Are you tired of the same old boring appetizers? Craving something that screams “fall” but also satisfies your savory tooth? These Pumpkin Sliders are the answer! Savory, subtly sweet, and utterly addictive, these little bites are guaranteed to be the star of any gathering – and I promise, you’ll be making them all season long.
The Secret to Slider Success: The Ingredients
Slider Buns
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work great!)
Pumpkin Patty Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings (Get Creative!)
- Cheddar cheese slices
- Caramelized onions
- Arugula or spinach
- Cranberry sauce (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Maple Mustard (recipe below)
Maple Mustard (Optional, But Oh-So-Good!)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Maple Mustard (If Using)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking. Add a little more maple syrup for sweetness or a splash more vinegar for tang.
- Set aside.
Crafting the Pumpkin Patties
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef, pumpkin puree, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough patties.
- Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and form them into small patties, slightly smaller than your slider buns.
Cooking Those Delicious Patties
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Carefully place the patties in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the patties are cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
Assembling Your Masterpieces
- Slice the slider buns in half.
- Spread a little Maple Mustard on the bottom bun (if using).
- Place a cheesy pumpkin patty on the bottom bun.
- Add your desired toppings: caramelized onions, arugula, cranberry sauce.
- Top with the other half of the slider bun.
- Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!
Troubleshooting: My Best Friend Tips
Okay, let’s be real. Recipes don’t always go perfectly. Here are a few things I’ve learned making these over and over:
My patties are falling apart!
Ah, the dreaded patty crumble! This usually means your mixture is too wet. Try adding a tablespoon or two more of breadcrumbs to the mixture. Also, make sure you’re not overmixing the ingredients, as this can also weaken the binding.
The pumpkin flavor is too strong!
Pumpkin can be overpowering! If you’re sensitive to the flavor, reduce the amount of pumpkin puree to 1/4 cup. You can also add a touch more smoked paprika to balance the sweetness.
My buns are getting soggy!
Nobody likes a soggy bun! Make sure your patties aren’t too juicy and that you’re not adding too much sauce. Toasting the buns lightly before assembling can also help prevent sogginess.
Level Up Your Sliders: Creative Variations
Spice it Up!
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the patty mixture for a kick.
Go Vegetarian!
Swap the ground meat for a plant-based ground meat substitute or use crumbled vegetarian sausage.
Cheesy Goodness!
Experiment with different cheeses! Gouda, Gruyere, or even a sharp provolone would be delicious.
Sweet & Savory!
Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar to the caramelized onions for an extra touch of sweetness.
What to Serve with Your Pumpkin Sliders
These Pumpkin Sliders are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right sides. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments:
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Apple cider
- A simple green salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
Fall Food Frenzy: Other Pumpkin Delights!
Once you’ve mastered these Pumpkin Sliders, you’ll probably be craving more pumpkin goodness! Good news – I have plenty of suggestions! Why not kick off a weekend brunch with Pumpkin Spice French Toast? For a sophisticated appetizer, try Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip. And if you’re looking for a fun and festive snack, Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins are always a hit. For a delightful breakfast or snack, try Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins or, for something with a little more flare, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins. So many options to choose from!
Why These Pumpkin Sliders are the BEST!
These Pumpkin Sliders are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of fall flavors in every bite. The subtle sweetness of pumpkin, the savory goodness of the patty, and the perfect blend of toppings create a culinary experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or simply want to indulge in the flavors of the season, these sliders are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some slider magic! You’ve got this!
What can I do if my pumpkin patties are falling apart?
If your patties are crumbling, the mixture might be too wet. Try adding a tablespoon or two more of breadcrumbs. Also, avoid overmixing, as this can weaken the binding.
What are some good side dishes to serve with these pumpkin sliders?
The article suggests sweet potato fries, coleslaw, apple cider, a simple green salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts as excellent accompaniments.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! The recipe suggests swapping the ground meat for a plant-based ground meat substitute or using crumbled vegetarian sausage.
What type of slider buns work best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using Hawaiian rolls as slider buns, but any small slider bun should work.
Perfect Pumpkin Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If making maple mustard, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to your liking and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey or beef, pumpkin puree, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and form them into small patties, slightly smaller than the slider buns.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Carefully place the patties in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the patties are cooked through and lightly browned. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
- Slice the slider buns in half.
- Spread a little Maple Mustard on the bottom bun (if using).
- Place a cheesy pumpkin patty on the bottom bun.
- Add desired toppings: caramelized onions, arugula, cranberry sauce.
- Top with the other half of the slider bun.
- Serve immediately.
