Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the pizza dough:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">300g strong bread flour (plus extra for dusting)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">7g fast-action dried yeast</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">175ml warm water</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fine semolina or cornmeal (for dusting the pizza stone/tray)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the toppings:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250g lean ground beef</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp Worcestershire sauce</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp mustard powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 tbsp tomato ketchup</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp mayonnaise</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp American mustard</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g cheddar cheese, grated</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g mozzarella cheese, grated</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large pickles, finely diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large tomato, seeds removed and diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">½ red onion, thinly sliced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp sesame seeds</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh lettuce leaves, shredded (for serving)</li> </ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Pizza stone or heavy baking tray</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Pizza peel or rimless baking sheet</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Dough scraper</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Food thermometer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li> </ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Begin by making the pizza dough. In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the olive oil and warm water (it should be about 38°C - warm to the touch but not hot, as excessive heat will kill the yeast). Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn onto a lightly floured surface. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when lightly pressed and feel soft but not sticky. This kneading develops the gluten structure, giving your pizza crust its characteristic chew. Form into a ball and place in an oiled bowl, cover with cling film or a damp cloth, and leave in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, until doubled in size. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> While the dough rises, prepare your toppings. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon to create small crumbles. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and drain any excess fat. Set aside to cool slightly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> In a small bowl, make your "special sauce" by mixing together the ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard until well combined. This sauce mimics the tangy-sweet flavor profile of a classic burger sauce. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Place your pizza stone or heavy baking tray in the oven and preheat to 250°C (or as high as your oven will go). The preheated stone or tray will help achieve a crispy bottom crust, mimicking the intense heat of professional pizza ovens. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> When the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough into a round approximately 30cm in diameter. If the dough springs back too much, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing - this allows the gluten to relax. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Sprinkle your pizza peel or rimless baking sheet with semolina or cornmeal (this acts as tiny ball bearings to help the pizza slide easily onto the hot stone). Transfer your pizza dough onto the peel. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Working quickly, spread about two-thirds of the special sauce over the dough, leaving a 2cm border for the crust. Evenly distribute the beef mixture over the sauce, then sprinkle with both cheeses, reserving a small handful. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Scatter the diced pickles, tomatoes, and red onion over the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top - this layering method ensures the toppings don't make the dough soggy and creates a melty cheese layer that holds everything together. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> Brush the exposed crust with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds to mimic a burger bun. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4> Carefully slide the pizza from the peel onto the preheated stone or tray in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned in spots. The internal temperature of the dough should reach 90°C when fully baked. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 13</h4> Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for 2 minutes before slicing. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly and makes for cleaner slices. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 14</h4> Drizzle the remaining special sauce over the hot pizza, then sprinkle with the fresh shredded lettuce just before serving. The heat from the pizza will slightly wilt the lettuce, similar to how lettuce softens on a hot burger. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 15</h4> Slice into 8 equal pieces and serve immediately while hot and cheese is still stretchy. If you'd like to recreate the complete burger experience, serve with small dishes of ketchup and mustard for dipping the crusts. </li> </ol>