Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Twist

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza brings together the best parts of two comfort foods in every single bite. With a chewy homemade crust, juicy ground beef, melty cheese, smoky bacon, tangy pickles, and a creamy burger sauce, it makes any night feel fun. I always turn to this recipe when I want a dinner that makes everyone light up with excitement at the table.

When I first made this pizza for game night, I did not expect it to vanish so fast. Now it is my go-to when my family wants to skip the drive-through but crave that classic burger flavor.

Ingredients

• Warm water: activates the yeast and helps your dough rise so be sure it is between one hundred five and one hundred fifteen degrees Fahrenheit
• Active dry yeast: gives the crust its classic pizzeria texture and spring
• All purpose flour: is versatile and works best for pizza dough so try to use one that feels soft and fresh
• Olive oil: adds flavor and keeps the dough tender so choose extra virgin if you can
• Sugar: gives the dough a little sweetness and helps feed the yeast
• Salt: balances flavors in the dough and makes the flavors pop
• Extra lean ground beef: cooks up crumbly and lets the pizza stay juicy without pooling fat
• Worcestershire sauce: brings depth and that signature burger taste
• Onion and garlic powder: infuse the beef with those diner burger vibes
• Cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend: means you get the perfect mix of gooey pull and sharp flavor so grate your own for the best melt
• Fried bacon slices: add a smoky salty crunch to every bite
• Sweet pickle slices: bring brightness and cut through the richness so look for ones that snap and smell vibrant
• Pizza sauce: keeps things classic and tomatoey as a base layer
• Burger sauce: ties everything together with tang and a little creaminess so try making your own for the real deal copycat experience

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Beef:

Add ground beef to a large skillet Cook over medium heat breaking it up into small crumbles Continue cooking until no pink remains Then stir in Worcestershire sauce onion powder garlic powder salt and pepper Let the mixture brown lightly for extra flavor Once done drain off excess fat and set aside

Cooking the Bacon:

Cut bacon into bite sized pieces Place them in a skillet over medium high heat Cook until they are fully rendered but just starting to get crisp not brittle Drain the bacon on paper towels This ensures a chewy yet crisp punch

Prepping the Pickles and Toppings:

Slice pickles to one fourth inch thick Lay the slices between paper towels Press them gently to remove extra juice This keeps your pizza from getting soggy Have shredded cheese and burger sauce standing by for fast assembly

Making the Dough:

Warm a mixing bowl with hot tap water to help yeast work its magic Measure out water at one hundred ten degrees Fahrenheit Add sugar then pour water into the bowl Sprinkle yeast on top and wait for it to get foamy about two minutes Whisk in olive oil Add flour and salt Mix with a spoon then knead by hand until your dough is smooth Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm draft free spot

Assembling and Baking:

Heat your oven to five hundred degrees Fahrenheit Roll out risen dough on a lightly oiled pizza pan Press the edges out for a classic pizza shape Spoon sauce over the dough leaving a border around the edge In a bowl toss the beef cooked bacon and cheese together Sprinkle the mixture evenly on the sauced dough Bake twelve minutes or until cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden Take pizza from oven Arrange pickles on top Drizzle with burger sauce Slice and serve immediately

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My favorite part is always the moment I drizzle on the burger sauce at the very end It makes the whole pizza taste like a diner burger and always brings back memories of making late night pizzas with my dad after a long day

Storage Tips

Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best texture reheat leftovers in the oven at four hundred degrees until the cheese is melty and the crust crisps up again If you plan to freeze wrap cooled pizza tightly and store for up to one month Thaw in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch out ground turkey or even plant based crumbles if you want a lighter or vegetarian version Smoked gouda or American cheese make tasty swaps for cheddar Feel free to use your favorite burger toppings instead of pickles like jalapenos or thin tomato slices If you do not have time for scratch dough pre made pizza dough works in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

This pizza is a whole meal on its own but it pairs nicely with a crisp salad Some folks like to add a few potato chips on the side for an authentic diner feel If you are making this for a party cut it into squares for easy finger food

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Cultural and Historical Context

Bacon cheeseburger pizza first became popular in the United States in the nineties when pizzerias began experimenting with classic sandwich flavors There is something nostalgic and playful about transforming two beloved foods into a single crave worthy slice It is now a staple at many chain pizzerias but homemade always tastes freshest

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of beef works best?

Extra lean ground beef is preferred so the topping stays flavorful without excess grease. Ensure it's cooked and drained well for the best texture.

→ Can I use a store-bought dough?

Yes, pre-made dough saves time and still produces a great base. Ensure it's stretched evenly for a crisp, sturdy crust.

→ What type of cheese is recommended?

A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella delivers both rich flavor and that signature melt. You can use only one type if preferred.

→ How do I keep pickles from making it soggy?

Pat pickle slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding them after baking.

→ What toppings can I customize?

Onions, jalapeños, or extra sauces can be added to suit personal taste, but keep the essentials for the classic flavor profile.

→ Do I bake with the sauce and pickles?

Bake with the pizza sauce but add pickles and burger sauce immediately after so they stay vibrant and don't lose texture.