Go Back

Halloween Pumpkin Burgers

These playful burgers feature juicy ground beef patties topped with melty cheddar cheese and caramelized onions, all sandwiched between soft brioche buns carved with fun pumpkin faces. The buns are toasted for crunch, and the cheese melts beautifully over the seared patties, creating a messy, flavorful, and visually whimsical dish perfect for festive gatherings. The combination of textures—crispy edges, oozy cheese, and tender meat—makes each bite a delightful celebration.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Festive
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pound ground beef (80/20) for juicy patties
  • 4 slices slices cheddar cheese sharp and melty
  • 2 small mini pumpkins for carving faces into buns
  • 4 buns brioche buns soft and slightly sweet
  • 2 large yellow onions for caramelizing
  • 1 tbsp tablespoon olive oil for cooking
  • 1 tsp teaspoon smoked paprika for flavor
  • 2 tsp teaspoons spicy mustard for serving

Equipment

  • Sharp paring knife
  • Heavy skillet or grill pan
  • Spatula
  • Oven or toaster
  • Cookie cutter or small knife

Method
 

  1. Slice the onions thinly and cook them in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they turn deep golden brown and smell sweet—about 15 minutes.
  2. While onions cook, carve faces into the mini pumpkins using a small knife or cookie cutter, creating playful or spooky expressions. Set aside.
  3. Form the ground beef into four evenly-sized patties, about ¾ inch thick, and season each with a pinch of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  4. Preheat your skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot—this will help develop a good sear and crust.
  5. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, pressing down gently for even contact, until browned and an internal temperature of 70°C/160°F is reached.
  6. While the patties cook, slice the cheddar cheese and toast the brioche buns lightly in the oven or pan for about 2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy around the edges.
  7. Once the burgers are almost done, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the skillet or tent with foil to melt the cheese thoroughly, about 1 minute.
  8. Carefully place the carved pumpkin buns on a plate, then assemble each burger by placing a cheesy patty on the bottom bun, topping with caramelized onions, and crowning with the carved pumpkin top.
  9. Let the assembled burgers rest for a minute; this helps the juices settle and makes them easier to handle.
  10. Serve the burgers warm with spicy mustard on the side for extra zing, and enjoy the playful, oozy, and crispy bites.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different carved faces or add extra toppings like lettuce or pickles for variety. To make the presentation even more fun, use colorful toothpicks or themed napkins.