Papa John’s Cheesy Burger Pizza Returns: A Delicious Copycat Recipe Guide

For pizza lovers and burger aficionados alike, the Papa John’s Cheesy Burger Pizza was a culinary dream come true. The combination of classic pizza and juicy burger flavors created an unforgettable experience. While Papa John’s may not always have this specialty pizza on their menu, fear not! This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step recipe to recreate this delicious pizza at home, satisfying your cravings whenever they strike.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe aims to capture the essence of the Papa John’s Cheesy Burger Pizza. It focuses on recreating the key flavor components: the savory beef topping, the tangy burger sauce, the blend of cheeses, and the crucial pickle slices that cut through the richness. By using high-quality ingredients and following the precise instructions, you can achieve a result that rivals the original, or perhaps even surpasses it.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.

**For the Pizza Dough:**

* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

**For the Burger Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons ketchup
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)

**For the Toppings:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup diced dill pickles, patted dry
* 1/4 cup crumbled bacon (optional, for extra flavor)

## Equipment Needed

* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pizza pan or baking sheet
* Rolling pin
* Skillet
* Spatula
* Oven

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these instructions carefully to recreate the Papa John’s Cheesy Burger Pizza.

**Part 1: Preparing the Pizza Dough**

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Add the olive oil, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for 3-5 minutes.
4. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This allows the yeast to work its magic and develop the dough’s flavor and texture.

**Part 2: Making the Burger Sauce**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more ketchup for sweetness, mustard for tang, or relish for pickle flavor.
3. **Refrigerate:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate the burger sauce until ready to use. This allows the flavors to meld together.

**Part 3: Cooking the Ground Beef**

1. **Brown the Beef:** In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
2. **Drain Excess Grease:** Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This prevents the pizza from becoming greasy.
3. **Season the Beef:** Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the cooked beef. Stir well to combine.
4. **Set Aside:** Remove the skillet from the heat and set the seasoned ground beef aside.

**Part 4: Assembling the Pizza**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This will help the pizza crust to crisp up nicely.
2. **Prepare the Dough:** Punch down the risen pizza dough to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. **Roll Out the Dough:** Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape. For a thinner crust, roll it out larger. For a thicker crust, roll it out smaller. Aim for a 12-14 inch pizza.
4. **Transfer to Pizza Pan:** Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. **Apply the Burger Sauce:** Spread the burger sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
6. **Add the Beef:** Sprinkle the cooked and seasoned ground beef evenly over the burger sauce.
7. **Add the Cheese:** Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the ground beef.
8. **Add the Pickles and Bacon (Optional):** Distribute the diced dill pickles evenly over the cheese. If using, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the pickles.

**Part 5: Baking the Pizza**

1. **Bake the Pizza:** Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
2. **Baking Time:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. **Check for Doneness:** The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned in spots.
4. **Remove from Oven:** Carefully remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel or spatula.
5. **Let Cool Slightly:** Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

## Tips for the Best Cheesy Burger Pizza

* **Use High-Quality Ground Beef:** Opt for lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor and texture.
* **Don’t Overcook the Beef:** Be careful not to overcook the ground beef, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
* **Pat the Pickles Dry:** Pat the diced pickles dry with a paper towel before adding them to the pizza. This will prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.
* **Use Freshly Grated Cheese:** Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and has a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the burger sauce to suit your preferences. Add more ketchup for sweetness, mustard for tang, or relish for pickle flavor.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try adding caramelized onions, sliced tomatoes, or crispy fried onions for extra flavor.
* **Use a Pizza Stone:** Baking the pizza on a pizza stone will result in a crispier crust.
* **Preheat the Pizza Stone:** Make sure to preheat the pizza stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza.
* **Let the Pizza Cool Slightly:** Letting the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving will allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice.

## Variations and Customizations

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Spicy Cheesy Burger Pizza:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the burger sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the pizza.
* **BBQ Cheesy Burger Pizza:** Substitute the burger sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce.
* **Bacon Cheesy Burger Pizza:** Add extra bacon to the pizza for even more flavor.
* **Veggie Cheesy Burger Pizza:** Add some chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the pizza for a vegetarian twist.
* **Mini Cheesy Burger Pizzas:** Use English muffins or pita bread as the base for individual mini pizzas.

## Serving Suggestions

The Papa John’s Cheesy Burger Pizza is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides.

* **French Fries:** A classic pairing that never fails.
* **Onion Rings:** Crispy and flavorful, onion rings are a great complement to the pizza.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pizza.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a healthy and refreshing option.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve the pizza with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or garlic butter.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
* **Reheat:** To reheat the pizza, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the pizza in a microwave, but the crust may become soggy.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pizza can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the pizza in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed above.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per slice (depending on toppings and crust thickness)
* Fat: 15-25g per slice
* Protein: 15-20g per slice
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g per slice

## Conclusion

Recreating the Papa John’s Cheesy Burger Pizza at home is easier than you might think. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can enjoy this delicious pizza whenever you want. So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to experience a pizza sensation that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!