Name: Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 8 cheddar cheese slices; 8 slider buns or small rolls; 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); 8 small pretzel sticks (for stems); Green herbs or spinach leaves (for garnish, optional); Kitchen string (for shaping buns)

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These Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders are as adorable as they are delicious. I love how each mini sandwich looks like a tiny pumpkin, making them perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving appetizers. They’re made with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and soft buns shaped into pumpkins — a fun and tasty twist on classic sliders.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s festive, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The pumpkin shape makes them a showstopper at any table, and the savory filling satisfies every craving. They’re bite-sized, making them perfect for parties or family dinners. Plus, I can customize the fillings to suit different tastes — from beef to turkey or even veggie patties. Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or turkey)
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Worcestershire sauce
Cheddar cheese slices
Slider buns or small rolls
Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon water)
Pretzel sticks (for stems)
Green herbs or spinach (for leaves, optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I shape the slider buns into pumpkin forms by tying kitchen string around each one to create grooves (like a pumpkin).
I brush the tops lightly with egg wash and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown. Once baked, I carefully cut and remove the string.
While the buns bake, I cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
Once cooked, I add a slice of cheese on top of each patty to melt slightly.
I assemble the sliders by placing the beef patties on the pumpkin-shaped buns.
I insert a small piece of pretzel stick on top as the “pumpkin stem” and add a small herb leaf for decoration.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 sliders. It takes 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.

Variations

I sometimes use turkey or chicken patties for a lighter version.
Mini portobello mushrooms make great vegetarian substitutes.
I like adding caramelized onions or pickles for extra flavor.
For a sweet-and-savory twist, I spread a little cranberry sauce under the cheese.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the sliders in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. I avoid microwaving to keep the buns from getting soggy. Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders

FAQs

How do I make the buns look like pumpkins?

I tie kitchen string loosely around each dough ball before baking — after baking, I cut and remove the string to reveal the pumpkin shape.

Can I use store-bought rolls?

Yes! I use soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls — they bake and shape beautifully.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, American, or gouda melt perfectly, but I sometimes use pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. I bake the buns and cook the patties ahead, then assemble and warm them just before serving.

Are they kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the fun pumpkin shape, and I often make mini versions for parties.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders are my favorite fall party food — cute, flavorful, and easy to make. I love how they combine comfort and creativity in every bite. Whether I serve them as appetizers or a festive dinner, they always impress and bring smiles to the table.