Note
Frozen pizza burgers are a fun, nostalgic, and incredibly easy meal option that combines the best of two worlds: juicy burger patties and the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza.
Whether you’re making them from scratch and freezing for later, or heating up store-bought ones, a few expert tips will take them from good to crispy, melty perfection.
Cooking & Preparation Tips
- Don’t Microwave – Bake or Air Fry Instead
Microwaving pizza burgers can lead to soggy buns and rubbery cheese. For the crispiest results, use an oven or air fryer.
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake on a foil-lined tray or wire rack for 20–25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
- Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. No flipping needed if using a basket.
- Use a Wire Rack for Crispness
Place your pizza burgers on a wire rack over a baking sheet when heating in the oven. This allows air to circulate underneath and prevents soggy bottoms.
- Top Before Baking
If you're assembling them at home to freeze, layer your ingredients wisely. Add sauce first, then cheese, then toppings like pepperoni or veggies. This helps prevent watery results and ensures everything sticks well during cooking.
- Use Pre-Toasted Buns or English Muffins
For DIY versions, lightly toasting the buns or muffin halves before freezing helps maintain structure and texture when reheated.
- Don’t Overload with Sauce
A little sauce goes a long way. Over-saucing leads to sogginess. Spread it thin and evenly.
Serving Tricks
- Add Fresh Garnishes After Baking
Sprinkle with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or grated parmesan right after baking for added flavor and a gourmet finish.
- Pair with Dipping Sauces
Serve with a side of marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or spicy aioli. These sauces complement the pizza flavors and enhance the experience.
- Serve with Crunchy Sides
Pair your pizza burgers with crispy tater tots, onion rings, or a simple arugula salad for contrast in texture.
- Mini Versions for Parties
Use slider buns and half-size patties to create mini pizza burgers—great for game day snacks or kids' parties. They reheat faster and are easy to handle.
- Add Variety in Toppings
When making homemade versions, vary the toppings:
- Pepperoni + Mozzarella
- Sausage + Onions
- Veggie lovers (mushroom, bell pepper, olives)
- Hawaiian-style (ham + pineapple)
Variations
1. Pepperoni Pizza Burgers:
Top the patty with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and mini pepperoni for a kid-friendly favorite.
2. Veggie Lovers:
Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives for a vegetarian pizza twist.
3. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza:
Swap the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce, use cheddar cheese, and top with bacon bits.
4. Spicy Supreme:
Add jalapeños, hot sausage crumbles, and extra red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
5. Garlic Bread Pizza Burgers:
Toast the buns with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan before assembling for a rich garlic bread base.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Leftover assembled pizza burgers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wrap in foil or place in an airtight container.
Reheating:
For best texture, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which can make the buns soggy.
Homemade Freezing Instructions:
- Assemble pizza burgers fully (bottom bun, sauce, toppings, cheese), leaving the top bun off.
- Freeze individually on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours.
- Once solid, wrap in plastic wrap or foil and place in a zip-top freezer bag.
- Label with date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating from Frozen (Unbaked):
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until hot and cheese is melted.
- If using an air fryer, reduce cook time to about 12–15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Storing Leftovers (Cooked):
- Store any cooked pizza burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to crisp up again.
Final Thoughts
Frozen Pizza Burgers are the perfect marriage of two beloved comfort foods. They're easy to customize, kid-approved, and great for busy nights or game-day gatherings. Whether open-faced or bun-topped, meaty or veggie-filled, this hybrid dish is always a win.
Always check that the internal temperature of the burger reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.
For gluten-free options, use gluten-free buns and sausage patties.
Kids love these in lunchboxes too — pack them warm in a thermos for a hot school lunch!
So raid your freezer and pantry, fire up the oven, and enjoy a cheesy, saucy dinner that satisfies every craving!