Ultimate Double Cheeseburger Pizza Stack

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Servings: 6–8 generous portions

• Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cooking Intensity Breakdown

• Stovetop Searing (High Intensity): 10 minutes (Browning beef and crisper bacon)

• Sauce Prep & Assembly (Low Intensity): 15 minutes (Mixing secret sauce and building layers)

• Baking & Layer Fusing (High Heat Intensity): 25 minutes at 425°F (220°C)

• Resting & Portions (Passive): 5 minutes

Ingredients List

The Pizza Crust & Stacking Structure

• 2 pre-made pizza dough balls (12 inches each, room temperature) or pre-baked thin crusts

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the crusts)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for crust seasoning)

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

The Cheeseburger Meat Layer

• 1.5 lbs (680g) lean ground beef (80/20 chuck works best for maximum flavor)

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

• 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped

The Cheese & Toppings Stack

• 1.5 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1.5 cups Low-moisture Mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup dill pickle slices, pat dry with paper towels

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced (or 1 medium Roma tomato, diced)

• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional, for an extra kick)

The Signature “Secret Burger Sauce” Base

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp yellow mustard

• 3 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp dill pickle relish

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Garnish & Finishing Touches

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for top crust)

• 1 tbsp melted butter

• 1/2 cup fresh iceberg lettuce, finely shredded (added fresh after baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Signature Burger Sauce

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth and fully blended.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and chill in the refrigerator while preparing the rest of the ingredients. (This sauce doubles as both the base pizza sauce and a dipping sauce!).

Step 2: Sear the Seasoned Beef & Bacon

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon strips and cook until golden brown and crispy (about 6–8 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

2. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the pan.

3. Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.

4. Add the ground beef and minced garlic. Break up the beef using a wooden spoon into small, uniform crumbles.

5. Season with smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes until browned completely. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Par-Bake the Pizza Crusts

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or grease two 12-inch round pizza pans.

2. Roll out both dough balls into 12-inch circles on a lightly floured surface.

3. Place each dough circle onto a prepared pan. Dock the dough by pricking it lightly all over with a fork to prevent large air bubbles.

4. Brush both crusts with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with garlic powder and dried oregano.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 8 minutes until lightly set but not fully browned. Remove from oven.

Step 4: Assemble the Lower Stack

1. Take the first par-baked crust (this will be your base layer).

2. Spread 3 tablespoons of the prepared Signature Burger Sauce evenly across the base, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.

3. Layer half of the shredded cheddar and half of the shredded mozzarella over the sauce.

4. Distribute half of the cooked ground beef mixture and half of the crispy bacon evenly across the cheese layer.

5. Top with sliced dill pickles and optional pickled jalapeños.

Step 5: Add the Second Crust & Top Layer

1. Carefully place the second par-baked pizza crust directly on top of the filled bottom layer, pressing down gently around the edges to seal.

2. Spread another 3–4 tablespoons of Signature Burger Sauce over the top crust.

3. Evenly layer the remaining ground beef, bacon, sliced tomatoes, remaining cheddar, and remaining mozzarella cheese.

4. Brush the exposed crust edges with melted butter and sprinkle the top cheese layer with toasted sesame seeds for that authentic burger bun look.

Step 6: Bake to Melted Perfection

1. Transfer the assembled Double Cheeseburger Pizza Stack back into the oven at 425°F (220°C).

2. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and golden-brown, and the crusts are crisp and sturdy.

3. If the top browns too quickly before the center gets piping hot, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 5 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish, Rest, and Slice

1. Remove the stack from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. (This allows the cheese and layers to set, making it much easier to slice without spilling).

2. Scatter finely shredded iceberg lettuce over the top just before serving for that crisp, fresh contrast.

3. Slice into 6 to 8 wedges using a sharp pizza wheel or chef’s knife. Serve warm with extra Signature Burger Sauce on the side!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calculated based on an 8-slice yield per recipe.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	580 kcal	—
Total Fat	32g	41%
Saturated Fat	14g	70%
Trans Fat	0.8g	—
Cholesterol	95mg	32%
Sodium	1,120mg	49%
Total Carbohydrates	44g	16%
Dietary Fiber	3g	11%
Total Sugars	6g	—
Protein	31g	62%
Vitamin D	0.4mcg	2%
Calcium	340mg	26%
Iron	3.8mg	21%
Potassium	420mg	9%