Hey there, Jason Griffith from Chefmaniac, and today we’re getting festive with a culinary mash-up that’s sure to be the star of your holiday spread: Christmas Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza. Forget your traditional pepperoni; we’re bringing the savory, smoky, cheesy goodness of a bacon cheeseburger to your pizza night, all with a cheerful, colorful twist perfect for the season. This isn’t just pizza; it’s a celebration on a crust!
Why I Love This Recipe
This pizza is pure genius, plain and simple. It takes two universally loved foods—pizza and cheeseburgers—and combines them into one epic dish. What makes it “Christmas”? It’s all about the vibrant colors from the fresh veggies like red onions, green bell peppers, and diced tomatoes, making it look as festive as it tastes. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying, a real crowd-pleaser that offers a delightful break from typical holiday fare. It’s the perfect dish to serve when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive masterpiece:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (your preferred brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pickles, chopped (don’t skip these for that authentic burger tang!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Special Sauce:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Swaps and Notes
This pizza is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own!
- Pizza Dough: While pre-made dough is a time-saver, feel free to use a homemade recipe for an extra touch. You could also use a large, pre-baked pizza crust or even flatbreads for individual pizzas.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would enhance the “cheeseburger” vibe. Provolone or even a smoked gouda could also be interesting additions.
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or even a plant-based ground crumble could work as a substitute.
- Bacon: For extra flavor, consider using a thicker-cut bacon or even turkey bacon if preferred. Ensure it’s crispy!
- Veggies: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences. Sautéed onions or bell peppers could add a different texture. A sprinkle of fresh jalapeños would add a nice kick.
- Pickles: Chopped pickles are key to that cheeseburger flavor, adding a bright, briny contrast to the richness. Don’t omit them unless absolutely necessary!
- Special Sauce: You can adjust the ratios of ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise in the special sauce to suit your taste. A tiny dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder could also be added.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this festive pizza going!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly flour a baking sheet or pizza stone. Roll out your pre-made pizza dough onto the prepared surface.
- Sauce the Base: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- First Layer of Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce. This will be the base for our burger toppings.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the 1/2 lb ground beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Season the cooked beef with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Toppings: Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the mozzarella cheese. Then, scatter the crumbled bacon, diced red onion, diced green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and chopped pickles over the beef and cheese.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned in spots. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
- Make the Special Sauce: While the pizza bakes, in a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise until smooth and well combined.
- Drizzle and Serve: Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for a minute or two. Drizzle the prepared special sauce generously over the entire pizza. Slice, serve hot, and enjoy your delicious and festive Christmas Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza!
Tips for Success
- Crispy Bacon is Key: Make sure your bacon is nice and crispy before crumbling it. This adds a crucial textural element.
- Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, be mindful not to over-top the pizza, which can lead to a soggy crust.
- Chopped Pickles: The chopped pickles are what really give this pizza that distinct cheeseburger tang. Don’t leave them out if you want the full effect!
- Baking Sheet: Using a baking sheet or pizza stone helps ensure an evenly cooked and crispy crust.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes for cleaner slices.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Christmas Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza is hearty and flavorful on its own, but here are some ideas for a complete meal:
- Side Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a simple vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the pizza.
- French Fries or Onion Rings: Lean into the burger theme with a side of classic fries or crispy onion rings.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw would offer a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
- For an ultimate cheesy appetizer pairing, consider starting your meal with This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
Storage and Leftover Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence with this pizza!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, the best method is in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the crust crisps up again. This prevents it from getting soggy like it might in a microwave.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of combining comfort food classics and cheesy goodness, you’ll love these other Chefmaniac creations:
- For another crowd-pleasing, cheesy treat, check out these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- Dive into another creative cheesy sensation with How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- And for a guaranteed party hit, you absolutely need to make This Beer Cheese Dip is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes.
- Don’t forget these Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos) for an awesome appetizer!
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza is a fantastic way to add a fun, unexpected twist to your holiday gatherings or any pizza night. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, hitting all those savory, cheesy notes you crave from both a pizza and a burger. Give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite!
What are your favorite unexpected pizza toppings? I’d love to hear your creative ideas! Share them in the comments below, and happy cooking!
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