Fugetaboutit Burgers

For the mozzarella sticks:
Preheat oven to 450ºF. Get 3 shallow bowls; one for flour, one for egg, one for both kinds of breadcrumbs. Dredge string cheese in flour, dip in egg, cover in breadcrumbs. Bake for 8 minutes (or until cheese just starts to ooze) on foil- or parchment-lined sheet pan.

For the garlic bread-buns:
Heat a large nonstick pan or griddle over medium-high heat. On the insides of rolls, spread 1 tablespoon of butter, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, a pinch of salt and pepper, distributing on both the tops and bottoms of the rolls. Toast butter-side-down on griddle until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

For the burgers:
On an outdoor grill or on a stovetop griddle pan, grill the burgers until desired level of doneness (I prefer medium, with some pink).

How to assemble:
On the garlic-toasted bun, add 2 mozzarella sticks and top with 2 tablespoons marinara sauce. Add the burger and top with another 2 tablespoons marinara. Add fresh basil and 5 slices of pepperoni per burger. Add the banana peppers and top with garlic-toasted bun top.

Serve with a side of marinara for dipping, and plenty of napkins.

Recipe inspired by Red Robin’s Wise Guy Burger.