Bookmark
Monster Burgers are my family’s classic October dinner that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat. With juicy beef, playful toppings, and dramatic buns, these Halloween-inspired burgers always get everyone excited for a ghoulish meal.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: fresh for juiciness and structure look for a good fat ratio
- Garlic powder: brings a subtle savory kick choose fresh jarred for best flavor
- Onion powder: adds mellow depth I always go with finely milled powder
- Salt and pepper: seasons everything classic and crucial
- Cheddar cheese: melts perfectly cut into toothy shapes for monster grins
- Black sesame buns: set the mood check bakeries for jet-black charcoal buns
- Pickle slices: bring some crunch and a briny punch longer spears work best for the tongue effect
- Olive halves: for wide monster eyes go for large green olives stuffed or plain
- Tomato sauce: adds bloody color pick a thick style so it stays put
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Meat:
- Combine the ground beef garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper in a wide bowl use clean hands to gently blend until the powders disappear and everything looks even
- Shape Patties:
- Divide the meat into eight portions press into small flat patties try to keep them even thickness so they cook the same way
- Cook the Patties:
- Set a skillet or grill over medium heat once hot lay the patties down cook each side for about four to five minutes flip only once wait until juices bubble on top before flipping
- Add Cheese:
- Place cheddar slices on half the patties in the last minute of cooking the heat helps the cheese melt into big gooey teeth
- Assemble Monsters:
- Split the black sesame buns and lay out the bottoms stack up a cheesy burger followed by a plain patty top with pickle slices for tongues and nestle olive halves on top for eyes use a toothpick if olives roll away
- Garnish and Serve:
- Drizzle or dot tomato sauce where you want a gory touch I like a little on the tongue and around the bun edges for extra flair
Bookmark
Storage
Leftover patties keep in the fridge for up to three days and reheat well on the stove Black sesame buns can be frozen in a sealed bag and thawed before serving If assembling in advance keep veggies and sauces separate to avoid soggy buns
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or plant-based patties work surprisingly well for a lighter version Try Swiss or pepper jack cheese for a different monster grin Sweet relish or sriracha can replace tomato sauce if you like extra heat or sweetness
Serving Suggestions
Serve with oven fries or carrot sticks for a full Halloween spread Monster Burgers also make a fantastic dinner for movie nights line up burgers and let everyone decorate once costumes are on
Bookmark
Cultural or Historical Context
Monster Burgers are a playful riff on American party food with a Halloween spin Making silly faces with burger toppings has been a family tradition in my house for over a decade and every year we add new toppings based on what we find at the store or in the garden
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I achieve the black color on the buns?
Black burger buns are typically made using activated charcoal or black sesame seeds. For this version, use black sesame buns from your bakery or add a small amount of food-grade charcoal powder to homemade dough.
- → What types of olives work best for the eyes?
Green or black olives, halved, are great choices for “eyes.” Pimento-stuffed green olives add extra color and creepiness for a Halloween effect.
- → How do I make cheese “teeth” for the burgers?
Simply cut cheddar cheese slices into zigzag shapes or triangles before melting on the patties. This will create a fun, toothy appearance atop the meat.
- → Can I use a different protein besides beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or meat-free alternatives work well. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure safe doneness.
- → Any tips for assembling the monster faces?
Let everyone create their own burger “faces” by arranging the cheese, pickles, and olives as desired. Have fun with shapes and garnishes for extra personality at your table!