Savory Halloween Treat: Fluffy Pumpkin Buns & Umami-Rich Shiitake BLT Sandwiches

As October rolls past its midpoint, the whispers of Halloween grow louder, and so does the inevitable influx of candy. With trick-or-treating hauls and leftover sweets filling every corner of the house, the last thing many of us crave is another sugar-laden dessert. While we might make exceptions for truly spooky delights like my Halloween White Chocolate Eyeballs or Creepy Black Sesame Eyeball Cupcakes, there’s a real demand for balancing out the sweetness. This season, why not delight your family and guests with a unique and utterly delicious savory option? Presenting a truly festive and flavorful meal: hearty Shiitake BLT sandwiches nestled in homemade, adorable pumpkin-shaped buns!

Updated: October 14, 2019 (Originally posted: October 31, 2017)

These charming, festive buns are not only a treat for the eyes but also a delicious foundation for a satisfying vegetarian meal. I crafted these wonderfully fluffy buns to resemble miniature pumpkins, then filled them with a savory Shiitake BLT inspired by The Love and Lemons Cookbook. Back in 2017, during National Cookbook Month, I dove deep into exploring and reviewing some fantastic recipes from this particular cookbook, and this one truly stood out as a seasonal favorite.

Creating your own bread can seem daunting, but these pumpkin buns are surprisingly straightforward, making them perfect for home bakers of all skill levels. Their vibrant color and adorable shape make them an instant hit, whether you’re serving them for a Halloween gathering, a cozy fall lunch, or even as a unique addition to your Thanksgiving spread. The subtle pumpkin flavor in the dough adds a wonderful autumnal note without overpowering the other ingredients, ensuring they pair beautifully with a variety of fillings.

Crafting Your Own Adorable Pumpkin Buns

One of the absolute best features of this pumpkin bun recipe is the incredible ease of preparation, all thanks to the humble bread machine! That’s right, this is essentially a no-knead recipe, letting modern kitchen technology do all the hard work for you. Say goodbye to sticky hands and strenuous kneading sessions; simply add your ingredients, set it, and let the machine work its magic, delivering perfectly developed dough ready for shaping.

To begin, simply place all your carefully measured ingredients into your bread machine, select the “dough” setting, and let it cycle through. Once the dough program is complete and you have a beautifully risen, pliable ball of dough, gently transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into six equal portions – precision here ensures uniformly sized pumpkin buns. Roll each portion into a smooth, tight ball. Now comes the creative part: to achieve that signature pumpkin shape, you’ll need well-oiled kitchen twine.

Take a piece of twine (approximately 40 inches or 100cm) and loosely wrap it around each dough ball, creating 8 even sections. It’s crucial that the twine is well-oiled before wrapping, as this prevents it from sticking to the delicate baked bread. Without proper oiling, removing the twine can be a challenging and potentially damaging task. Tie the ends of the twine in the center, securing the shape, and then carefully place each shaped dough ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

After shaping, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and allow the dough balls to rise in a warm spot. This secondary rise, often called proofing, should take approximately 30 minutes to an hour, or until the dough has noticeably doubled in size. This step is essential for achieving that light and fluffy texture in your final buns. As an extra special touch, just before baking, gently press a pumpkin seed into the top center of each bun to mimic a natural pumpkin stem. This small detail truly brings the pumpkin aesthetic to life!

Baking these decorative pumpkin buns requires a specific temperature strategy to maintain their beautiful autumnal color. Begin by baking them at 320°F (160°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and continue baking for another 10 minutes. This lower temperature approach prevents excessive browning, ensuring your buns emerge from the oven with that desirable pumpkin-orange hue. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. Patience is key here, as cooling thoroughly makes the twine removal process much easier.

Admittedly, peeling off the twine can be a bit tedious, especially if some of your dough balls were tied a little too snugly. In such cases, I’ve found it helpful to gently slice along the crease of the bun, just enough to ease the twine out with a pair of tweezers. It might take a moment, but the effort is well worth it when you see how beautifully realistic your pumpkin buns turn out!

Once cooled and untwined, marvel at their super fluffy texture! Slice the buns in half, preparing them for your delicious Shiitake BLT sandwiches. For an added layer of flavor and texture, consider toasting or grilling the cut sides of the buns lightly. This not only adds a subtle crunch but also prevents the buns from becoming soggy, especially with juicy tomatoes or sauces.

Crafting the Savory Shiitake BLT

This vegetarian BLT was my inaugural venture into the world of meatless bacon sandwiches. I had previously seen various plant-based “bacon” recipes, from eggplant to coconut, but the idea of using mushrooms, specifically shiitake, as featured in The Love & Lemons recipe, truly intrigued me. Shiitake mushrooms possess a rich umami flavor and a satisfying texture that makes them an excellent candidate for a savory, smoky plant-based alternative to traditional bacon.

Making your own shiitake “bacon” is surprisingly simple and immensely rewarding. The process involves thinly slicing fresh shiitake mushrooms, removing their tough stems, and then marinating them in a flavorful mixture of olive oil and tamari. This marinade infuses the mushrooms with a deep, savory essence. Once marinated, the slices are baked in the oven until they transform into deliciously crispy, flavorful strips. For an enhanced experience, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a hint of liquid smoke to your marinade to further mimic that classic bacon flavor profile.

During my first attempt, I confess I sliced my shiitake mushrooms a bit too thick. Consequently, they didn’t achieve the ultra-crispy texture I was aiming for in the oven, even after a full 40 minutes of baking. While I could have continued baking them, my kitchen and dining area were already delightfully permeated with a strong, earthy shiitake aroma, and my hunger simply wouldn’t allow me to wait any longer! For truly crispy shiitake bacon, ensure your slices are thin and spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet to promote even cooking and crisping. You might also experiment with air frying for a quicker, crispier result.

Once your shiitake “bacon” is ready, it’s time to assemble these delightful vegetarian BLT sandwiches. Begin by spreading a generous layer of your favorite mayonnaise (or a vegan alternative) onto the cut sides of your homemade pumpkin buns. Then, layer fresh, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and finally, your savory shiitake “bacon.”

Aren’t these shiitake BLT sandwiches just adorable and so inviting? They were absolutely delicious, offering a rich, umami experience. It’s important to approach them with an open mind, not expecting the exact taste and texture of traditional bacon. The shiitake mushrooms provide a fantastic depth of flavor, but they offer their own unique profile rather than a direct replication. If I were to make these again, I would definitely incorporate some smoked paprika into the marinade. This addition would introduce a wonderful smoky note, further enhancing the “bacon” illusion and satisfying that craving for a classic BLT.

Even if you’re not the biggest fan of mushrooms or the concept of a vegetarian BLT, I highly encourage you to try making the pumpkin buns on their own! They are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic base for all sorts of sandwiches. For instance, I’ve used them to make delightful peanut butter and maple syrup sandwiches, and they were absolutely delicious – a perfect sweet and savory combo for breakfast or a snack. These fluffy, slightly sweet buns are a wonderful addition to any meal, offering comfort and a touch of seasonal charm.

Looking for delightful dessert pairings to serve alongside these unique sandwiches? Be sure to check out my incredibly popular homemade pumpkin bars or my rich and creamy dairy-free pumpkin pie for a truly complete fall-themed feast!

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