Description
Creepy-cute Halloween burgers with pretzel legs, olive eyes, and crispy fries; fast, fun, and kid-approved.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp neutral oil (for the pan or grill grates)
4 burger buns
4 slices cheddar cheese
8 large black olives, halved
32–40 pretzel sticks (for legs)
4 lettuce leaves
1 tomato, sliced
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1/4 cup ketchup
1.5 lb frozen fries (or 4 russet potatoes + 2 tbsp oil + salt)
Toothpicks, optional (to secure eyes)
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake frozen fries per package or toss cut potatoes with oil and salt; bake 20–30 minutes, turning once.
2. In a bowl combine beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix gently and form 4 patties slightly wider than the buns; make a shallow center indent.
3. Preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high and oil lightly.
4. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side to desired doneness.
5. Top each patty with a cheese slice in the last minute to melt; rest 2 minutes off heat.
6. Lightly toast buns on the grill or in the pan, 30–60 seconds.
7. Assemble burgers: bun bottom, lettuce, patty with cheese, tomato, and desired mayo, mustard, and ketchup.
8. Cut small cheese triangles from a slice to make fangs; tuck under the patty edge so they peek out.
9. Insert 4 pretzel sticks into each side of the bun for 8 spider legs total.
10. Place two olive halves on the top bun as eyes; secure with a dab of mayo or toothpicks.
11. Serve immediately with hot crispy fries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes