Cheeseburger Skulls Hamburger Buns (Print View)
Whimsical cheeseburgers with fluffy skull-shaped buns and classic toppings for a fun, memorable meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Skull-Shaped Hamburger Buns
01 -
5 tablespoons salted butter, softened (divided use)
02 -
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
03 -
1 large egg
04 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
05 -
1 teaspoon salt
06 -
1 tablespoon instant yeast
07 -
3/4 cup lukewarm water (100-110°F)
→ For the Skull-Shaped Cheeseburgers
08 -
32 ounces 80/20 ground beef
09 -
Salt
10 -
Black pepper
11 -
1 tablespoon butter, lard, or vegetable oil
12 -
8 slices white cheese, such as American, Cheddar, Provolone, or Havarti
→ Suggested Toppings
13 -
Sliced tomatoes
14 -
Lettuce leaves
15 -
Ketchup
16 -
Mustard
17 -
Mayonnaise
18 -
Sliced onions
19 -
Pickles
# Directions:
01 -
Liberally grease 8 skull mold cavities using 1 tablespoon butter to ensure nonstick release.
02 -
Combine flour, egg, sugar, salt, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of butter (cut into pieces) in a mixing bowl. Pour lukewarm water over dry ingredients and blend until dough forms.
03 -
Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface or in a stand mixer using a dough hook for 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
04 -
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
05 -
Deflate the risen dough, then divide evenly into 8 pieces (approx. 3.3 ounces each). Shape and press each dough piece into the prepared skull molds.
06 -
Cover molds loosely with plastic wrap and let dough rise for 1 hour until expanded.
07 -
Preheat oven to 375°F near the end of the second rise. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, rotating pans halfway, until golden brown and fully cooked.
08 -
Release buns onto a wire rack. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush over tops for a glossy finish. Cool buns completely before slicing.
09 -
Divide ground beef into 8 portions. Shape each into a skull using hands or a cookie cutter. Chill until ready to cook.
10 -
Season patties with salt and pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon butter, lard, or oil in a skillet over medium-high until hot. Sear burgers, working in batches, for about 3 minutes per side, or until desired doneness (135°F for medium-rare).
11 -
Place a cheese slice over each patty. Remove skillet from heat, cover, and allow cheese to melt. Optionally, trim cheese to resemble skulls.
12 -
Slice cooled buns. Place each burger in a bun and add optional toppings such as tomato, lettuce, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, onion, or pickles to taste.
13 -
Serve assembled cheeseburgers immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
Ensure butter is fully softened for easier dough incorporation and optimal bun texture.
02 -
Shaping burgers into skulls can be done freehand or with specialized molds for enhanced visual appeal.