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Jack o’ Lantern Burgers

These playful burgers feature juicy beef patties topped with melted cheese and decorated with carved mini bell peppers to resemble jack-o'-lanterns. The dish combines grilling, toasting, and creative carving, resulting in a fun, colorful presentation with crispy buns and flavorful toppings that delight both kids and adults alike.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pound ground beef preferably with some fat for juiciness
  • 4 slices slices cheddar cheese sliced or shredded
  • 4 mini bell peppers preferably orange, but green or yellow work
  • 4 buns burger buns soft but sturdy
  • 1 leaf lettuce washed and dried
  • 1 slice tomato sliced
  • ketchup ketchup
  • mustard mustard
  • olives or pepper strips spooky face accessories for decorating the peppers

Equipment

  • Grill or stovetop pan
  • Sharp paring knife
  • Cooking spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Toothpicks or skewers

Method
 

  1. Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to a medium-high heat, around 180°C (356°F).
  2. Form the ground beef into four evenly-sized patties, gently pressing the centers to prevent bulging during cooking.
  3. Place the patties onto the hot grill or pan, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned and juices run clear. During the last minute, lay a slice of cheese on each patty to melt into gooey goodness.
  4. While the patties cook, lightly toast the buns for about 1 minute on each side until golden and slightly crispy.
  5. Using a sharp paring knife, carve goofy faces into the mini bell peppers. Make sure to cut out eyes, a nose, and a mouth to resemble jack-o'-lanterns.
  6. Lay down a leaf of lettuce and a slice of tomato on the bottom half of each bun, then top with the cooked beef patty.
  7. Insert the carved peppers into the top of each burger, securing with toothpicks or skewers if needed, to create the spooky faces.
  8. Add condiments like ketchup and mustard on top of the burger and peppers for extra flavor and color.
  9. Finish assembling with the top bun, pressing gently to secure everything in place.
  10. Serve immediately, with additional carved peppers or spooky sides for a festive presentation.

Notes

Feel free to get creative with face designs or toppings! Using small onion slices or additional olives can add more fun details to your jack-o'-lantern faces.