Combining the best of pizza and burgers into one delicious, open-faced creation, open-faced pizza burgers offer a tasty and nostalgic twist on a classic comfort food. They’re perfect for quick family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a fun, hands-on meal to enjoy with kids. These pizza-inspired burgers are simple to customize, so everyone can add their favorite toppings. Read on for the full guide, from ingredients to popular variations, so you can create the perfect open-faced pizza burger at home.
What is an Open-Faced Pizza Burger?
An open-faced pizza burger is essentially a burger topped with pizza ingredients, served on a single slice of bread or bun rather than sandwiched. They’re typically made with a base of English muffins or burger buns, topped with seasoned ground beef, pizza sauce, and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering fusion of two beloved foods. For those interested in making the pizza sauce from scratch, this guide to homemade pizza sauce can add extra flavor to your recipe.
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Open-Faced Pizza Burger
Creating a flavorful open-faced pizza burger begins with choosing high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- English Muffins or Burger Buns: These are ideal bases for the pizza burger. Choose whole-grain buns for added fiber and nutrients. Learn about the benefits of whole grains for a healthier choice.
- Ground Beef or Meat Alternative: Traditionally, ground beef is used as the base, but feel free to substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option.
- Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce or make your own for enhanced flavor. A homemade option will offer a fresher taste.
- Cheeses: Mozzarella is commonly used for its creamy melt, but a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even provolone works well. For an in-depth look at cheeses that melt beautifully, refer to the best cheeses for melting.
- Optional Toppings: Customize with mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or even olives for an extra burst of flavor. Seasonings like oregano, basil, and garlic powder add the classic Italian flavor.
For a fresh take on another classic, our creamy chicken alfredo recipe offers a delicious Italian-inspired meal option.
Classic Open-Faced Pizza Burger Recipe
Here’s a simple, classic recipe to get you started. You can customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or preferred meat alternative)
- 4 English muffins or burger buns, split
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions
- Seasonings: ½ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the English muffins or buns on a baking sheet. - Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the pizza sauce, oregano, and garlic powder. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. - Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Spread the meat mixture evenly over each muffin or bun. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and any additional toppings of your choice. - Bake and Serve
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy!
Popular Variations of Open-Faced Pizza Burgers
One of the great things about open-faced pizza burgers is their adaptability, allowing you to tailor each one to your taste. Here are some popular variations to try out for your next meal:
- Pepperoni Pizza Burger: Layer slices of pepperoni over the cheese before baking to infuse that classic pizza flavor. For a fun twist, try these Pizza Burger Variations.
- Vegetarian Pizza Burger: Swap the meat for a hearty serving of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and spinach, creating a colorful, meat-free option.
- Spicy Pizza Burger: Add a kick by mixing in spicy sausage or topping with jalapeños and red pepper flakes. Discover more bold flavors with these Open-Faced Garlic Bread Pizza Burgers.
- Mushroom and Onion Burger: Sauté mushrooms and onions until golden, then pile them on the burger for an extra savory touch.
- Kid-Friendly Mini Pizza Burgers: Make bite-sized portions using mini bagels or slider buns, ideal for kids or as appetizers. For added fun, check out Open-Faced Pizza Burgers with Pepperoni, perfect for pizza lovers.
For another kid-friendly meal, our easy pumpkin cake recipe offers a fun, seasonal dessert option.
Tips for Making the Best Open-Faced Pizza Burgers
- Toast the Buns First: Toasting the buns or muffins lightly before adding toppings helps prevent sogginess from the pizza sauce.
- Choose Melt-Friendly Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a richer flavor profile.
- Layer Toppings Thoughtfully: Spread the sauce on the meat mixture before adding the cheese and any extras. This layering helps flavors meld together.
Healthier Alternatives
For a lighter take on this dish, consider these swaps:
- Whole-Grain Buns: Whole-grain English muffins or burger buns provide more fiber than white bread.
- Lean Meats or Plant-Based Options: Swap ground beef with lean turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives to reduce fat content.
- Reduced-Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat mozzarella or simply use a smaller amount of cheese to decrease the calorie content.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
Here are some side dishes and drinks to complement your pizza burgers:
- Side Dishes: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides. These sides add balance and flavor to the main dish.
- Beverages: Pair with sparkling water infused with lemon, iced tea, or a refreshing fruit mocktail.
For more drink inspiration, our lemon ginger detox drink pairs beautifully with a savory meal like these pizza burgers.
FAQs About Open-Faced Pizza Burgers
What’s the best bun to use for open-faced pizza burgers?
English muffins or burger buns work well due to their size and sturdiness. For added nutrition, opt for whole-grain buns.
Can I make pizza burgers vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the meat with plant-based protein and use dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Toast the buns lightly before adding the toppings, and avoid adding too much sauce to keep the base firm.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready, assemble and bake the pizza burgers.
What are some kid-friendly toppings?
Try toppings like mild cheddar cheese, sliced olives, or mini pepperonis. Using mini buns also makes them perfect for smaller hands.