Autumn is arguably one of the best seasons of the year. When the temperature cools down, the leaves turn to red and the festive drinks and food come around. Of those festive ingredients, the most iconic one is pumpkins. It’s everywhere - in drinks, pies, on walls and it's enjoyed all season long from Halloween as Jack-O-Lantern to Thanksgiving as pumpkin pie. Now while we love pumpkin spice lattes as much as the next person, there are so many creative and flavorful ways to use pumpkins.
In this article, we'll share 10 pumpkin recipe ideas and ways to enjoy the iconic fruit all season long! Let’s explore some of the ways to make both sweet and savory pumpkin dishes that are great for any occasion.
1. Pumpkin Fries
Fries don't usually come to mind when you think of pumpkins. Like sweet potato fries, pumpkin fries pack a lot of flavor and are dense enough to hold a crispy exterior. You can dress them with earthy spices like paprika, cumin, and salt, or have it in a sweeter way with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
You can enjoy these fries with the skin or without them and if you’re looking for a healthier option than dipping them in oil, try baking them in the oven and letting them roast in a 425˚F oven. It is a great side dish to add some pumpkin to your life without having to follow long instructions.
2. Pumpkin Soup
Similar to butternut squash soup, pumpkin soup is a delicious way to the orange fruit. The velvety smooth texture of roasted pumpkin is an instant favorite. The key to making the best pumpkin soup is to let the ingredients roast to bring out the most flavor. Once it’s out of the oven, blend it with chicken or vegetable stock until smooth and velvety.
Other additions to the soup can be cream, fresh herbs, and spices. Classic combinations with this soup are to add garlic, rosemary, and olive oil and to garnish it with pumpkin seeds or croutons.
3. Pumpkin Hummus
Like beet or carrot hummus, pumpkin hummus is another colorful and festive option to make to impress your guests. Just add your cooked pumpkin chunks, hummus, lemon juice, and blend. To elevate the dish you can add toasted pumpkin seeds, cumin, and cloves and serve with pita or vegetables.
4. Pumpkin Salads
Did you know that pumpkin has great health benefits? It's rich in potassium, vitamin a, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants! Combine that in a salad and you have a nutrient-packed dish. You can enjoy pumpkin steamed or roasted. Some greens that taste great with pumpkins are spinach, kale, avocados, and collard greens. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors to find the best combination of salads for any occasion.
5. Pumpkin Pancakes
Scoot over pumpkin muffins and pumpkin bread. A new breakfast champion has entered the kitchen. Pumpkin pancakes! Pancakes are a great way to make your mornings a little more festive! Take pumpkin puree and add it to your favorite pancake recipe for an orange, flavourful breakfast. Both pancakes and pumpkin can benefit from sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg so try that as well as other fall toppings like cranberries, pecans, and figs. Be sure to keep an eye on it while cooking because pumpkin pancakes can end up being cooked a little darker because of their orange tinge. A good rule of thumb is to think about it being ready when it’s the color of a walnut. Pair with a cream cheese frosting.
6. Pumpkin Fillings
Pumpkins are a great addition to your savory fillings. Whether you’re making empanadas, enchiladas, or even pierogies, pumpkins can add that extra level of filling that is perfect for the autumn season. Some flavor combinations that work best with it are mushrooms, goat cheese, spinach, celery, rosemary, and thyme.
You can also experiment with your favorite ingredients as it’s more of a forgiving ingredient when next to other more powerful items. Other root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and squash are all great ingredients to complement them.
7. Pumpkin Smoothie
This is probably one of the best ways to get that rich pumpkin taste. If you’re a big fan of pumpkin, a smoothie is a delicious way to enjoy it on the go, in the morning or just about anywhere you’d like. When blended, pumpkin has that buttery smooth texture that goes great with other ingredients. Some of the best pumpkin smoothies have lots of fall spices, roasted nuts like walnuts and pecan, and just a little sweetness like maple syrup or honey. To make it more like a dessert, try it with pumpkin pie filling and enjoy it with a cinnamon roll or some delicious pastry. For a health-focused alternative, blend with oats and protein powder for a delicious and balanced snack.
8. Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin Chili is a slow-cooker masterpiece made with all your favorite ingredients plus pumpkin. This can be slow-cooked into the chili like you would with potatoes or sweet potatoes, or you can also use it as a puree, making for a creamier chili dish. It’s a sweet and hearty dish with a fall twist that will leave you coming back for seconds or even thirds!
Pro Tip: Skip the canned pumpkin and make a simple pumpkin puree! Cut into slices, remove the seeds, and roast them in the oven until tender. Once cooled, blend until smooth. Salt optional! The puree can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
9. Pumpkin Mousse
This is a great way to enjoy the silky smooth texture of pumpkin. Similar to a pumpkin cheesecake, this is made lighter by whipping the pumpkin and combining it with cream cheese and whipped cream. It’s a great way to enjoy a single-serving dessert instead of making a whole pie that would otherwise have been hard to finish.
10. Pumpkin Ice Cream
Ever wanted to cool off with some pumpkin? You definitely can and it’s a delicious treat that is very popular in the U.S. It’s creamy, rich, full of pumpkin flavor, subtly spiced, and great for those who love ice cream with their pumpkin pie. What’s also great about this recipe is it’s really simple to make it vegan - just use cashews and plant-based milk and you can enjoy a pumpkin dessert that’s not too sweet and has all the pumpkin taste you know and love. Top with a simple chocolate sauce for a beautiful contrast in color.
And there you have it! Some innovative, yet overall delicious recipe ideas to use for your pumpkins. Some honorable mentions that didn’t cut are pumpkin pasta and roasted pumpkin seeds! which are both great ways to enjoy a dinnertime feast with a little fall twist! So don’t be afraid to try adding pumpkin to your favorite dishes and see how it can elevate the dish to new heights. Who knows, maybe you might have the next pumpkin sensation in your hands!
Ready to try out a pumpkin recipe? Try our Fall Pasta with Pumpkin Sauce!
