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- 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup ketchup - 1/4 cup mustard - Mini burger buns (about 12) - Fresh parsley leaves (for garnish) - Optional: pickle slices and lettuce I love the simple mix of these ingredients. Ground beef or turkey gives the burgers a nice base. The breadcrumbs help hold the patties together. An egg binds everything well. Seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder add flavor. Paprika gives a bit of warmth. Salt and pepper balance the taste. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully on the patties. Ketchup and mustard add zest. Mini buns are perfect for these fun shapes. Fresh parsley leaves not only look great, but they also add a touch of green. You can also add pickle slices and lettuce for extra crunch. This mix creates a tasty bite-sized treat. I enjoy how each ingredient plays a role in the final dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, and egg. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until all the ingredients combine well. For the perfect consistency, aim for a moist, but not sticky, mixture. If it feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. If it's too dry, add a touch more egg. Now, let’s shape our patties. Take a small amount of the meat mixture. Roll it into a ball and then flatten it slightly. Aim for a shape similar to a medium lemon. To create the pumpkin shape, use your fingers to press ridges along the sides. This will give it that fun pumpkin look. Don’t forget to press a small indent in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly. Next, heat a non-stick skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the hot surface. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them fully cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165°F for turkey or 160°F for beef. During the last minute of cooking, add cheese on top of each patty. This will melt nicely and add great flavor. Now it’s time to build your burgers. Take the bottom half of each mini bun. Spread ketchup and mustard on it. Place a pumpkin-shaped patty on top, then add optional pickle slices and lettuce if you like. Finally, add the top half of the bun. For a fun touch, use fresh parsley leaves to create a little stem on each burger. This makes them look extra cute! To boost flavor, add spices like cumin or chili powder. They give a warm kick. For cheese, use sharp cheddar or pepper jack. Both melt well and add rich taste. You can grill or bake these mini burgers. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Baking keeps them juicy. For a good sear, preheat your skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Don't flip too soon; let them brown first. Serve these burgers on a pumpkin-themed platter. Add small pumpkins for a festive touch. You can stack them high for a fun display. Use fresh parsley on top to mimic pumpkin stems. For parties, make mini flags to label each burger. Pro Tips Choose Your Meat Wisely: Opt for ground turkey for a leaner burger, or stick with ground beef for a richer flavor. Shape Matters: Make sure to create ridges on the sides of the patties to give them a distinct pumpkin shape and help them cook evenly. Cheese Melting Tip: Add cheese during the last minute of cooking to ensure it's perfectly melted without overcooking the patties. Garnish for Effect: Use fresh parsley as a stem on top of the burgers for that adorable pumpkin look, making them perfect for a festive presentation. {{image_2}} Turkey vs. beef: flavor differences When you choose meat for these mini burgers, turkey offers a lighter taste. Beef gives a rich and hearty flavor. Both options work well, but they change the overall feel of the dish. If you want a more festive flavor, try beef. For a healthier twist, go for turkey. Gluten-free options You can easily make this recipe gluten-free. Just swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. This simple change ensures everyone can enjoy these tasty burgers. Look for certified gluten-free products to avoid cross-contamination. Adding herbs or spices for different profiles You can mix in herbs like basil or thyme to change the flavor. Try adding cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for a deep taste. These small tweaks make your burgers unique and special. Creative topping ideas Don't limit yourself to ketchup and mustard. Try avocado slices or spicy aioli. You can also add caramelized onions for a sweet touch. These toppings can elevate your mini burgers into something truly amazing. Adapting for different holidays You can adapt these mini burgers for various holidays. For Halloween, add orange cheese and use cute toothpicks with ghosts. For Thanksgiving, add cranberry sauce as a topping. These small changes make them festive and fun. Pairing with fall-themed cocktails These burgers pair well with seasonal drinks. Try apple cider cocktails or pumpkin spice lattes. The flavors mix well with the fall vibe, making your meal feel complete. Enjoying a themed drink can make the experience even more special. To keep your pumpkin-shaped mini burgers fresh, follow these best practices for refrigeration. First, let the burgers cool down to room temperature. Next, place them in an airtight container. This method prevents moisture loss and keeps them tasty. In the fridge, these mini burgers last about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made them! For long-term storage, you can freeze both the patties and the assembled burgers. To freeze the patties, lay them flat on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This method helps prevent them from sticking together. If you prefer freezing the assembled burgers, wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat for about 7-10 minutes. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you froze the assembled burgers, unwrap them and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. This keeps the buns nice and soft while the patties heat through. You can make these burgers vegetarian by using plant-based proteins. Try using cooked lentils or black beans as a base. You can also use chickpeas for a tasty twist. Add breadcrumbs and spices just like in the meat version. This adds flavor and binds the mixture well. Yes, you can prepare these burgers ahead of time. Mix the meat or veggie mixture and form the patties. Store them in the fridge for up to one day. You can also freeze them. Just cook them straight from the freezer when you're ready to eat. These mini burgers go well with many sides. Try sweet potato fries or a crisp salad. Apple slices with cheese also make a nice pair. You can serve these with a warm bowl of soup for a comforting meal. This recipe has common allergens like eggs and dairy. If you're allergic to eggs, try a flaxseed egg as a substitute. For dairy, use a dairy-free cheese. Always check labels to ensure safety for those with allergies. These pumpkin-shaped mini burgers are fun and tasty. We covered key ingredients like ground meat, cheese, and seasonings. You learned how to mix, shape, and cook your patties perfectly. We even explored fun variations, cooking methods, and storage tips. Try these burgers at your next gathering. With easy adjustments, you can fit any theme or taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and impress your friends with something unique. Delicious food brings joy, and these burgers are sure to please!

Pumpkin-Shaped Mini Burgers

Delicious mini burgers shaped like pumpkins, perfect for a fun meal or party.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • 12 mini burger buns
  • for garnish fresh parsley leaves
  • optional pickle slices and lettuce for assembly

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
  • Take a small amount of the meat mixture and form it into pumpkin-shaped patties. Aim for about the size of a medium lemon. Use your fingers to create ridges on the sides to mimic the pumpkin shape. Make sure to press a small indent in the center of each patty for even cooking.
  • Heat a non-stick skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F for turkey or 160°F for beef). During the last minute of cooking, place a small amount of cheese on top of each patty to melt.
  • Spread ketchup and mustard on the bottom halves of the mini buns. Place a pumpkin-shaped patty on each, followed by optional pickle slices and a piece of lettuce if desired. Top with the other half of the bun.
  • Use fresh parsley leaves to add a stem on top of each burger for an adorable pumpkin effect.

Notes

Use fresh parsley leaves for garnish to enhance the pumpkin effect.
Keyword Halloween, mini burgers, party food, pumpkin