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These pumpkin-shaped beef sliders wrapped in soft golden dough make a festive and savory appetizer perfect for Halloween gatherings or any cozy party. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and tender dough creates a bite-sized treat that is as fun to look at as it is to eat.
I first made these during a family Halloween celebration and they instantly became a crowd favorite. Their cute pumpkin shape always sparks smiles and makes for great conversation around the table.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or turkey or chicken: offers a juicy, flavorful filling choose fresh preferably organic meat from local butchers when possible
- Small onion finely chopped: provides sweetness and depth of flavor select firm onions without sprouting
- Garlic cloves minced: add aromatic punch fresh garlic bulbs kept cool and dry retain the best taste
- Smoked paprika: imparts a warm smoky note Spanish pimentón doux is an excellent choice if available
- Salt: balances the spices and brings out the natural flavors use fine sea salt for even seasoning
- Black pepper freshly ground: offers subtle heat freshly cracked is best for aroma
- Worcestershire sauce: contributes a tangy umami boost check labels for quality and similar French condiments if needed
- Shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese: melts beautifully in France try mild comté or emmental as tasty substitutes
- Refrigerated crescent roll or pizza dough: forms a soft golden casing refrigerated readyrolled dough is convenient but homemade pâte brisée can be used for a more rustic touch
- Egg beaten: creates a shiny surface glaze ensure eggs are fresh from trusted sources
- Small pretzel sticks: simulate pumpkin stems seek artisanal pretzels for texture
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves: add a pop of color and herbaceous freshness
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Cook finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat for about two to three minutes until they soften and release their fragrance. This gentle cooking builds the flavor base for the filling.
- Brown the Meat:
- Add ground beef, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink. This step ensures a savory, well seasoned filling.
- Incorporate the Cheese:
- Once the meat is cooked, stir in the shredded cheese until it melts completely and blends with the meat mixture. Allow this filling to cool slightly so it thickens just enough for shaping without being too hot to handle.
- Prepare the Dough Base:
- Roll out the refrigerated crescent or pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into squares approximately three centimeters by three centimeters. These portions form the base of each slider.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Place a tablespoon or two of the meat mixture onto the center of each dough square. Carefully gather the dough edges around the filling and pinch to seal. Turn each sealed dough ball seamside down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Create Pumpkin Details:
- To shape pumpkins, gently tie kitchen twine around each dough ball in quarters or use the blunt edge of a butter knife to score grooves, forming the classic pumpkin ridges.
- Apply the Egg Wash:
- Brush each dough bundle with beaten egg to create a beautiful golden finish once baked.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the trays in a preheated oven at 190 degrees Celsius and bake for about fifteen to eighteen minutes until the dough is puffed and golden. Remove twine as soon as sliders are cool enough to handle.
- Add Final Touches:
- Insert a small pretzel stick in the top center of each baked slider to act as the pumpkin stem. Garnish with a fresh parsley or basil leaf. Serve these warm and watch them disappear!
I love the smoked paprika in this recipe it adds a subtle smoky depth that makes these sliders feel warm and hearty especially on a chilly autumn evening. A family memory was when my niece insisted the sliders looked so real they almost felt like tiny pumpkins she could carve making the meal extra special.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a low oven to maintain dough crispness and melty cheese. For longer storage, freeze the baked sliders in a ziplock bag with parchment paper between layers. Reheat thoroughly in the oven from frozen before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
For dairyfree versions replace cheese with vegan cheese or omit it and add extra seasoning to the meat. Glutenfree dough or puff pastry can be substituted for the crescent dough to accommodate dietary needs. Turkey or chicken mince lighten the dish while keeping good flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Accompany with dips such as ketchup, Dijon mustard, or a spicy aioli for variety. Pair with fresh autumn vegetable crudités or a crisp green salad to balance richness. These sliders work well as finger food at parties or as part of a hearty appetizer platter.
These pumpkin sliders are a festive crowd pleasing appetizer perfect for parties. Serve warm and enjoy.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Quel type de viande peut être utilisé ?
Vous pouvez utiliser du boeuf, de la dinde ou du poulet haché selon vos préférences.
- → Comment obtenir la forme de citrouille sur les sliders ?
Il suffit de nouer un fil de cuisine autour des boules de pâte pour créer les rainures ou de marquer des incisions avec un couteau avant cuisson.
- → Quel fromage convient le mieux pour la farce ?
Le cheddar râpé ou le Colby Jack apportent un goût fondant et savoureux.
- → Peut-on préparer les sliders à l'avance ?
Oui, vous pouvez assembler les sliders et les conserver au réfrigérateur avant de les enfourner.
- → Quelles garnitures accompagner avec ces sliders ?
Des sauces comme ketchup, moutarde ou aïoli épicé se marient parfaitement pour l’accompagnement.