Gluten Free Smash Burger Pizza

Two of my favorite foods combined into one – this gluten free smash burger pizza is everything you want it to be. Crispy crust, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a homemade burger sauce that ties it all together.

If you’ve been looking for a fun gluten free dinner that the whole family will enjoy, this is it. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone happy, even the people who don’t eat gluten free.

The dough comes together quickly and doesn’t need hours of rising time. Just 30 minutes and you’re ready to go.

You top it with all the classic burger fixings – pickles, onions, lettuce, and sesame seeds. It honestly feels like eating a cheeseburger in pizza form.

It’s easy to make, totally customizable, and way more fun than a regular pizza night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two Cravings in One – This recipe combines a juicy smash burger and a cheesy pizza into one gluten free masterpiece.

That Burger Sauce Is Unreal – The homemade sauce with pickles and smoked paprika tastes like your favorite drive-through burger.

The Crust Actually Gets Crispy – Par-baking the dough means you get a golden and crunchy bottom that many gluten free pizzas lack.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 1/2 cups Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) Instant Yeast
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Xanthan Gum
• 1 cup Warm Water
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar

For the Burger Sauce

• 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
• 1 tbsp Dill Pickle Relish
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika

For the Toppings

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 6 slices American Cheese
• 1/2 cup Diced White Onion
• 1/2 cup Dill Pickle Slices
• 1 cup Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
• 2 tbsp Sesame Seeds

How to Make

Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and xanthan gum. Add the warm water, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar and stir until a soft dough forms. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes.

Step 2

While the dough rises, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth. Set the burger sauce aside in the fridge.

Step 3

Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the beef, pressing it flat with a spatula to get a good sear. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it browns.

Step 4

Drain any excess grease and set the cooked beef aside.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 450 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it. Transfer the dough onto the prepared sheet and press it out into a 14-inch round or rectangle using oiled hands, pushing the edges up slightly to create a rim.

Step 6

Par-bake the crust for 8 minutes until it is just set and starting to turn lightly golden on the edges. Remove it from the oven.

Step 7

Spread a thin layer of the burger sauce over the par-baked crust, then scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Distribute the cooked ground beef across the pizza and lay the American cheese slices over the beef.

Step 8

Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden and crisp on the bottom.

Step 9

Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top it with the diced onion, pickle slices, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle extra burger sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Slice and serve right away.

My Tips

Oil Your Hands When Shaping the Dough

Gluten free dough is way stickier than regular pizza dough. If you try to press it out with dry hands, it will stick to your fingers and tear apart instead of stretching.

Rub a good amount of olive oil on your hands and fingertips before you start pressing. Re-oil them as needed while you work the dough out to the edges of the baking sheet.

This makes shaping so much easier and gives you a smoother, more even crust without fighting with it.

Get the Skillet Really Hot Before Adding the Beef

The whole point of a smash burger is that deep brown, crispy sear on the meat. You won’t get that if the pan isn’t hot enough. Let the skillet heat on high for a solid 2-3 minutes before you add any beef.

When you add the beef, press it down hard with a sturdy spatula and then leave it alone. Don’t keep moving it around. Let it sit and develop that crust for a couple minutes before you start breaking it into crumbles.

That sear is what makes this pizza taste like an actual smash burger instead of just ground beef on bread.

Don’t Skip the Par-Bake

Par-baking the crust for 8 minutes before adding toppings is what keeps the bottom from getting soggy. Gluten free dough absorbs moisture fast, and the sauce and cheese will make it gummy if you skip this step.

You want the crust to look dry on top and just barely golden on the edges. It should feel firm enough to hold toppings but not fully baked yet. If it still looks wet or doughy in the center, give it another minute or two.

More Tasty Recipes

• Gluten Free Crispy Pizza Crust
• Gluten Free Brioche Style Burger Buns
• Gluten Free Cheesy Breadsticks
• Gluten Free Fried Mozzarella Sticks
• Gluten Free Classic Italian Meatballs

FAQ

Can I cook the smash burger meat directly on the pizza instead of pre-cooking it?

No, you really want to cook the beef in a skillet first. The whole point of smash burger-style meat is getting that deep, crispy sear from pressing it flat against a screaming hot pan, and you just can’t get that same flavor or texture in an oven. Plus, raw ground beef releases a lot of grease as it cooks, which would make your gluten free crust soggy.

Pre-cooking and draining the beef keeps the pizza crust crisp and gives you that delicious caramelized burger flavor that makes this recipe worth making.