These Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders are a fun and delicious treat that bring a little festive charm to any gathering! They’re mini burgers shaped like pumpkins, complete with little green “stems” made from pickles or chives, and packed with juicy meat and melty cheese. The soft slider buns make each bite cozy and satisfying, while the cute pumpkin look makes them perfect for fall parties or Halloween snacks.
I love making these sliders when friends come over because they’re as much fun to make as they are to eat. Shaping each mini patty and adding the pickle stems feels like a little kitchen craft project that everyone can get excited about. Sometimes I add a dollop of ketchup or mustard to the inside to keep things simple but tasty, and the kids especially go crazy for these pumpkin-shaped burgers.
Serving these sliders on a big platter with some crunchy chips and a bright salad makes for a relaxed, colorful meal that’s perfect for casual get-togethers. I really enjoy how these little sliders bring a smile to everyone’s face before they even take a bite, making ordinary burger night feel a little more special and playful.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft buns like brioche work best to shape the pumpkin look. If you can’t find slider buns, small dinner rolls or mini bagels can work. Just make sure they’re soft enough to carve.
Ground Meat: I use ground beef for juicy flavor, but ground chicken or turkey are great leaner options. Vegetarian? Try black bean patties or plant-based meat substitutes instead.
Cheese: Cheddar’s sharpness complements the beef nicely. You can swap for American, pepper jack, or gouda depending on the flavor you prefer.
Pickle Spear or Olive Stem: These make the fun pumpkin “stem.” If you don’t have these, try small green beans or green onion stalks for a similar effect.
Spicy Cheese Spread: The cream cheese base keeps things creamy and smooth. Adjust the hot sauce to your heat preference or leave it out for a milder taste.
How Do You Carve the Perfect Pumpkin Shape on the Slider Buns?
Carving the buns can seem tricky but it’s all about simple, gentle cuts:
- Use a small serrated knife to carefully cut around the edges of the top bun, creating soft scallops to mimic pumpkin grooves.
- Cut small triangle “eyes” near the top for a jack-o’-lantern effect—make sure they’re small so the bun stays sturdy.
- Take your time and don’t press too hard to avoid squishing the bun.
- Once carved, lightly toast the buns with butter. This helps them hold their shape and adds great flavor.
With care and a steady hand, your pumpkin buns will look festive and hold together nicely for stacking your delicious sliders inside!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or skillet – perfect for cooking patties evenly and giving a nice sear.
- Small serrated knife – helps you carve the pumpkin shapes on the buns without squishing them.
- Spoon or small bowl – to mix the cream cheese spread smoothly.
- Cutting board – for safely carving buns and chopping green onions.
- Spatula – to flip the patties gently without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter slider option.
- Try pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a bit of spicy melt.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra richness and texture.
- Include crispy bacon or avocado slices to boost flavor and add a tasty twist.
How to Make Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 6 small round slider buns (preferably brioche or soft rolls)
- Black and white sesame seeds (for decoration)
- 6 small pickle spears or green olive stems (for pumpkin stems)
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken (for patties)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- Butter, for toasting buns
- Optional toppings: cucumber slices, lettuce, or fresh greens
For The Spicy Cheese Spread:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and simple recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, including shaping and cooking the patties, carving and toasting the buns, and assembling the sliders.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Patties:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Shape the ground meat into six small, evenly sized patties that match the size of your slider buns. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the patties for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until fully cooked. In the last minute, lay a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
2. Making the Spicy Cheese Spread:
While the patties cook, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and hot sauce (if using) in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth.
3. Carving and Toasting the Buns:
Carefully cut the tops off the slider buns, carving gentle scallops around the edge to create a pumpkin shape. Cut small triangle “eyes” in the bun tops for a jack-o’-lantern look. Lightly toast the buns with butter until golden brown. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top to mimic the pumpkin’s skin texture. Insert a small pickle spear or olive stem into the top center of each bun to create the pumpkin stem.
4. Assembling the Sliders:
Spread the spicy cheese mixture on the bottom half of each bun. Place the cheesy patty on top and scatter chopped green onions over it. Add optional toppings like cucumber slices or lettuce if you wish. Finally, cover with the carved bun tops to complete the pumpkin look.
5. Serving:
Serve your pumpkin-shaped sliders warm on a rustic wooden board or platter, and enjoy the festive fun and delicious flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Patties for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen patties, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or submerge the sealed patties in cold water for a quick thaw. This helps them cook evenly and hold their shape.
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave, and consider adding a little extra cheese or sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties and spicy cheese spread a day in advance. Assemble and carve the buns just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent sogginess.
What Can I Use Instead of Pickle Spears for the Pumpkin Stem?
If you don’t have pickle spears, small pieces of green onion stalk, celery, or even chive bundles work great as pumpkin stems and add a fresh touch.
