Easy Nostalgic Pizza Burgers (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Patty Mixture

01 - 450 g ground beef (80/20 ratio)
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 60 ml plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Toppings and Garnish

08 - 240 ml pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
09 - 180 g shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 25 g grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 12 to 16 pepperoni slices (optional)
12 - 35 g diced green bell pepper (optional)
13 - 30 g sliced black olives (optional)
14 - 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

→ Assembly

16 - 4 hamburger buns (sesame seed or brioche)
17 - 28 g unsalted butter

# Instructions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper until just incorporated.
02 - Shape the mixture into 4 even patties. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until completely cooked through and internal temperature reaches 71°C. Let rest briefly after cooking.
03 - Spread butter evenly on the cut sides of each bun. Toast the buns, cut side down, in a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.
04 - Place a cooked patty on each bottom bun half. Top with 2–3 tablespoons of pizza sauce, then a generous amount of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Add pepperoni, olives, or peppers if desired. Transfer assembled burgers to a broiler for 1–2 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles.
05 - Crown with top buns. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot.

# Notes:

01 - Opt for 80/20 ground beef to ensure moist, flavorful patties, as leaner blends may result in dryness.
02 - Toasting the buns not only adds crunch but also helps maintain the burger's structural integrity by preventing sogginess.
03 - For optimal melt, use low-moisture mozzarella. Freshly grated Parmesan delivers a sharp, savory finish.
04 - Variations include using ground chicken, vegetarian patties, or experimenting with different toppings such as mushrooms, jalapeños, or pineapple.
05 - Transform into party sliders by using small rolls or achieve a garlic bread version by substituting the buns with grilled garlic bread slices.