepperoni Pizza Burger and turned it up a notch with a supreme twist—adding colorful veggies and extra toppings to mimic a fully loaded pizza. The result: a burger that’s as decadent as a slice of supreme pizza, but hearty enough to stand alone as a main course.
The Cast of Ingredients
To capture the spirit of a classic supreme pizza in burger form, you’ll need a collection of robust, familiar toppings—and a few burger essentials. Here’s what goes into each unforgettable bite:
- Ground Beef: Forms the burger base, offering juicy flavor and hearty texture.
- Italian Sausage: Infuses the patties with savory, spiced notes reminiscent of classic pizza slices.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, pizza-inspired richness, though provolone can also be used for a perfect circular melt.
- Marinara Sauce: Sweet, tangy tomato sauce brings all the pizza vibes directly into your burger.
- Pepperoni: Delivers spicy, smoky flavor layered right onto the cheese.
- Red Onion & Green Bell Pepper: Provide fresh crunch and the classic veggie profile of supreme pizza.
- Canned Mushrooms: For that retro pizzeria authenticity and juicy texture. Canned mushrooms actually evoke fond pizza joint memories!
- Black Olives: Salty and savory, they add depth and a hint of brininess.
- Kaiser Rolls: Sturdy rolls that hold up to all the juicy, saucy, cheese-laden toppings.
- Butter: For toasting the rolls to golden perfection.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled over the marinara for extra flavor and umami punch.
Ingredient Table: Flavor and Function
| Ingredient | Role in Burger | Pizza Inspiration |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef & Italian sausage | Juicy, flavorful burger base | Pepperoni and sausage pizza toppings |
| Italian seasoning | Aromatic, herbaceous notes | Classic pizza sauce flavor |
| Mozzarella/provolone cheese | Melty, gooey layer | Pizza’s signature cheese |
| Pepperoni | Spicy, smoky bite | Popular pizza meat |
| Red onion, green pepper, black olives, mushrooms | Freshness, crunch, brininess | Essential veggie toppings |
| Marinara sauce | Tangy, rich finish | Pizza sauce |
| Kaiser rolls | Hearty carrier | Bread base, holds it all |
| Butter | Golden, crisp roll | Classic sandwich touch |
| Parmesan cheese | Nutty, salty accent | Traditional pizza finish |
How to Make Supreme Pizza Burgers Step-by-Step
Creating this flavor-packed burger involves a few extra steps compared to a basic cheeseburger, but most of them are all about layering the goodness. Here’s a breakdown of how to craft your own Supreme Pizza Burger masterpiece:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine equal parts ground beef and Italian sausage (about 1 lb each for 4 burgers).
- Add a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning to amp up the aroma.
- Use your hands to knead the mixture thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into thick, even patties—these should be robust enough to handle toppings and stay moist through cooking.
2. Cook the Patties
- Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a touch of oil or nonstick spray if desired.
- Place the formed patties on the skillet and cook for about 4–6 minutes per side, until they’re fully cooked through (especially important since there’s pork sausage in the mix).
- After flipping, immediately begin the layering process so the cheese and toppings meld beautifully.
3. Build the Burger-Pizza Layers
- Place a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of each patty while it’s still in the skillet.
- Add a layer of pepperoni slices directly on top of the cheese, letting them warm and release their oils.
- Layer on very thin slices of red onion, rings of green pepper, a handful of black olives, and a hearty pile of canned mushrooms to truly mimic that supreme pizza feel.
- Spoon a bit of warm marinara sauce over the veggie pile for a saucy finish.
- Crown everything with a second slice of cheese, which will melt down and envelop the toppings for a true ‘pizza pull’ effect.
- To help the cheese melt thoroughly, either cover the skillet with a lid or invert a second skillet over your cooking pan.
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4. Prepare the Kaiser Rolls
- While the burgers are finishing, melt a generous amount of butter in a separate skillet.
- Split the Kaiser rolls and toast both halves in the butter until golden and crisp, ensuring they’ll stand up to all that juicy filling.
- Liberally spoon marinara sauce onto both the top and bottom halves of each toasted roll. Sprinkle both sides with Parmesan cheese for even more flavor.
5. Assemble and Serve
- Once the burger patties are loaded, melty, and ready, transfer them directly from skillet to the prepared bottom buns.
- Place the saucy, cheesy top halves on, pressing lightly so the whole burger comes together.
- Serve immediately while hot and melty—this is a two-napkin, hearty appetite kind of meal!
Tips & Variations for Supreme Pizza Burger Success
- Mix and Match Toppings: Customize your burgers with favorite pizza toppings such as roasted red peppers, banana peppers, or cooked bacon for extra flavor twists.
- Cheese Choices: While provolone melts well and fits the patty, mozzarella, cheddar, or even fontina can be used. For a spicy kick, try pepper jack.
- Buns Matter: Kaiser rolls offer structure and soak up juices without falling apart, but sturdy brioche or pretzel buns are excellent alternatives.
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace beef and sausage with plant-based alternatives and go heavy on veggie toppings for a satisfying vegetarian version.
- Sauce It Up: Use spicy arrabbiata or creamy garlic parmesan as alternate sauces for a new taste dimension.
- Outdoor Grill Option: You can grill the patties and vegetables for smoky depth—just transfer to a skillet for the final cheese-melting and sauce layering steps.
Why This Burger Tastes Like a Slice of Supreme Pizza
Each layer of the Supreme Pizza Burger is carefully designed to capture the essence of a classic supreme pizza. The Italian sausage and seasoning in the patty echo the heartiness of pizza toppings, while the melted cheese, marinara, and vegetables bring the pizzeria flavors to every bite. Toasted buns mimic crispy pizza crust, and the finishing touch of Parmesan delivers the ultimate Italian-inspired finish. The combination of gooey cheese, tangy sauce, zesty pepperoni, and briny olives will transport you to your favorite neighborhood pizza joint—no delivery required.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Side Dishes: Go traditional with oven-baked fries, crispy onion rings, or a fresh Caesar salad to contrast the richness.
- Drinks: Pair with a classic cola, a hoppy craft beer, or an Italian red for a grown-up pizza night vibe.
- Party Platter: Miniaturize the recipe with slider buns and serve as party snacks or game-day appetizers for instant crowd-pleasing bites.
- Leftovers Tip: Let burgers cool, wrap tightly, and reheat in a skillet or oven for a next-day meal that tastes almost as good as fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute sautéed fresh mushrooms for canned, though the canned variety offers a nostalgic pizza place feel and soaks up marinara beautifully.
Is there a way to make these burgers ahead of time?
You can form and refrigerate the patties a day in advance. Reheat gently in the skillet and layer with cheese, sauce, and toppings just before serving for best results.
What cheeses work best if I don’t have provolone?
Mozzarella is the classic pizza cheese, but you can experiment with cheddar, fontina, or Monterey Jack depending on your flavor preferences and what you have on hand.
How can I make the burgers less messy?
Try slightly reducing the amount of marinara added to the roll and ensuring the rolls are well-toasted to avoid sogginess. Serving with extra napkins is always wise!
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free buns and check all other ingredients for gluten-containing additives.
Pro Tips for Burger Success
- Use cold hands and cold meat to form patties; this helps keep the fat from melting before cooking, resulting in juicier burgers.
- Don’t over-mix the meat mixture. Light handling keeps the burger tender, not tough.
- Let cooked patties rest for 2–3 minutes after coming off the heat to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Add toppings in distinct layers to ensure each bite has a bit of everything.
- If doubling or tripling the recipe for a crowd, use the oven to melt the cheese after assembling all the toppings—this will speed things up and ensure even heating.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Pizza and Burgers, Together
A Supreme Pizza Burger is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary dinner into a fun food event. Hearty, bold, decadent, melty, and satisfying, it’s both a conversation starter and a family favorite. Whether you make them for Friday pizza night or your next summer barbecue, these burgers deliver crave-worthy pizzeria tastes with every bite. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy—the reward is pure comfort food bliss.
References
- https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/supreme-pizza-burgers/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11757/supreme-pizza-burgers/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11758/pepperoni-pizza-burgers/
- https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/1534231/supreme-pizza-burgers
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