Whether you grow them yourself, buy a couple at the farmer’s market, or you’ve got a spare can of puree in the pantry, fall is the time for pumpkin in the kitchen. From savory bites to sweet treats, this versatile squash is on the menu this time of year.
I’ve got 15 ideas to help you make the most of everyone’s favorite fall squash – the humble pumpkin.
Roasting a Pumpkin for Puree
If this is your first time baking a pumpkin to use for cooking, it can seem a little intimidating, but I promise it’s very simple.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pumpkin is a little dirty from the field, rinse off the skin with warm water and pat it dry. If the stem is quite long, you’ll want to snap it off before you cook the pumpkin. (I always bang it against the edge of the counter, and it snaps right off.)
I used to cut my pumpkins in half before baking them, until I realized it was completely unnecessary and ended up with a moister pumpkin by baking them whole.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place the pumpkin on it and bake for 30 minutes. Test for doneness by poking the sides with a fork. If the fork pierces the skin easily, the pumpkin is done. If it needs to bake a little more, test again at 5-minute intervals until the pumpkin skin is easily pierced.
Remove the pumpkin from the oven and let it cool on the baking tray for 30 minutes. This resting period ensures the pumpkin flesh will stay nice and moist. Then slice the pumpkin in half and, using a serving spoon, scrape out the seeds and stringy part of the flesh.
Scoop out the cooked flesh into a separate bowl. Using a potato masher, an immersion blender, or a food processor, mash the pumpkin flesh until smooth. Voila! Homemade pumpkin puree that’s got so much more flavor than the canned stuff.
(If you don’t plan on using your pumpkin puree right away and want to store it for later use, check out my genius space-saving method for saving pumpkin.)
Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a can of good old Libby’s, either. I always keep a can on hand for when I need some pumpkin goodness in my day.
Amish Country Pumpkin Custard Pie
Let’s get this box checked right off the bat—pumpkin pie. There’s a reason this classic shows up at holiday tables year after year. But when you take this traditional pie and turn it into a custard base, something absolutely magical happens. This is the only pumpkin pie I will allow at my table anymore. It’s that good.
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Chewy centers with the perfect amount of fall spices, the only thing better than how these chewy pumpkin cookies taste is how good your house will smell when you bake them. If you prefer chewy cookies to cakey cookies (especially where pumpkin is concerned), then you’ve got to try these.
Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze
Now, if you love a good cake cookie, then you’re going to love this recipe. Moist, cakey pumpkin cookies with a delicate crumb are wonderful on their own. However, when you top them with warm maple glaze, these cookies are next level.
Pumpkin Fluff Dip
If you know, you know. This quick and easy dessert dip made the rounds a couple of years ago and keeps popping up each fall with good reason. Serve it with ginger snaps, graham crackers and tart apples, like Granny Smiths.
Pumpkin Spice Cocktail
Don’t let the coffee drinkers have all the fun. This pumpkin spice cocktail, made with pumpkin puree, cream soda, and a few home bar standards, is a delicious and impressive option for a cozy night in or your next fall get-together.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
I love these because they aren’t just another pumpkin cake in a different shape variant. So many pumpkin muffins/cookies/cake/bread/bars/etc are basically the same flavor and texture in different shapes. Not these babies. Think cookie + brownie married with pumpkin. Now we’re talking.
Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins
When it comes to muffins, there seems to be two competing points of view. Some want healthy muffins, packed with fiber, that are low in sugar. Some basically want a cake without the frosting for breakfast. Take one look at this recipe and you’ll see which camp I fall into. Moist pumpkin muffins topped with streusel and drizzled with sweet maple glaze? Um, yes, please!
Easy Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake
You can’t really have a pumpkin recipe round-up without a good coffee cake. Whether it’s brunch or a treat for book club, this delicious and easy coffee cake gets compliments all around. The secret is the sour cream in the batter, which helps balance the flavor profile.
Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes
Invite pumpkin to breakfast with these tasty and satisfying pancakes. After all, everyone knows maple syrup and pumpkin were made to go together. Save these for that first blustery fall Sunday. It’s the perfect excuse for brunch at home.
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
You know what’s better than going out to get a pumpkin milkshake at your favorite ice cream place? Staying home and whipping up this pumpkin pie milkshake in your pajamas. And that graham cracker topping? Oh yeah. Go ahead, ask me how I know.
Pumpkin Pie Martini
Of course, milkshakes are great, but maybe you prefer your liquid pie to be a bit on the boozy side. In that case, you’ll want to mix up this incredible pumpkin pie martini. Is it a cocktail? Is it a dessert? Why can’t it be both?
Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup
I like having a few good vegan recipes on hand for when I have specific friends over for dinner. This recipe always gets rave reviews. Make sure you use canned coconut milk, not the stuff in a carton. If you want, you can sub the coconut milk for heavy cream, but there’s something about the combination of coconut and pumpkin that makes it perfect as is.
Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce
This is one of those great recipes to keep on hand when you have company over. It looks impressive, yet it’s easy to make. (Trust me, anyone can manage this one.) You don’t need any special equipment. Whether you make it for company or a weeknight dinner, the simple sage butter sauce sings and highlights the warm, comforting flavor of the pumpkin—the perfect dish for a blustery fall evening.
Easy Pumpkin-Shaped Cheeseball
Look, I’m just going to say it. Yes, that’s a beautiful charcuterie board. Yes, this pumpkin-shaped cheeseball is the perfect answer to “What should I bring?” to your next fall food function. But it’s also perfect for eating with your sweetie on the couch with an open package of Ritz crackers while binging your latest Netflix series.
One Pot Stove-Top Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Let me repeat that for everyone in the back – ONE POT! Yup, who doesn’t love a meal that only dirties one dish? Did I mention that it’s creamy, delicious, and oh-so-comforting in about 30 minutes? Gouda, sharp cheddar, pumpkin and tender pasta all come together in this elevated comfort food.
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