Description
A fun and delicious take on classic burgers, served in cozy skull-shaped buns perfect for Halloween or a chilly evening.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 3/4 cup lukewarm water (100-110°F)
- 32 ounces ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (or lard, turkey bacon fat, or vegetable oil)
- 8 slices white cheese (American, Cheddar, Provolone, Havarti, etc.)
- Burger toppings (tomato, lettuce, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, onions, pickles)
Instructions
- Prepare the pans: Liberally grease 8 skull cavities in your Nordic Ware skull pans with 1 tablespoon of butter. Set aside 2 more tablespoons for later!
- Mix the dough: Cut the remaining butter into small pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Add the flour, egg, sugar, salt, and yeast. Pour lukewarm water over the ingredients and mix until combined.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface or in a stand mixer for about 5-7 minutes, until it springs back when poked.
- Let the dough rise: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Shape the buns: Deflate the dough and divide it into 8 even pieces (about 95 grams each). Press each piece into the greased skull cavities.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) at the end of the rising time.
- Bake the buns: Bake the skulls for 14-18 minutes, rotating the pans midway through. When golden brown, remove them from the oven.
- Add butter: Melt the reserved 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the tops of the skull-shaped buns. Let cool before slicing.
- Shape the patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 portions, shaping them into skull shapes and refrigerating until ready to cook.
- Cook the burgers: Season with salt and pepper, heat your choice of fat, and cook the burgers for about 3 minutes on each side.
- Melt the cheese: Place a slice of cheese over each burger and cover with a lid until melted.
- Assemble the burgers: Place each burger on the prepared bun and add your favorite toppings.
- Serve and enjoy: Share laughter and stories around the table as you dig into these treats.
Notes
Make ahead by preparing the dough in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheeseburger skull
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg