Description
These Monster Burgers are a fun and spooky twist on classic burgers, perfect for Halloween or any playful meal. Featuring juicy beef or turkey patties topped with mozzarella ‘eyeballs’ and cheddar ‘fangs’, they’re as delicious as they are visually striking. Buns are layered with fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles to complete the monstrous look and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patties
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20) or turkey (for 4 patties)
- Salt and pepper (or smoked hickory sea salt for extra flavor)
Toppings and Assembly
- 12 mini bocconcini mozzarella balls (or any small mozzarella balls)
- 6 medium black olives, halved
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
- 4 pickle slices (for the “tongue”)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, cut into triangles (for the “fangs”)
- Toothpicks for securing the eyes
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Patties: Form 4 patties from the ground beef or turkey, making them slightly larger than the buns. Season the patties generously with salt and pepper or smoked hickory sea salt for added flavor.
- Cook the Patties: You have multiple cooking options depending on your preferred method. You can either: a) Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side, resting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C); b) Preheat a grill to 400°F (204°C) and grill the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, resting until 165°F; c) Preheat an air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook patties for 6 minutes per side, resting until 165°F; or d) Smoke the patties until internal temperature hits 160°F, then let them rest until 165°F to ensure juiciness and safety.
- Make the ‘Eyeballs’: Use toothpicks to stack halved black olives onto the mini mozzarella balls securely. These will be used as the burger’s creepy eyes.
- Create the ‘Fangs’: Cut cheddar cheese slices into small triangles and place them under the top bun to look like sharp fangs sticking out.
- Assemble the Burgers: On each bottom bun, place a crisp lettuce leaf, then add the cooked patty, followed by a tomato slice and a pickle slice positioned to resemble a tongue. Top with the cheddar cheese ‘fangs,’ then secure the mozzarella ‘eyeballs’ with the toothpicks onto the top bun.
- Serve: Place the topped buns on the patties to close the burgers. Serve immediately with your favorite sides to enjoy this playful and delicious meal.
Notes
- Ensure patties rest after cooking to retain juiciness and reach safe internal temperatures.
- You can use smoked hickory sea salt for added smoky flavor in the patties.
- Cheddar cheese triangles add a fun, spooky visual but can be substituted with any sharp white cheese.
- Mini mozzarella balls and black olives make perfect edible eyes; toothpicks help keep them secure.
- Choose your preferred cooking method: skillet, grill, air fryer, or smoker, adjusting times accordingly.
