Ingredients

20 oz ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)

1-2 teaspoons oil

8 medium black olives

8 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini, about 1-ounce or 28 grams each, patted dry)

8 tomato slices (from about 2 tomatoes, patted dry)

4 slices orange cheddar cheese

4 pieces green lettuce (rinsed and patted dry)

4 pickle slices

4 hamburger buns (gluten-free buns if needed)

Salt and pepper to taste

Toothpicks for assembly

Instructions

Step 1: Divide the ground beef into four 5-ounce portions and form patties slightly wider than your buns by about 1 inch.

Step 2: Press your thumb into the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Step 3: Season the outside of each patty with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a teaspoon or two of oil, then place the patties in the pan.

Step 5: Cook the patties until done, flipping only once. Cook to an internal temperature of 160 °F for safety and no pink in the center.

Step 6: While cooking, prepare the monster face decorations by cutting the olives in half and placing each half (with the star pattern facing up) on a mini mozzarella ball; secure with a toothpick to make eyes.

Step 7: Cut tomato slices to even thickness, pat them dry, and set aside.

Step 8: Cut small triangles from each cheese slice to create “teeth” that will stick out from the bun; be careful not to cut too much.

Step 9: To assemble, place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, add a burger patty, then arrange two tomato slices side by side on top of the patty.

Step 10: Place a pickle slice in the middle to form the “tongue,” add the cheese “teeth,” then top with the bun’s upper half.

Step 11: Attach two mozzarella-and-olive “eyes” on each burger bun using the toothpicks.

Step 12: Serve your monster burgers and enjoy the fun presentation!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, mix a little Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder into the ground beef before forming patties.

You can substitute turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.

Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda for a new twist.

Serve with spicy mayo or ketchup to add more character to your monster creation.

Storage

Store any leftover patties separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bun and fresh toppings separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. Assembled burgers are best eaten fresh to enjoy the crispy lettuce and fresh toppings.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

You can prepare the patties and the monster eyes ahead, but it’s best to assemble the burgers just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy and the toppings fresh.

What can I use if I don’t have mini mozzarella balls?

If mini mozzarella balls aren’t available, small cubes of mozzarella or other mild white cheese will work for the eyes. Just be sure to pat them dry so the olive halves stick well.