Why Make This Recipe
Cheeseburger Skulls are not just a fun twist on the classic cheeseburger; they’re perfect for Halloween parties, family gatherings, or anytime you want to impress your guests. These skull-shaped treats will have everyone at the table excited for a delicious bite. Plus, they’re simple to make and customizable with your favorite burger toppings!
How to Make Cheeseburger Skulls
Making these Cheeseburger Skulls is straightforward. You will start by creating the skull-shaped buns and then move on to preparing the cheeseburgers. Here’s how:
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons (56 grams) salted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups (420 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon (9 grams) instant yeast
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) lukewarm water (100-110 degrees Fahrenheit)
- 32 ounces 80/20 ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter, lard (bacon fat), or vegetable oil
- 8 slices white cheese (American, Cheddar, Provolone, Havarti, etc.)
- Burger toppings: tomato, lettuce, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, onions, pickles
Directions
Make the Skull-Shaped Hamburger Buns:
- In a large bowl, mix together the softened butter, flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add the egg and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the dough into balls and shape them into skulls using a skull mold or simply by shaping with your hands.
- Place the skull-shaped buns on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool.
Make the Skull-Shaped Cheeseburgers:
- While the buns are baking, season the ground beef with salt and pepper.
- Form the beef into thin patties. Cook them in a skillet over medium-high heat with the butter, lard, or vegetable oil until they are browned on both sides and cooked through.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
Assemble the Cheeseburgers:
- Cut the cooled skull-shaped buns in half.
- Place the cheesy patties on the bottom half of the bun.
- Add your favorite toppings and then place the top half of the bun on.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Skulls
Serve these fun cheeseburger skulls on a platter, allowing guests to grab their fill. For a festive touch, pair them with spooky decorations or themed sides like "witches’ fingers" (veggie sticks) or "bloody" ketchup for dipping.
How to Store Cheeseburger Skulls
If you have leftovers, store the assembled cheeseburgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The buns can also be kept in a sealed bag at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap the buns tightly and freeze them.
Tips to Make Cheeseburger Skulls
- For extra flavor, mix herbs or spices into the beef before forming the patties.
- Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination.
- Ensure the water for the dough is warm but not hot; too hot can kill the yeast.
Variation
You can customize cheeseburger skulls with different meats, such as turkey or veggie patties. Also, feel free to get creative with toppings—add avocado, jalapeños, or your favorite sauces to give them your twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought buns instead of making them?
Yes, using store-bought buns is a quick alternative if you’re short on time!
2. How can I make these cheeseburgers vegetarian?
You can replace the beef with plant-based patties or homemade veggie patties.
3. Can I make the skull-shaped buns in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the buns a day before. Just store them in the refrigerator overnight and bake them fresh the next day.