Fall gatherings and Halloween parties call for food that’s both tasty and festive. These Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders check both boxes—adorable little sandwiches that look like mini pumpkins but are packed with savory flavor. Made with golden buns shaped and scored like pumpkins, then filled with juicy sliders, cheese, and toppings, they’re guaranteed to be the star of your autumn spread.
What are Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders?
Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders are mini burgers or sandwiches assembled with buns shaped like pumpkins. The buns are either made from scratch with pumpkin puree or regular dough formed into pumpkin shapes using kitchen string or parchment strips. Once baked, they’re filled with classic slider fillings—like beef patties, turkey burgers, pulled chicken, or veggie patties—then finished with a pretzel stick or celery stalk to mimic a pumpkin stem.
They’re playful, delicious, and perfect for fall parties, Halloween buffets, or even Thanksgiving appetizers.
Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Kitchen string or parchment strips
- skillet
- Spatula
- knife
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.25 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 0.5 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- kitchen string or parchment strips (to shape buns)
- pretzel sticks or celery pieces (for stems)
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices cheddar cheese (cut in half for 12 sliders)
- lettuce leaves
- tomato slices
- pickles
- slider sauce, ketchup, or mustard
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, honey, and melted butter. Let sit until foamy. Stir in pumpkin puree, then add flour and salt. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Divide dough into 12 equal balls. Tie each with kitchen string to mimic a pumpkin. Let rise 1 hour until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake buns 15–18 minutes. Remove string and add pretzel or celery stem.
- Season ground meat with spices. Form 12 patties. Cook in skillet 3–4 minutes per side. Add cheese and cover to melt.
- Slice pumpkin buns. Add lettuce, patty, tomato, pickles, and sauce.
- Serve warm on a platter with festive garnishes.
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes about 12 sliders.
For the pumpkin-shaped buns
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Kitchen string or parchment strips (to shape pumpkins)
- Pretzel sticks or celery pieces (for stems)
For the slider filling
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices cheddar cheese (cut in half for 12 sliders)
Toppings and extras
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Slider sauce, ketchup, or mustard
Substitutions
- Buns: use store-bought dinner rolls, shaping with string for pumpkin look.
- Protein: swap patties for pulled pork or roasted veggies.
- Cheese: try mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make dough for buns
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, honey, and melted butter. Let sit until foamy. Stir in pumpkin puree, then add flour and salt. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.
Step 2: Shape and rise
Divide dough into 12 equal balls. Tie each lightly with kitchen string in 4 segments to mimic a pumpkin shape (do not tie too tightly). Place on baking sheet and cover. Let rise 1 hour until puffy.
Step 3: Bake buns
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 15–18 minutes until golden. Cool slightly, then cut away strings. Insert a pretzel stick or celery piece in the center for a stem.
Step 4: Cook slider patties
In a skillet, season ground meat with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form 12 mini patties. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until fully cooked. Add cheese slices on top and cover until melted.
Step 5: Assemble sliders
Slice pumpkin buns in half. Add lettuce, patty with cheese, tomato slice, and pickles. Spread slider sauce or condiments of choice.
Step 6: Serve
Serve warm on a platter with festive garnishes for a party-ready dish.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Sliders
- Don’t tie string too tightly—buns need space to rise.
- For darker pumpkin color, brush buns with egg wash mixed with a pinch of paprika.
- Use mini pretzel rods or celery sticks for stems.
- Prep buns ahead and assemble sliders just before serving.
Variations
- Spicy sliders: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
- Thanksgiving sliders: Fill with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
- Veggie sliders: Use black bean or sweet potato patties.
- Pumpkin spice buns: Add cinnamon and nutmeg for a slightly sweet bun.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Buns: Store baked buns in airtight container for 2 days, or freeze up to 1 month.
- Cooked patties: Store in fridge up to 3 days, reheat before assembling.
- Assembled sliders: Best eaten fresh, but can be refrigerated for 1 day.
Serving Ideas
Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders are ideal for:
- Halloween party buffets
- Thanksgiving appetizers
- Tailgating or game-day spreads
- Fall potlucks
- Kids’ parties or family dinners
Pair with fries, chips, or a fall salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Breakdown
One slider (bun + patty + toppings) has about 280–320 calories, 15 grams protein, 28 grams carbs, and 12 grams fat. Using turkey or chicken reduces fat, while adding cheese or sauce increases calories.
Conclusion
Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders are the ultimate festive fall dish—adorable, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings. With fluffy pumpkin buns, cheesy slider patties, and creative decorations, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you serve them for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy fall dinner, these sliders are guaranteed to wow your guests.
FAQs
Do I need pumpkin purée in the buns?
No, but it adds color, flavor, and moisture.
Can I make the buns ahead of time?
Yes, bake and freeze buns up to a month in advance.
What if I don’t have string?
Cut parchment strips to shape buns or lightly score with a knife before baking.
Can I use store-bought rolls?
Yes, shape them with string and bake briefly to refresh.
What’s the best meat to use?
Beef gives a classic burger flavor, but turkey or chicken make lighter sliders.