These Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders are a fun and festive way to enjoy your favorite mini sandwiches, especially around fall or Halloween. Imagine soft slider buns shaped like tiny pumpkins, filled with juicy burger patties and your go-to toppings. The cute pumpkin look adds a little extra charm to a classic bite-sized treat.
I love making these sliders when I want to bring something playful to a party or family dinner. The best part is how easy they are to customize—whether you like cheese, pickles, lettuce, or just a simple patty. Plus, shaping the buns into pumpkins is a surprisingly simple step that makes everything feel special. I always find that kids and grown-ups alike get a kick out of eating these festive little sandwiches.
My favorite way to serve these is with a side of crispy sweet potato fries and a small bowl of dipping sauce. It makes for a colorful, cozy meal that feels just right for cooler days. Whenever I bring these to get-togethers, they disappear fast, and I end up making extra just in case. It’s a little creative twist on a familiar favorite that always brings smiles to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche Slider Buns: These soft, slightly sweet buns hold the pumpkin shape well. You can swap for regular slider buns, but brioche adds a nice flavor and texture. For gluten-free, look for bun alternatives or make your own gluten-free dough.
Ground Beef or Plant-Based Patties: Classic ground beef gives juicy flavor, but plant-based patties are perfect if you want a vegetarian option. Just cook according to package instructions and shape them small enough to fit the buns.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives a rich color that fits the pumpkin theme. If you prefer a milder taste, American or Colby cheese works great too. Vegan cheeses can be used for dairy-free diets.
Lettuce and Onions: Finely shredded lettuce adds crunch and freshness. Romaine or green leaf are great choices. You can substitute with shredded cabbage or spinach. Onions provide bite — mild onions like Vidalia work if you want less sharpness.
Black Fondant or Food Coloring for Stems: These details make the buns look like little pumpkins. If you want to skip this, you can use pretzel sticks or small rosemary sprigs as natural “stems.”
How Do You Shape and Decorate the Buns to Make Them Look Like Pumpkins?
Shaping the buns into pumpkins is easier than it looks and really lifts the whole dish visually:
- Use a sharp knife to gently score or press vertical lines all around the bun’s sides. Don’t cut all the way through — just create ‘ridges’ that mimic pumpkin grooves.
- Before baking or serving, sprinkle sesame seeds or oat flakes on top to add texture and look like pumpkin seeds.
- For the stem, either roll small pieces of black fondant into short twisted sticks and gently press them on top, or paint the top with black food coloring after baking.
- If you don’t have fondant or food coloring, try small pretzel sticks or even fresh herb sprigs for a rustic stem.
- Be gentle with the buns so they keep their shape but still look soft and inviting.
Taking the time to shape and decorate your buns really brings the fall theme to life and makes your sliders stand out at any gathering.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp knife – for scoring the buns to create pumpkin ridges without cutting through.
- Nonstick skillet or grill pan – to cook the slider patties evenly without sticking.
- Baking sheet – to warm or toast the buns after shaping them.
- Small brush – perfect for applying food coloring gel to create pumpkin stems.
- Mixing bowl – to season and mix ground beef or plant-based patties easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter taste.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a little spicy kick that plays well with cheddar.
- Add caramelized onions for sweetness and extra depth of flavor.
- Mix finely chopped mushrooms into the patties to boost moisture and umami.
Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Buns:
- 8 round brioche slider buns
- Black food coloring gel or black fondant (for pumpkin stems)
- Sesame seeds or oat flakes (for topping the buns)
For the Patties and Toppings:
- 1 lb ground beef or plant-based burger patties, shaped into 8 small patties
- 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup finely shredded lettuce (romaine or green leaf)
- ¼ cup finely diced onions
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking patties)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: mustard, ketchup, pickles, or your favorite slider condiments
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total: 10 minutes to prepare and shape the buns and patties, 10 minutes to cook the burgers, and 5 minutes to assemble and decorate the sliders. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for a festive snack or meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Buns:
Use a sharp knife to carefully score vertical segment lines around the outside of each slider bun. Make light cuts just to create indentations that look like pumpkin ridges — don’t cut all the way through. Sprinkle sesame seeds or oat flakes on top for extra texture and pumpkin seed effect.
2. Making the Pumpkin Stems:
If you have black fondant, roll small twisted stem-like pieces to gently push into the tops of the buns once the sliders are assembled. Alternatively, if you are using black food coloring gel, you can paint a stem shape on the top of the buns after toasting or baking.
3. Cooking the Patties:
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the patties with salt and pepper. Cook them for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty so it melts nicely.
4. Assembling the Sliders:
Carefully slice the buns in half along the horizontal score line if not already fully sliced. Place a cheddar-covered patty on the bottom half of each bun. Add diced onions and shredded lettuce on top, along with any condiments you like.
5. Finishing Touches and Serving:
Gently press the top half of the bun, with its stem, onto each slider. If using fondant stems, insert them now; if painting, add the stem detail now as well. Arrange your pumpkin-shaped sliders on a platter and serve with your favorite sides.
Can I Use Frozen Patties for These Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw frozen patties in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to reduce extra moisture and help them brown nicely in the skillet.
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a dash of water and covering loosely to keep the buns soft.
Can I Make the Pumpkin Shaping Ahead of Time?
You can lightly score the buns a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature. Just add the sesame seeds and stems right before assembling to keep them fresh and visually appealing.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders?
Try pairing these fun sliders with sweet potato fries, a crisp fall salad, or roasted vegetables for a cozy and colorful meal perfect for autumn gatherings.
