The Pizza Burger Pie: A Flavorful Fusion Delight
Bringing Together the Best of Pizza and Burger Worlds
The Pizza Burger Pie is a creative fusion dish that combines the best elements of two beloved classics – pizza and burgers. Imagine a savory pie with a crispy pizza crust, a juicy burger patty, gooey cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings. It’s a taste explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing. Let’s dive into the world of culinary fusion and create this delectable dish.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Burger Pie:
- 1 pound ground beef (or your choice of ground meat)
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
For the Burger Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Patty:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the burger seasoning ingredients (paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper). Mix well.
- Form the seasoned beef into a burger patty of the same size as your pie pan. Cook the patty in a skillet or on a grill until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Set aside.
2. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the pizza dough packaging (usually around 425°F or 220°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a circle large enough to line a pie pan. Leave some excess dough hanging over the edge to form the top crust.
3. Assemble the Pizza Burger Pie:
- Start by layering half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the pie crust.
- Next, spread a layer of pizza sauce over the cheese.
- Place the cooked burger patty on top of the sauce.
- Add a layer of diced red onions, diced tomatoes, sliced pickles, black olives, green bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using).
- Sprinkle garlic powder and onion powder evenly over the toppings.
- Finally, cover the pie with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
4. Seal and Bake:
- Fold the excess dough over the top of the pie to create a rustic, folded edge. You can crimp it with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Brush the top crust with a little olive oil for a golden finish.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake according to the pizza dough package instructions, typically for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the Pizza Burger Pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Slice it into wedges, just like a pizza, and serve your delicious fusion creation.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
- Be creative with your burger toppings. You can add bacon, jalapeños, or even a fried egg for an extra layer of flavor.
- Ensure that the burger patty is fully cooked before assembling the pie, as the baking time in the oven is mainly for melting the cheese and heating the toppings.
Variations:
- Experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack can add unique flavor profiles to your Pizza Burger Pie.
Customization:
- Make it vegetarian by substituting the beef patty with a plant-based burger patty or a mixture of sautéed vegetables.
Storage:
- Leftover Pizza Burger Pie can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to maintain its crispy crust.
Cook’s Note:
- The Pizza Burger Pie is a delightful fusion of two favorite comfort foods that can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy it for a family dinner or as a party appetizer, this creative dish is sure to be a hit. Explore the fusion of pizza and burgers right from your own kitchen!
- This Pizza Burger Pie offers endless opportunities for personalization. Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients to suit your tastes. You can even add a drizzle of your favorite burger condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
- For a unique twist, try making mini Pizza Burger Pies using muffin tins. This is perfect for serving individual portions at parties or gatherings.
- When working with pizza dough, keep it at room temperature for easier handling. If it’s too cold, it may be prone to tearing when rolled out.
- This fusion dish is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with various burger styles, like BBQ bacon, mushroom Swiss, or classic cheeseburger.
- Enjoy the delightful combination of two beloved comfort foods – pizza and burgers – in one delicious dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. The Pizza Burger Pie is a crowd-pleaser that offers the best of both worlds in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or sharing it with friends, it’s a fusion delight that never disappoints!
