Go Back

Barack Obama Pizza Burger

This unique recipe combines classic burger elements with pizza-inspired flavors. Angus beef patties are grilled and topped with marinara and fresh mozzarella. A savory roasted garlic butter is spread on crusty rolls, which are then toasted. The finished burgers are assembled with fresh basil, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal reminiscent of a pizza.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 people
Calories 4350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Oven
  • 1 Grill or Grill Pan
  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk For whipping garlic butter
  • 1 Tongs or Spatula For handling burgers on the grill

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 head garlic
  • 1 stick unsalted butter softened
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon champagne vinegar
  • Kosher salt
  • 6 8- ounce Angus beef patties
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce plus more for serving
  • 12 thin slices fresh mozzarella cheese about 8 ounces
  • 6 crusty rolls such as ciabatta, kaiser or Portuguese, halved
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350.
  • Make the butter: Remove the papery outer layer from the head of garlic and slice off the top to expose the cloves slightly. Wrap the garlic in foil and roast in the oven until soft, about 45 minutes. Cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted pulp into a bowl. Whip with the butter, parsley, vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt; set aside.
  • Remove the papery outer layer from the head of garlic and slice off the top to expose the cloves slightly. Wrap the garlic in foil and roast in the oven until soft, about 45 minutes. Cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted pulp into a bowl. Whip with the butter, parsley, vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt; set aside.
  • Make the burgers: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Season the beef patties generously with salt and pepper and grill, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare, turning once.
  • Move the burgers to the cooler side of the grill (or reduce the heat on the stove) and top each with some marinara sauce and 2 slices cheese. Spread the cut sides of each roll with some of the garlic butter and place facedown on the grill. Cover and cook until the cheese melts and the buns are toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Place a burger on each roll bottom; add some chopped basil and the roll top. Serve with more marinara sauce, if desired.

Notes

For optimal flavor, ensure the garlic is roasted until very soft and caramelized, not just tender, to bring out its sweetness. When preparing the garlic butter, make sure the butter is properly softened for easy whipping and even incorporation of ingredients. Grill the beef patties to your desired doneness, but be mindful not to overcook, especially when adding cheese, to maintain their juiciness. Toasting the rolls with the garlic butter face down on the grill adds crucial texture and flavor; monitor closely to prevent burning. Covering the burgers briefly on the grill helps the mozzarella melt evenly and creates that classic "pizza" effect. Serve immediately for best results.