Description
Skull-shaped, buttery buns stuffed with juicy cheesy beef patties. Spooky, kid-friendly, and perfect for Halloween parties or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Skull Buns
5 tablespoons (56 g) salted butter, softened
3½ cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
1 large egg
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon (9 g) instant yeast
¾ cup (170 g) lukewarm water (100–110°F)
For the Burgers and Assembly
32 ounces 80/20 ground beef
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon butter, lard, or vegetable oil
8 slices white cheese (American, Cheddar, Provolone, or Havarti)
Toppings: lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
Instructions
1. Make the dough: Combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, softened butter, and egg in a bowl. Add lukewarm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and the dough springs back when pressed. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, 1–2 hours.
3. Grease 8 skull pan cavities with butter. Divide dough into 8 pieces (about 95 g each). Press dough into the molds, cover, and rise 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake buns 14–18 minutes, rotating the pan halfway. Brush hot buns with melted butter. Cool completely, then slice.
5. Shape ground beef into 8 skull-like patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
6. Heat a skillet with butter or lard over medium-high. Cook patties about 3 minutes per side until browned.
7. Top each patty with a cheese slice. Cover the skillet briefly to melt.
8. Assemble: Add cheesy patty to the bottom skull bun. Layer desired toppings. Cap with the top bun. Serve warm.
Notes
Dough should feel slightly sticky but not messy; dust with a little flour only if needed.
For best reheating, cook patties to rare (about 120°F), chill, then reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Fattier beef (70/30 or 73/27) stays juicier when reheated.
For thinner buns, divide dough into 10 portions (about 75 g each).
Buns can be made up to 3 days ahead (room temp, airtight) or frozen up to 2 months.
Patties can be pre-shaped and refrigerated before cooking.
Cook on a cast iron or non-stick skillet, electric griddle, grill pan, or outdoor grill.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Halloween Recipes
- Method: Skillet; Grill; Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheeseburger skull
- Calories: 629