My name’s Maggie Rae Donovan, and I’m a 42-year-old home cook living just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. I’m not a classically trained chef. I never went to culinary school, and you won’t catch me quoting the greats from glossy cookbooks. But I’ve spent the last 25 years stirring, sizzling, baking, burning (yes, sometimes), and falling madly in love with food in my own little kitchen.
My journey with the Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza began unexpectedly. I was visiting my cousin in Brooklyn last fall. The city was alive with smells, street carts, and little corner shops promising “the best slice in New York.” One rainy evening, we ducked into this bustling neighborhood spot in Williamsburg. I was expecting a classic pepperoni. But what landed on our table? A bubbling, golden, over-the-top creation loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheddar, crisp onions, tangy pickles, and a drizzle of burger sauce — all sitting on a thick, chewy crust. I had my first bite and nearly stood up. This wasn’t just pizza. It was a double cheeseburger party on a pie.
That taste stuck with me. When I got back home, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I didn’t want a carbon copy. I wanted to make it my own, Southern style. That meant leaning into what I know: homemade dough, juicy beef, local cheese, and that tiny twist of something special that makes you close your eyes with the first bite.
Learn more about my comfort food journey on this post featuring cheesy pizza pot pies — another dish born from blending cozy cravings with creative kitchen play.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through everything about this indulgent beauty: from how to make your own version at home to how it compares to Pizza Hut’s or Domino’s renditions. Whether you’re a fan of burgers, pizza, or just big, bold bites, this one’s for you. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What Is a Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza?
The Cheeseburger Meets Pizza Craze
Over the last few years, food mashups have exploded in popularity, and none have taken the spotlight quite like the Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza. It’s everything we love about a classic cheeseburger—seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, onions, and that signature burger sauce—stacked high on a golden pizza crust instead of a bun. The result? A fusion that satisfies cravings in one mega slice.
Why It’s Called “Giant” and “Double”
The “giant” part is no exaggeration. This pizza often features an oversized crust, loaded with double the cheese and double the beef, making every bite rich, hearty, and filling. The “double” isn’t just about quantity—it’s about layering. Two kinds of cheese (cheddar and mozzarella), two layers of meat (ground beef and sometimes crumbled bacon), and multiple sauce elements bring this hybrid creation to life.
From Fast Food Menus to Homemade Hits
What started on fast-food menus—thanks to big brands like Domino’s and Pizza Hut—has quickly made its way into home kitchens. People are now recreating these indulgent pizzas using quality ingredients, homemade dough, and custom toppings to take them up a notch.
How This Pizza Redefines Comfort Food
Forget knife and fork. This is a hands-on experience, dripping with nostalgia and flavor. It reminds us of late-night cravings, backyard barbecues, and Friday night pizza parties—all wrapped up in one bold dish.
Don’t miss our mini pizza muffins with cheesy pepperoni topping for another crowd-pleasing twist that fuses comfort food with creativity.
The Ingredients That Make Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza Irresistible
Ground Beef: The Star of the Show
At the heart of every Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza is seasoned ground beef. Browned in a skillet with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of paprika, the beef layer brings out that familiar cheeseburger flavor. Some home cooks like to add Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of mustard during cooking for added depth. Want to go bold? Crumble in some cooked bacon for extra richness.
Cheeses: Double Trouble
No “double” cheeseburger pizza is complete without—yes—double cheese. Most recipes call for a blend of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella. The cheddar gives you that signature burger taste, while mozzarella adds that stretchy, melty, pizza-perfect texture. Pro tip: Add a bit of provolone or Monterey Jack to the mix for a flavor boost.
The Signature Sauce
Here’s where things get fun. Instead of traditional tomato sauce, this pizza uses a burger-style sauce—typically a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice. It’s tangy, creamy, and familiar, tying the burger elements together beautifully. Some people even add a spoon of barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.
Pickles, Onions & Tomatoes: Classic Toppings with a Twist
Thin-sliced dill pickles may sound strange on a pizza, but they bring a crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness. Add in some finely diced red onions, halved cherry tomatoes, or even shredded lettuce after baking for that full cheeseburger experience. Think of it like dressing a burger—just on a crust.
The Crust: Thick, Chewy, and Golden
To handle the weight of these toppings, you need a hearty crust. A homemade thick crust (or even a focaccia-style base) works best. Brushed with melted butter or garlic oil before baking, it becomes a golden, chewy foundation for all the toppings to shine.
Discover great ideas like our savory potato cakes filled with cheesy beef—another hearty dish that builds on classic flavors with a twist.
How to Make Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza at Home
Gather Your Ingredients First
Before diving in, make sure your kitchen is stocked. You’ll need:
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 lb ground beef, seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- Sliced dill pickles
- Diced red onions
- Halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
- Butter or garlic oil (for crust brushing)
Want to switch things up? Add bacon, mushrooms, or hot sauce for custom flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice. Adjust the balance to taste. This will serve as your base sauce—skip the marinara this time.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Brown your ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Add seasoning. Drain excess grease and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 475°F. Roll out your pizza dough onto a baking stone or sheet pan. Brush the edges lightly with garlic oil or melted butter for a golden crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the burger sauce evenly across the dough. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella first, followed by your cooked ground beef. Top with cheddar, red onions, and pickles. Add tomato halves if you like.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Watch closely in the final minutes for browning.
Step 6: Final Touch
Let the pizza cool for 3–5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle extra sauce on top or add fresh shredded lettuce for that true cheeseburger feel.
Check out flaky puff pastry roll with savory ground meat and melting cheese—another comforting bite perfect for parties or cozy nights.
Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza vs Pizza Hut and Domino’s Versions
What’s on a Cheeseburger Pizza from Pizza Hut?
Pizza Hut’s version of a cheeseburger pizza is a limited-time menu item that takes a standard pan crust and loads it up with seasoned beef, crispy bacon, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, fresh Roma tomatoes, and a zesty burger-flavored sauce. Instead of traditional marinara, they use a creamy ketchup-mustard base to capture the essence of a burger. It’s topped with pickles post-bake to keep that crunch alive.
Key Features:
- Zesty burger sauce instead of tomato
- Classic burger toppings (bacon, tomato, pickles)
- Hearty pan crust
- Balanced cheese blend (cheddar + mozzarella)
What’s on a Domino’s Cheeseburger Pizza?
Domino’s leans into bold flavors with their cheeseburger pizza, boasting double ground beef, onions, diced tomatoes, cheddar, mozzarella, and a ketchup-mustard sauce base. Unlike Pizza Hut, Domino’s version is often thinner and crispier but packs in flavor with heavier meat and a more pronounced sauce.
Key Features:
- Double beef and onion focus
- Ketchup-mustard base
- Sliced American-style cheddar
- Thin and crispy crust options
Looking for inspiration? Try mouthwatering homemade tuna melt patties for another spin on sandwich flavors in comfort-food form.
How Homemade Compares to the Big Chains
Making it at home means you control every layer. You can go light or heavy on cheese, pick a crust style you love, and customize the sauce to your exact taste. While fast food pizzas offer speed and nostalgia, your homemade Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza offers quality, personalization, and real ingredients without mystery fillers.
| Feature | Pizza Hut | Domino’s | Homemade Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crust Type | Thick Pan Crust | Thin and Crispy | Your Choice: Thick, Thin, or Stuffed |
| Meat | Beef & Bacon | Double Beef | Ground Beef (with optional Bacon) |
| Sauce | Burger Sauce (Zesty Mayo Blend) | Ketchup-Mustard Base | Custom Burger Sauce |
| Cheese Blend | Mozzarella + Cheddar | Mozzarella + Cheddar | Mozzarella + Sharp Cheddar (and more) |
| Toppings | Tomatoes, Pickles, Bacon | Tomatoes, Onions, Pickles | Onions, Pickles, Tomatoes, Lettuce (opt.) |
| Freshness & Control | Medium | Low | High |
Why Go Homemade?
It’s not just about flavor—it’s about experience. Cooking your own gives you the joy of hands-on creation, kitchen aroma therapy, and that first slice knowing exactly what’s in it. And when you cut into it and see the cheese stretch, taste the juicy beef, and crunch into that pickle? You won’t miss the takeout.
Discover great ideas like rich creamy chicken bacon mushroom stroganoff to continue your comfort food adventure.
Regional and Creative Variations of Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza
Southern-Style BBQ Cheeseburger Pizza
Living in North Carolina, it’s impossible to ignore the pull of BBQ. Swap out the traditional burger sauce with a tangy Carolina-style vinegar BBQ sauce. Add slow-cooked pulled beef or pork, pickled red onions, and a sprinkle of sharp white cheddar. It gives the Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza a smoky Southern soul.
Topping Suggestions:
- Pulled pork or shredded beef
- Carolina BBQ sauce
- Pickled red onions
- Cheddar and mozzarella mix
Tex-Mex Cheeseburger Pizza
Give your pizza a spicy Southwestern twist with jalapeños, black beans, taco-seasoned beef, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo. This bold version brings serious heat and flavor.
Topping Suggestions:
- Taco beef
- Shredded pepper jack
- Pickled jalapeños
- Chipotle mayo
- Crushed tortilla chips after baking
West Coast “Fresh” Cheeseburger Pizza
Think California burger: fresh toppings, light sauce, and avocado slices. This version layers on lean grass-fed beef, cherry tomatoes, thin-sliced red onion, arugula, and fresh avocado after baking. Finish with a swirl of creamy yogurt-dill sauce for brightness.
Topping Suggestions:
- Grass-fed lean beef
- Fresh avocado (post-bake)
- Arugula
- Yogurt-dill drizzle
- Sliced grape tomatoes
New York-Style Cheeseburger Pizza
Inspired by the slice I had in Brooklyn, this one’s bold, cheesy, and layered high. It uses garlic oil-brushed crust, extra ground beef, yellow mustard drizzle, chopped white onions, and a dusting of sesame seeds over the crust rim. Add shredded iceberg lettuce after baking for a punch of freshness.
Topping Suggestions:
- Extra ground beef
- Classic burger sauce
- Chopped onions and dill pickles
- Iceberg lettuce (post-bake)
- Sesame-seed brushed crust
Don’t miss our cheese and onion mini baguettes—another East Coast-inspired flavor bomb that fits right in with pizza nights.
Breakfast Cheeseburger Pizza
Who says pizza’s only for dinner? This version uses scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese with a creamy sausage gravy base. Top with crispy hash brown shreds and hot sauce for a morning meal that goes big.
Topping Suggestions:
- Scrambled eggs
- Breakfast sausage
- Gravy sauce base
- Shredded hash browns
- Hot sauce drizzle
Keto-Friendly Cheeseburger Pizza Bowl
If you’re cutting carbs, skip the crust and make a pizza bowl. Layer seasoned beef, cheese, onions, and pickles in a casserole dish. Bake until bubbly. Serve with a spoon and your favorite low-carb burger sauce.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cheeseburger Pizza Crust at Home
Choose the Right Dough
A Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza needs a crust that holds up under serious toppings. Whether you go with homemade dough or a store-bought option, the key is using a high-protein bread flour to create a chewy texture with a crisp exterior. Let the dough rise fully—at least an hour—so it’s airy and light inside, but dense enough not to go soggy.
Bonus Tip: Add a teaspoon of sugar to the dough recipe. It helps with browning and gives it that slight burger-bun sweetness.
The Secret: Double Rise for a Strong Base
After you knead your dough, let it rise once in a warm place until doubled. Then, punch it down and let it rest again for 15 minutes. This second rise allows gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch and shape into your pan.
Choose Your Crust Style
You’ve got options when it comes to the crust base:
| Crust Style | Characteristics | Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| Thick & Chewy | Soft center with crispy edges | Classic cheeseburger pizza |
| Thin & Crispy | Light bite, crunchier texture | Lighter toppings, fewer layers |
| Stuffed Crust | Cheese inside the edges, indulgent feel | All-out comfort food experiences |
Pre-Bake for Success
To prevent a soggy bottom, pre-bake your crust for 5–7 minutes at 450°F before adding sauce and toppings. This gives it a head start and keeps the dough firm when piled with meat and cheese.
Crust Flavors That Elevate
Before baking, brush the crust edge with a mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. For a burger-inspired twist, sprinkle sesame seeds on the edge after brushing—like the top of a sesame seed bun.
Looking for inspiration? Try our savory vegemite bacon cheese muffins—a great example of how simple flavor boosts can turn bread from basic to bold.
Cooling and Cutting
Once baked, resist the urge to slice immediately. Let the pizza cool for 3–5 minutes. This allows the cheese to settle and the crust to firm up slightly, making for cleaner slices and a better eating experience.
Tools to Make It Easier
- Pizza stone or cast-iron skillet for even heat
- Bench scraper for shaping dough
- Pastry brush for butter/oil finishes
- Sharp pizza wheel or rocker knife
Pairing Ideas – What to Serve with Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza
Perfect Sides to Balance the Bold
The Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza is rich and hearty, so pair it with sides that either cut the richness or play into the comfort food theme.
1. Classic Waffle Fries or Tater Tots
Go full diner-style by serving crisp waffle fries or seasoned tater tots on the side. Sprinkle them with sea salt, and serve with ketchup or spicy mayo for dipping.
2. Simple Green Salad with Tangy Dressing
To balance the savory fat of the pizza, a refreshing salad goes a long way. Try mixed greens with thinly sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and a vinegar-forward dressing like honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette.
| Salad Idea | Ingredients | Dressing Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp Greens | Arugula, Romaine, Radish | Lemon vinaigrette |
| Pickle-Inspired | Iceberg, dill pickles, red onion | Buttermilk ranch |
| Burger Slaw | Cabbage, carrots, parsley | Apple cider slaw |
Sauces That Pop
Offer a trio of dipping sauces to elevate each slice:
- Spicy Burger Sauce (mayo + ketchup + sriracha)
- Smoky BBQ Ranch
- Creamy Garlic Aioli
Don’t miss our savory puff pastry breakfast bites—perfect as a mini side or as a next-day breakfast if there’s leftover dough.
Beverage Pairings
Whether you’re planning a casual Friday night or a backyard gathering, drinks matter:
| Type of Drink | Options | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Craft Beer | Hoppy IPA, Amber Ale | Cuts richness, complements beef |
| Sodas | Root beer, Cream soda | Retro burger joint vibe |
| Lemonades | Mint lemonade, Strawberry lemonade | Refreshes the palate |
| Milkshakes | Vanilla or malted chocolate | Indulgent and nostalgic pairing |
End on a Sweet Note
After a bold, cheesy meal, finish with something sweet but simple. Consider:
- Banana pudding jars
- Mini apple hand pies
- No-bake cheesecake cups
Or better yet, use up leftover crust dough to make cinnamon sugar twists for dessert.
Cheeseburger Pizza for Kids, Game Day, and Parties
Game Day Crowd-Pleaser
When the big game’s on, nothing beats food that’s handheld, filling, and packed with flavor. The Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza checks all the boxes. You can make a large rectangular tray version and cut it into squares for easy serving. It’s hearty enough to keep guests full and bold enough to keep them coming back for seconds.
Pro Tip for Game Day:
Use parchment paper under the crust and pre-slice everything into “burger bites.” Offer a build-your-own topping bar with extras like:
- Jalapeños
- Sriracha
- Pickles
- Crumbled bacon
- Burger sauces
Check out our crispy cheese and bacon roll-ups for another finger-food favorite to round out your game day table.
Pizza Party for Kids
Kids love the flavor of cheeseburgers and the fun of pizza—combine them, and it’s magic. Tone down spicy sauces and onions, and opt for:
- Sliders made with mini pizza crusts
- Heart or star-shaped personal pizzas
- Toppings “stations” so they can design their own
Letting kids assemble their own mini cheeseburger pizzas makes dinner interactive and fun—and it usually leads to cleaner plates.
| Kids’ Toppings Bar Ideas | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mini beef meatballs | Safer and less messy than crumbles |
| Ketchup drizzle | Familiar and fun |
| Cheddar cheese cubes | Easier for little hands |
| Pickle chips | Mild and crunchy |
Party Tray Ideas
Hosting a birthday, potluck, or holiday event? Make several variations of the cheeseburger pizza on one large baking sheet:
- Classic: Beef, cheddar, pickles, onions
- Spicy: Add jalapeños and hot sauce
- BBQ Bacon: Swap sauce for smoky BBQ and top with bacon bits
- Veggie Style: Use plant-based ground, pickles, onions, and tomato
Label each quadrant, and you’ve got a Giant Cheeseburger Pizza Sampler.
Make It Ahead for Events
You can pre-bake your crusts and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Assemble the pizza just before the party and bake for 10–12 minutes. This saves time and helps you serve hot, fresh slices without fuss.
Learn more about prepping ahead with our 5-minute lemon fudge recipe—a dessert that’s perfect for busy hosts.
FAQs About Cheeseburger Pizza – What People Really Want to Know
Does anyone have cheeseburger pizza?
Yes, several major pizza chains have offered cheeseburger pizza as a limited-time or seasonal menu item. Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and even regional pizzerias across the U.S. have put their spin on it. But more and more home cooks are choosing to make their own Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza because it allows for fresher ingredients, bigger portions, and full flavor control.
What is a cheeseburger pizza?
A cheeseburger pizza is a mashup of two American food icons: pizza and cheeseburgers. It starts with a traditional pizza crust but swaps marinara for a burger-style sauce (often a mix of ketchup, mustard, and mayo). It’s then topped with seasoned ground beef, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, onions, pickles, and sometimes even shredded lettuce or tomato. The result is a pie that tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger, in slice form.
What is on a cheeseburger pizza from Pizza Hut?
Pizza Hut’s version typically includes:
Seasoned ground beef
Cheddar and mozzarella cheese
Roma tomatoes
Crispy bacon
Burger-style sauce instead of tomato
Pickles added after baking
This pie is built on their pan-style crust and loaded with bold, familiar burger flavors.
What is on a Domino’s cheeseburger pizza?
Domino’s takes it up a notch with:
Double ground beef
Yellow cheddar and mozzarella
Diced tomatoes
Sliced onions
Tangy ketchup-mustard sauce as the base
The crust is thinner and crisper compared to Pizza Hut’s, and the flavor leans into the sweetness and tang of the burger sauce.
Conclusion: Why the Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation
Whether you’re throwing a game-day bash, feeding a crowd of kids, or just craving something bold and satisfying, the Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza delivers comfort food with personality. It’s the kind of recipe that invites creativity—layered flavors, fun toppings, and endless variations depending on your region, taste, or just what’s in the fridge.
You don’t need a culinary degree or a fancy kitchen to pull this off. With a little heart, a good crust, and your favorite burger fixings, you can turn a classic idea into a home-cooked masterpiece.
Discover great ideas like our cheesy bacon egg muffins for breakfast to keep your cooking creative, cozy, and always full of love.
If you try this at home, let your imagination lead the way. Add spice. Go veggie. Bake it deep dish. Whatever you do, make it yours. Because like every great dish in a Southern kitchen, it’s not just about what’s on the plate—it’s about who you share it with.
