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Barack Obama Pizza Burger

This recipe creatively combines the best of a burger with pizza elements. Juicy Angus beef patties are grilled and topped with marinara sauce and melted fresh mozzarella. These are then served on toasted, garlic-butter spread rolls, finished with fresh basil, offering a unique and satisfying culinary experience.
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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
  • 1 Aluminum Foil

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

1. For the garlic butter, ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature for a smooth, homogenous whip. Consider adding a tiny drizzle of olive oil to the garlic head before roasting to enhance flavor and prevent drying.2. When grilling the beef patties, avoid overworking the meat to maintain tenderness. For a perfect melt, use fresh mozzarella and allow it to come to room temperature before placing on the hot burgers.3. Toasting the buns is crucial; aim for a golden-brown crust without burning the garlic butter. Using ciabatta or a similar crusty roll provides excellent structural integrity for this substantial burger. A warmed marinara sauce for serving enhances the overall experience.