Description

Cheeseburger skulls are a fun and spooky Halloween dinner that kids love! Juicy ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and classic burger flavors are wrapped in golden pizza dough and baked in skull-shaped molds for a festive, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness, or substitute ground turkey/chicken)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack)
1 small yellow onion, finely diced (optional)
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1/4 cup dill pickle, chopped (optional)
1 can refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz), or homemade/crescent roll dough
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
1/4 cup extra cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)
Ketchup, mustard, pickles (for serving/dipping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp oil and sauté diced onion until translucent (about 2 minutes).
Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until just browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chopped pickles. Mix well and cook another minute. Remove from heat and let cool for 3-4 minutes.
Add shredded cheddar to the cooled beef mixture and stir until evenly combined.
Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. If using crescent roll dough, pinch seams together.
Cut dough into 6 equal pieces. Drape each piece into a cavity of the skull mold, pressing gently to cover the sides and bottom. Leave enough overhang to seal the tops.
Spoon about 1/3 cup of meat mixture into each dough-lined cavity. Don’t overfill.
Fold dough over the filling, pinching edges to seal. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds or extra cheese if desired.
Place mold (on baking sheet if silicone) in preheated oven. Bake until golden brown and dough is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
Let the skulls cool in the mold for 5 minutes before gently popping them out.
Arrange cheeseburger skulls on a platter, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve with dipping sauces.

Notes

Don’t overstuff the skulls to prevent bursting. Drain beef well to avoid soggy dough. Cool filling before assembly for easier sealing. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup if shaping by hand. Gluten-free and vegetarian adaptations work well. Skulls freeze and reheat beautifully.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skull
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 650
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 18
Fiber: 1
Protein: 18

Keywords: cheeseburger skulls, Halloween dinner, kid-friendly, spooky recipes, ground beef, pizza dough, easy Halloween meal, party food, Halloween party, stuffed skulls