My husband asked me if I’d ever had a pizza burger and I couldn’t really remember. He told me that when
he was a kid, pizza burger night was his favorite! He often rode his bike to the local A&W Root Beer stand
and ordered a pizza burger with this best friend, Chad. This recipe is in honor of my love, Craig.

prep time: 10 minutes, plus 1 hour to chill dough, if needed

cook time: 16 minutes

yield: 4 servings

PIZZA DOUGH

INGREDIENT 

• 1¾ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup blanched almond flour
• ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt

PREPARATION

1. Place the mozzarella and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is entirely melted. Stir well.
2. Add the egg and, using a hand mixer, combine well. Add the almond flour and salt and combine well with the mixer. Use your hands and work it like traditional dough, kneading for about 3 minutes. (Note: If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for an hour or overnight.)
3. Divide the dough into four 4-ounce balls. Place each ball on its own piece of greased parchment paper and top with another piece of greased parchment. Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a 5-inch disc.

BURGER

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound ground beef
• Fine sea salt and ground black pepper
• 4 (½-ounce) slices mozzarella cheese
• 12 slices pepperoni
• 4 tablespoons pizza sauce, homemade (here) or storebought, divided, plus extra for serving

PREPARATION

1. Divide the ground beef into four 4-ounce portions, shape into patties, and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a large greased cast-iron skillet over medium heat, sauté the burgers for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until cooked medium-rare. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Place 1 slice of cheese in the center of each rolled-out dough disc, then top with 3 slices of pepperoni, a burger patty, and 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce.
4. Fold the sides of the dough around the burger and seal it, as if you were making a large dumpling. Repeat with the rest of the dough circles and filling ingredients.
5. Place on the hot pizza stone or a large baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. Serve with pizza sauce on the side.

STORAGE

• Store extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on a rimmed baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes or until warmed through.

BUSY FAMILY TIPS

• Make large batches of pizza dough and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to a month for easy meals such as these burgers. It also works great for pizza.