These Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders bring a fun and festive twist to a classic favorite. Imagine juicy mini burgers, perfectly sized for little hands, topped with melty cheese and fresh greens, all tucked inside soft buns shaped like little pumpkins. They’re as cute as they are tasty, making any meal feel a bit more special.
I love making these sliders for gatherings or just a cozy family dinner in the fall. They’re a simple way to add some seasonal cheer to the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the pumpkin shape always gets a smile, especially from kids who think these little burgers are almost too fun to eat.
My favorite way to serve these is with a side of sweet potato fries or crisp apple slices—it feels just right for a chilly autumn day. Whether you’re planning a spooky Halloween party or a cozy Thanksgiving appetizer, these sliders are sure to be a hit and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin-shaped buns: These buns give the sliders their cute pumpkin look. If you can’t find them, use small round slider buns. You can gently score lines around them to mimic pumpkin ridges. Regular buns also work in a pinch!
Cheddar cheese: Adds creamy, melty flavor. If you prefer, mozzarella or Monterey Jack are good milder substitutes. For extra sharpness, try aged cheddar or smoked cheese.
Eggs: The scrambled eggs are the main filling, giving a soft, creamy texture. You can add a little cream or milk when scrambling for extra fluffiness.
Mayonnaise and mustard: These keep the eggs moist and add tang. If you’re avoiding mayo, Greek yogurt is a fresher alternative, and mustard can be left out if you prefer.
Chives or green onions: These add a pop of freshness and color. Parsley or thinly sliced spinach can also work.
Pretzel sticks or rosemary: Used as pumpkin stems on top. If you don’t have these, small carrot sticks or celery pieces can also create a fun look.
How Do You Make the Buns Look Like Pumpkins Without Special Buns?
The pumpkin look is key for the fun factor here! If you can’t buy pumpkin-shaped buns, don’t worry.
- Use small round slider buns or dinner rolls.
- With a sharp knife, gently score vertical lines around the bun to create pumpkin ‘ridges’. Don’t cut all the way through.
- Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds for texture—white and black sesame mix looks great.
- For the stem, poke a small hole in the top center and insert a piece of pretzel stick, rosemary sprig, or even a small carrot piece.
This simple touch turns regular buns into festive pumpkins and adds a playful twist to your sliders.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet – perfect for cooking scrambled eggs gently without sticking.
- Sharp knife – helps you score the buns to make pumpkin ridges cleanly.
- Mixing bowl – for mixing the mayo and mustard for the egg filling.
- Baking sheet or tray – to warm buns and melt cheese if you want a hot slider.
- Small spoon or spatula – to spread mayo mixture and scoop scrambled eggs onto buns.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a little spicy kick in the sliders.
- Add crispy bacon or turkey bacon for extra crunch and smoky flavor.
- Try mixing finely chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the scrambled eggs for extra veggies.
- Use avocado slices or guacamole instead of mayo for a creamy green twist that’s fresh and smooth.
How to Make Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 4 small pumpkin-shaped slider buns (or small round buns scored to look like pumpkins)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped chives or green onion tops
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds and black sesame seeds for topping
- Small pumpkin stems or small pieces of pretzel sticks or rosemary sprigs for garnish (to mimic pumpkin stems)
- Butter or oil for cooking eggs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and cooking time. If you choose to warm the buns and melt the cheese in the oven, add an extra 5 minutes. It’s quick and easy to make these festive sliders that are perfect for fall gatherings or a fun family meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buns:
If you’re not using pre-shaped pumpkin slider buns, gently score small round slider buns with shallow vertical lines to look like pumpkin ridges. Sprinkle white and black sesame seeds on top for a cozy, autumn look.
2. Cook the Scrambled Eggs:
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Whisk the eggs lightly and scramble them gently until soft and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
3. Mix the Mayo and Mustard:
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with mustard (if using). Mix well to create a smooth sauce to spread on the buns.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the buns horizontally without cutting all the way through. Spread the mayo mixture generously on the bottom half of each bun, then place a cheddar slice over it. Add a scoop of scrambled eggs on top, and sprinkle with chopped chives or green onion tops for a fresh touch.
5. Finish and Serve:
Close the buns and carefully insert a small pumpkin stem or a piece of pretzel stick into the top center to mimic a pumpkin stem. If you want the cheese to melt a bit, place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Serve on a rustic wooden platter for a charming presentation, and enjoy!
Can I Use Regular Slider Buns Instead of Pumpkin-Shaped Ones?
Absolutely! Just score shallow vertical lines around the buns with a sharp knife to mimic pumpkin ridges, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for that festive look.
Can I Prepare the Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can scramble the eggs and mix the mayo sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then assemble the sliders just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover assembled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to warm the cheese and eggs.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Sliders?
Definitely! Crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or avocado slices make tasty additions and add extra flavor and texture to these festive sliders.
