Autumn’s here and I’ve been craving something playful, something that captures the season’s cozy chaos. These Jack O’ Lantern Burgers started as a joke but turned into a real hit—fun to make and even better to eat. They remind me of carving pumpkins but with a savory twist that makes your whole plate smile.
Why I keep coming back to this recipe
The playful visual impact and warm, roasted flavors make every fall feel like a celebration. It’s a perfect mix of chaos and comfort, bringing friends together around the grill. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—adding hot sauce, cheese, or even changing up the veggie component keeps it fresh each time.
Breaking down the ingredients for spooky success
- Pumpkin or squash: Gives a sweet, smoky, earthy flavor; opt for sugar pumpkin for best sweetness.
- Ground beef: Juicy, flavorful, and adaptable; 80/20 fat ratio works best for juicy burgers.
- Burger buns: Soft but sturdy enough to hold the fiery fillings; brioche or potato rolls work well.
- Cheese (optional): Melted cheese adds richness; cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack are good choices.
- Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, or spicy mayo; add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Spices: Simple salt and pepper; enhance with smoked paprika or garlic powder for depth.
- Olive oil: For brushing pumpkin slices and buns; adds a subtle richness.
Tools of the trade for your spooky burger adventure
- Grill or BBQ: To get that smoky, charred flavor on the pumpkin and burgers.
- Sharp knife: For slicing pumpkin and shaping patties.
- Tongs: To flip and handle hot ingredients safely.
- Basting brush: To oil the pumpkin slices and buns evenly.
- Meat thermometer: To ensure burger patties reach safe internal temperature.
Step-by-step guide to crafting your spooky, tasty Jack O’ Lantern Burgers
Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high, about 200°C (390°F).
Step 2: Slice the pumpkin or squash into thin, manageable pieces, then brush with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Grill the pumpkin slices until charred and tender, about 4-5 minutes per side. Set aside.
Step 4: Form your beef patties, about 150 grams each, and season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing. Grill the patties for 4 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
Step 6: While the patties cook, toast burger buns lightly on the grill for 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Assemble: place a beef patty on the bun, top with grilled pumpkin, a slice of cheese if desired, and any condiments.
Step 8: Finish with the top bun. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Cooking checkpoints and tips to nail it every time
- Pumpkin should be deeply charred and soft enough to mash easily.
- Patties need to be cooked to at least 71°C (160°F) for safe beef.
- Look for a nicely browned crust on the patties — that’s flavor building.
- Buns should be toasted golden, not burnt, to hold up to juicy fillings.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Pumpkin slices sticking to the grill.? Add a splash of water or oil to prevent pumpkin from sticking or burning.
- Pumpkin slices tearing apart.? Use a gentle touch when flipping to avoid breaking the pumpkin slices.
- Over-seasoned patties.? Don’t over-season the beef; keep it simple for better flavor.
- Juicy burgers falling apart.? Rest the burgers for 3 minutes before serving to let juices redistribute.
Jack O’ Lantern Burgers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 200°C (390°F), and get ready to create those smoky flavors.
- Carefully slice the pumpkin into thin, manageable pieces, about 1/4 inch thick, and brush both sides with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Place the pumpkin slices on the grill, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop deep char marks and become tender enough to mash slightly when pressed.
- While the pumpkin grills, shape the ground beef into four equal patties about 150 grams each, and gently press a small indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing.
- Season the patties with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or garlic powder for added flavor.
- Once the grill is ready, sear the beef patties for about 4 minutes per side, flipping carefully with tongs until they develop a rich, brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F).
- While the burgers cook, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove the pumpkin slices from the grill and set aside. If desired, place a slice of cheese on each burger patty during the last minute of grilling to melt slightly.
- Assemble the burgers by placing a beef patty on the bottom bun, topping with a grilled pumpkin slice, then adding condiments of your choice, and finally placing the top bun on top.
- Serve immediately while hot and juicy, and enjoy the fun, seasonal flavors of your Jack O’ Lantern Burgers!
Notes
Hi, I’m Jessica Miller, the voice (and taste buds) behind Taste Budty Rant.
I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where my love for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her turn the simplest ingredients into magic.
