Description
Cheeseburger Skulls are spooky-good handheld buns stuffed with juicy ground beef and melty cheese, baked in skull-shaped molds for the ultimate Halloween dinner. They’re fun to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to thrill kids and adults alike—perfect for family nights, monster bashes, or a Friday the 13th feast.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeseburger Skulls Filling & Dough:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll sheets
Optional:
- Cooking spray (to grease the skull pan)
- Egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tablespoon milk) for a golden finish
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned; drain excess fat. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, onions, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Skull Pan: Spray skull cavities with non-stick spray. Unroll dough and cut pieces large enough to line each skull mold.
- Assemble the Skulls: Press dough into each cavity, leaving some overhang to seal. Spoon in beef mixture, then fold over dough to seal.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush with egg wash if using. Bake 18–20 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Cool briefly before removing from pan.
- Serve: Place skulls face-up on a platter and serve warm with favorite dips or sauces.
Notes
Best Pans for Spooky Results
- Cast aluminum skull pans for crisp details
- Silicone skull molds for easy release
- Choose cavities deep enough to hold filling securely
Tips for Success
- Let meat mixture cool slightly before filling to avoid soggy dough.
- Seal edges tightly to prevent cheese leaks.
- Egg wash adds a glossy, golden finish.
Creative Variations
- Pizza Skulls: Pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara.
- Veggie Skulls: Mushrooms, spinach, and feta.
- Spicy Skulls: Add jalapeños or chipotle.
- Bacon Cheeseburger: Add cooked turkey bacon.
Serving Ideas
- Plate over “bloody” pools of marinara or ketchup.
- Serve with carrot “witch fingers” or mac & cheese “zombie guts.”
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to keep crust crisp; avoid microwaving.
- Freeze: Wrap and freeze; reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.
Common Mistakes
- Overfilling molds (leads to bursting).
- Using wet, hot filling (lets cheese melt too early).
- Forgetting to grease pan (difficult release).
FAQs
- No skull pan? Use muffin tins for bun “skulls.”
- Puff pastry? Works—bakes faster and flakier.
- Vegetarian? Use plant-based ground or mushroom-cheese filling.
- Freeze? Yes—bake, cool, then freeze; reheat in oven.
- Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheeseburger Skulls, Halloween dinner, skull burgers, spooky Halloween food, skull pan recipe, stuffed dough Halloween, kids Halloween dinner, cheeseburger stuffed buns