Description
A quick, family-friendly spider-themed burger with pretzel legs and olive eyes, served with crispy Halloween fries. Fun, festive, and easy enough for a weeknight.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken/plant-based), divided into 4 patties
1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
4 burger buns (brioche or sesame)
4 slices cheddar or American cheese
8–12 black olive slices (for eyes)
24–32 pretzel sticks (for 8 legs per burger)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard (optional)
4 lettuce leaves, 4 tomato slices (optional)
1.5 lb russet potatoes or 20 oz frozen fries
1.5 tbsp olive oil (for fries)
1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder (fries, optional)
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment.
2. Cut potatoes into fries if using fresh; toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Spread on pan.
3. Bake fries 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp; season to taste.
4. Form 4 patties; season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high; cook patties 3–4 minutes per side (longer for poultry) until done.
6. Top each patty with a cheese slice during the last minute to melt.
7. Lightly toast buns cut-side down in the skillet or oven for 1–2 minutes.
8. Spread mayo and ketchup on buns; add mustard if desired.
9. Assemble burgers: bun bottom, lettuce and tomato (optional), patty with melted cheese, then top bun.
10. Make eyes: dab a little mayo on the top bun and stick on two olive slices per burger.
11. Add legs: gently insert 4 pretzel sticks into each side of the burger (8 total) to look like spider legs.
12. Plate with a generous handful of fries and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes