Pumpkin Shaped Beef Sliders

These savory beef and cheese sliders shaped like pumpkins are perfect for festive snacking and gatherings. Wrapped in soft golden dough and topped with pretzel stems and fresh herbs, they bring a playful touch to any party or holiday spread.

I first made these for a fall family get together and everyone was charmed by the pumpkin shape. Now they have become my go to for holiday parties and Halloween snacks.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: or your choice of ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option choose fresh highquality meat for best flavor
• Small onion: finely chopped adds sweetness and balance to the savory filling
• Garlic cloves: minced for a fragrant, tasty base
• Smoked paprika: gives a warm, smoky depth try to find Spanish smoked paprika if you can
• Salt and black pepper: essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors
• Worcestershire sauce: adds umami richness
• Shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese: melts beautifully and adds creamy texture
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough: soft and golden when baked easy to shape
• Egg beaten: for brushing the dough and giving it that lovely glossy finish
• Small pretzel sticks: the perfect crunchy pumpkin stem
• Fresh parsley or basil leaves: adds color and a hint of freshness

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Cook the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat for about two to three minutes. Cook just until softened and fragrant to build a flavorful base without browning or burning.

Brown the Meat and Add Seasonings:

Add the ground beef smoked paprika salt black pepper and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until the meat is no longer pink and fully browned. This should take about eight to ten minutes. Remove from heat.

Mix in the Cheese:

Stir in the shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese while the mixture is still hot so it melts throughout the filling. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before handling for assembly.

Prepare the Dough:

Roll out the refrigerated crescent dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into three inch by three inch squares. Making all squares roughly the same size helps with even cooking.

Assemble the Sliders:

Place one to two tablespoons of the meat and cheese filling in the center of each dough square. Gather the edges of the dough up around the filling and pinch to seal the top completely. Then turn each bundle seam side down onto a parchment lined baking sheet. For the pumpkin ridges gently tie kitchen twine around the dough balls evenly in quarters or use a butter knife to lightly score vertical grooves.

Brush and Bake:

Brush each dough bundle with beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden sheen. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 18 minutes or until the dough is puffed and golden brown. If using twine to create ridges remove it carefully as soon as the sliders are cool enough to handle.

Add the Finishing Touches:

Insert a small pretzel stick into the top center of each baked slider to mimic a pumpkin stem. Garnish by tucking in fresh parsley or basil leaves at the side for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve these warm for best enjoyment.

My favorite part is the combination of smoky paprika and melted cheese folded into the juicy beef filling. It reminds me of making cozy dinners with my family in the fall while prepping for Halloween, and these sliders always bring smiles around the table.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat warm them in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes so the dough stays crisp and the filling melts again. These sliders also freeze nicely cool completely then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer bag. Reheat frozen sliders by thawing overnight and then baking or heating in a skillet.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner slider. Vegetarians can use a plant based crumbled meat substitute or seasoned cooked lentils. Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese work well if you want a milder or spicier cheese flavor. Using pizza dough instead of crescent rolls results in a slightly thicker and chewier exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Offer these sliders alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetable platter for a complete meal. Serve with dipping sauces like ketchup spicy aioli or honey mustard to add even more flavor variety. They also pair nicely with classic fall sides like roasted sweet potatoes or crispy Brussels sprouts.

These pumpkin sliders are a festive crowd pleasing appetizer that reheats well and is perfect for parties. They look as delightful as they taste.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of meat can I use for the filling?

Ground beef, turkey, or chicken all work well. Choose based on your preferred flavor and dietary needs.

→ How do I create the pumpkin ridges on the sliders?

After sealing the dough balls, gently tie kitchen twine around each one in quarters or score grooves with a butter knife before baking.

→ Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate before baking. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

→ What dough types work best for these sliders?

Refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough provide a soft, golden crust that's perfect for shaping and baking.

→ Are there suggested dips to serve with these sliders?

Ketchup, mustard, or spicy aioli complement the savory flavors nicely and add variety to the experience.