If you have ever dreamed of combining two of the most beloved comfort foods in America, then the Pizza Smashburger Recipe is here to turn that dream into a mouthwatering reality. This delightful creation mashes up juicy, perfectly seasoned smashburger patties with all the glorious flavors of a classic pizza, including melty mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and a tangy pizza sauce, layered with garlic-infused aioli and buttered buns. The result is an explosion of taste, texture, and satisfaction that will have you craving this unique twist time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two stages of cooking burgers on a black grill pan over glowing charcoal on a grill. On the left side, two pink raw burger patties lie flat on the grill pan, with some smoky steam rising and slight grill marks beginning to form in the middle of each patty. On the right side, two burger patties are cooked and topped with thick slices of white cheese that are slowly melting. The grill pan has a slightly shiny, oily texture, and faint steam rises from both sides. The background consists of green grass out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this Pizza Smashburger Recipe is refreshingly simple. Each ingredient serves a clear purpose—from the rich ground beef forming the burger’s juicy foundation to the vibrant pizza sauce and crisp pepperoni that bring authentic pizza vibes. The garlic aioli and parmesan butter add layers of savory richness that you won’t want to skip.

2 lbs Ground Beef 80/20: The perfect fat content for juicy and flavorful patties.
1 tbsp Kosher Salt: Enhances all the savory notes in the beef and seasoning.
1 tbsp Black Pepper: Adds a bold, peppery kick that complements the meat.
1 tbsp Garlic Powder: Brings deep, aromatic undertones to the burger seasoning.
1 cup Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the garlic aioli.
1 tbsp Minced Garlic: Packs a punch of fresh garlic flavor in both the aioli and butter.
1 tsp Lemon Juice: Brightens the aioli with a subtle tang.
Salt & Pepper to taste: Balances the flavor profile perfectly.
1.5 cup Unsalted Butter, melted: Used to infuse the garlic parmesan butter for toasting buns.
2 tbsp Minced Garlic: Infuses the butter with rich, savory garlic notes.
1.5 tbsp Grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty dimension to the butter.
1.5 tbsp Chopped Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous lift to the burger buns.
1 tbsp Red Chili Flakes: Offers a subtle hint of heat in the butter for complexity.
8-10 slices Mozzarella Cheese: The melty cheese layer that transforms this burger into a pizza lover’s dream.
1 cup Pizza Sauce: The classic, tangy tomato element of a pizza nested within the burger.
1 cup Sliced Pepperoni: Crispy, spicy rounds to bring the pizza flavor to life.
Burger Buns: Your canvas for building the ultimate pizza smashburger.

How to Make Pizza Smashburger Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Garlic Aioli and Garlic Parmesan Butter

Begin by mixing all the ingredients for the garlic aioli in one bowl and the garlic parmesan butter in another. The aioli’s creamy, garlicky goodness will bring just the right zing, while the butter is perfect for elevating those buns to golden, flavorful perfection. Setting these aside first lets the flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 2: Form and Chill the Burger Balls

Using your hands, scoop roughly 1/4-pound portions of the ground beef, gently rolling them into balls. This size ensures even cooking while keeping the patties juicy. Place them in the fridge to firm up, which helps maintain their shape when smashed on the skillet.

Step 3: Preheat Grill and Skillet

Fire up your grill to a high temperature of around 400°F. Meanwhile, place a cast iron skillet or plancha directly over the flames to get it smoking hot. These high heat settings are essential for that trademark crust everyone loves on a smashburger.

Step 4: Smash the Burger Patties

Set one of the beef balls onto the preheated skillet. Lay a piece of parchment paper on top and press down firmly with a spatula to smash the ball flat right onto the pan. This smashing creates those crispy edges and tender insides that define the smashburger experience. Immediately season the patty’s exposed surface with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 5: Cook and Flip

Let the smashed patty cook without moving for 1-2 minutes to develop a crust. Flip carefully, then season the other side with the same mix of seasonings. Add a slice of mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt, trapping all those delicious flavors and adding a gooey layer of pizza goodness.

Step 6: Cook the Pepperoni

In the same skillet, crisp up your pepperoni slices. The high heat quickly renders their fat and crisps the edges, adding a smoky, peppery crunch that pairs perfectly with the juicy patties.

Step 7: Assemble and Toast the Buns

Dip the inside of your burger buns into the garlic parmesan butter for ultimate flavor and moisture. Build your burger upside down starting with the bun, then a smear of garlic aioli, one or two cheesy patties, a generous spoonful of pizza sauce, crispy pepperoni, and a final dab of aioli on top before closing with the other buttered bun. Place the whole sandwich back onto the skillet to toast the buns until golden brown and slightly crisp.

How to Serve Pizza Smashburger Recipe

A close-up view of a thick sandwich held by a person's hand, showing three layers of cooked ground meat patties with a pink-gray color, separated by grilled white bread slices with golden brown, crispy edges. White melted cheese is oozing and stretching between the meat and bread layers, with some cheese dripping down the sides. The sandwich is positioned over a wooden surface with some orange crumbs and smears visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can bring a new dimension to your Pizza Smashburger Recipe. Consider adding a handful of peppery arugula for a peppery bite or a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil leaves to echo those classic Italian flavors. A dusting of extra parmesan or a drizzle of hot honey can also amp up the flavor in exciting ways.

Side Dishes

This burger is rich and bold, so pairing it with lighter, complementary sides is key. A crisp Caesar salad or some tangy pickled vegetables help cut through the richness. If you’re feeling indulgent, crispy sweet potato fries or classic garlic fries make fantastic companions that keep the pizza and burger vibes going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, try serving sliders made with smaller patties and mini buns. Layer each with the same pizza toppings, then secure with a toothpick topped with a pepperoni slice. Another idea: deconstruct the Pizza Smashburger Recipe into a plated dish with a smashed beef patty as the base, topped with pizza sauce, melted cheese, pepperoni, and a dollop of aioli on the side—perfect for a more refined presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover burgers tightly in foil or an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To preserve their juicy texture, keep burger patties and buns separate if possible, then reassemble before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the burger patties before cooking by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For best flavor, prepare fresh garlic aioli and butter after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat your Pizza Smashburger gently in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispy edges without drying out the patties. Add the buns cut side down to toast a little more. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the burger’s delicious texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives the authentic pizza vibe with its meltiness, feel free to swap in provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack to customize your Pizza Smashburger Recipe.

Is it necessary to use a cast iron skillet?

A cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving that perfect crust due to its excellent heat retention, but a heavy stainless steel pan or plancha will work nicely as well.

How spicy is this burger?

The spice mainly comes from the red chili flakes in the garlic parmesan butter and the pepperoni. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the chili flakes if you prefer a milder burger.

Can this recipe be made indoors without a grill?

Definitely! A hot stovetop pan or griddle can replicate the high heat needed for smashing the burgers. Just ensure the pan gets really hot before cooking for the best crust.

What type of buns work best for this recipe?

Soft, slightly sweet burger buns hold up wonderfully while complementing the rich flavors. Brioche or potato rolls are excellent choices, as they absorb the garlic parmesan butter beautifully without falling apart.

Final Thoughts

Once you dive into this Pizza Smashburger Recipe, it’s hard to go back to ordinary burgers. The marriage of pizza’s iconic flavors with smashburger technique creates a uniquely satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether for a casual weeknight or a weekend hangout, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your taste buds and your guests. So, grab those ingredients and get smashing—you won’t regret a single bite!