Fall is the season for warm, hearty, and nourishing food. And what better ingredient is there to use that accomplishes just that than pumpkin? Pumpkin is an incredibly versatile ingredient that works well in both your savory and sweet dishes. But if you're lacking inspiration on how to combine this delicious fruit in your meals, here's a list of 35 pumpkin dishes that are perfect for the season.
1. Pumpkin Soup
A velvety pumpkin soup is a fall classic. Simmering pureed pumpkin with vegetable broth, onions, and a touch of cream delivers a comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out.
2. Roasted Pumpkin Wedges
Roast thick pumpkin wedges with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary until they caramelize on the edges. This simple side dish highlights the pumpkin's natural sweetness.
3. Pumpkin Risotto
Arborio rice cooked slowly with diced pumpkin, white wine, and chicken stock makes a creamy pumpkin risotto. Finish it with Parmesan cheese for a rich, comforting meal.
4. Pumpkin Chili
Add pumpkin puree to your favorite chili recipe for an autumn twist. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and pairs well with traditional chili spices.
5. Pumpkin and Sage Pasta
Toss al dente pasta with a sauce of pureed pumpkin, fresh sage, garlic, and a splash of cream. It’s a quick yet indulgent meal that's perfect for chilly evenings.
6. Pumpkin Cornbread
Stir pumpkin puree into your cornbread batter for a moist and tender loaf. Serve it with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory treat.
7. Pumpkin Polenta
Cook polenta with pumpkin puree and chicken stock for a creamy side dish. Top with grated cheese and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
8. Pumpkin Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix cooked quinoa, black beans, pumpkin chunks, and cheese, then stuff the mixture into bell peppers and bake. It's a nutritious and colorful fall dish.
9. Pumpkin Curry
Simmer pumpkin pieces in a fragrant curry sauce made with coconut milk, curry spices, and vegetables. Serve it over rice for a hearty and warming meal.
10. Pumpkin Gnocchi
Combine pumpkin puree with flour and egg to create tender pumpkin gnocchi. Toss them in a butter sage sauce for a dish that's sure to impress.
11. Pumpkin Casserole
Layer sliced pumpkin with sweet potatoes, a creamy sauce, and cheese before baking to perfection. It's a side dish that doubles as comfort food.
12. Pumpkin Biscuits
Add pumpkin puree to your biscuit dough for a seasonal twist. These biscuits are perfect for a fall brunch or as a side to a savory stew.
13. Pumpkin Frittata
Whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, and your choice of cheese and vegetables, then bake until fluffy. This frittata makes a great breakfast or brunch option.
14. Pumpkin Alfredo
Whisk pumpkin puree into Alfredo sauce for a rich and creamy pasta topping. It's a luxurious way to enjoy the flavors of fall.
15. Pumpkin Empanadas
Fill pastry dough with a mixture of spiced pumpkin puree and cheese, then bake until golden. These empanadas are perfect for a portable snack or appetizer.
16. Spicy Pumpkin Hummus
Blend chickpeas with pumpkin puree, tahini, and a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy pumpkin hummus. It's a festive dip that's perfect for fall gatherings.
17. Pumpkin Lentil Stew
Simmer lentils with chunks of pumpkin, tomatoes, and a blend of warm spices for a hearty stew. Serve with crusty bread for a fulfilling meal.
18. Pumpkin and Spinach Lasagna
Layer lasagna noodles with a mixture of ricotta, pumpkin puree, spinach, and mozzarella for a comforting autumnal twist on the classic lasagna.
19. Pumpkin Pancakes
Mix pumpkin puree into pancake batter for fluffy pumpkin pancakes. Top with maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy breakfast.
20. Pumpkin Pot Pie
Fill a flaky pie crust with a savory mixture of pumpkin, chicken, peas, and carrots. It's a heartwarming dish that's perfect for a fall dinner.
21. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Stir pumpkin puree into your cheese sauce when making mac and cheese for an extra creamy texture and a dose of fall flavor.
22. Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Cube day-old bread and soak it in a mixture of pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, and spices, then bake until golden. It's a warm dessert that tastes like fall.
23. Savory Pumpkin Quiche
A savory pumpkin quiche with a hint of nutmeg and filled with Gruyère cheese is the perfect start to a crisp fall day.
24. Pumpkin Shepherd's Pie
Top a traditional shepherd's pie with creamy mashed pumpkin instead of potatoes for a seasonal variation. It's a tasty combination worth trying!
25. Creamy Pumpkin and Chicken Pasta
Sauté chicken pieces and mix them with a creamy pumpkin pasta sauce for a quick and satisfying meal. The pumpkin really elevates the pasta dish as a whole.
26. Pumpkin and Chickpea Soup
Combine pumpkin puree with chickpeas, vegetable broth, and Middle Eastern spices for a soup that's both hearty and healthy.
27. Pumpkin Cauliflower Gratin
Bake cauliflower florets with a creamy pumpkin sauce and a breadcrumb topping for a delicious gratin that's perfect for fall.
28. Pumpkin French Toast
Dip your bread in a mixture of pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and cinnamon for a fall twist on classic French toast. The warm flavours are enough to make your heart melt!
29. Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal
Mix rolled oats with pumpkin puree, nuts, and dried fruit, then bake until set. Enjoy a warm slice for a nutritious breakfast.
30. Pumpkin and Black Bean Tacos
Fill tacos with a mixture of spiced black beans and pumpkin chunks for a festive and easy dinner option. You'll be surprised at how well the flavours blend together!
31. Pumpkin Beef Stew
Add pumpkin cubes to your beef stew for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of sweetness that complements the savory broth.
32. Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Bake pumpkin spice muffins as a treat on a cool day; they're perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
33. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bars
Create a dessert with a creamy pumpkin layer swirled with cream cheese on a graham cracker crust for a visually stunning and tasty treat.
34. Pumpkin Ravioli
Stuff homemade ravioli with a mixture of pumpkin puree, ricotta, and sage for an elegant meal.
35. Pumpkin Ale Bread
Use pumpkin ale in your bread dough to add a unique flavor that's perfect for autumn. Try bread in a new way you never had before!
36. Roasted Pumpkin and Beet Salad
Here's a healthy pumpkin option: Combine roasted pumpkin and beets with mixed greens and a balsamic dressing for a hearty salad.
37. Pumpkin-Coconut Rice
Cook rice in coconut milk and stir in pumpkin puree for a creamy and exotic side dish. Who knew pumpkin paired so well with coconut milk?
38. Pumpkin and White Bean Crostini
Top crostini with a blend of white beans, pumpkin puree, and herbs for a quick and flavorful appetizer.
39. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add pumpkin puree to your chocolate chip cookie dough for a moist and seasonal batch of cookies. These are perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
40. Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes
Mix mashed pumpkin into your potatoes for a side dish with a hint of sweetness and lots of fall color.