26 Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Dish Recipes You Must Try Now
There's something inherently cozy about cooking with pumpkins. Whether it's the sweet aroma of a pumpkin pie baking in the oven or the savory comforts of a pumpkin soup simmering on the stove, pumpkin dishes bring a touch of fall to any meal.
"26 Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Dish Recipes You Must Try Now" will take you on a culinary journey that'll have your kitchen bursting with flavor. From breakfast to dessert and everything in between, there’s a pumpkin recipe on this list to suit every craving. So grab a pumpkin and your favorite apron, and let’s get cooking!
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1. Pumpkin Pancakes
Fluffy and rich, these pumpkin pancakes are perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, milk, and eggs together.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Heat a griddle and pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
2. Pumpkin Soup
Warm up with this creamy, flavorful pumpkin soup that’s perfect for chilly fall nights.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Add the pumpkin puree and broth, bringing it to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth.
3. Pumpkin Bread
This pumpkin bread is moist, sweet, and spiced just right.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in a bowl.
- In another bowl, combine the oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and water.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Pumpkin Risotto
Creamy, savory, and comforting, this pumpkin risotto is the epitome of fall indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté the onion and garlic in butter until soft.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and stir until absorbed.
- Gradually add the broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
5. Pumpkin Cookies
These soft, spiced pumpkin cookies are a fall favorite and perfect with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt together.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture and beat to combine.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Pumpkin Lasagna
This pumpkin lasagna layers sweet pumpkin puree with savory cheese and pasta for a unique twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 package lasagna noodles
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, eggs, sage, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer lasagna noodles, pumpkin puree, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin adds a wonderful depth and sweetness to this hearty, spicy chili.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef or turkey in a large pot and drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, beans, broth, chili powder, and cumin.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
8. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Rich and creamy with a hint of pumpkin sweetness, this mac and cheese is pure comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions and set it aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
9. Pumpkin Hummus
A delightful twist on the classic, this pumpkin hummus is great for dipping veggies or pita bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, garlic, and olive oil.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add the cumin, paprika, and salt, and blend again.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.
- Serve with pita bread or veggies.
10. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Skip the coffee shop and make your own pumpkin spice latte at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Heat until steaming, but do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the milk mixture into a mug and add the brewed coffee.
- Top with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice if desired.
11. Pumpkin Pie
No list of pumpkin recipes would be complete without the classic pumpkin pie.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
12. Pumpkin Ravioli
Impress your guests with these homemade pumpkin ravioli.
Ingredients:
- Fresh pasta sheets
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp butter
- Sage leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Lay out the pasta sheets and place small dollops of the pumpkin mixture on one half of the sheet.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg and fold the sheet over, pressing to seal and cut into individual ravioli.
- Cook the ravioli in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes, until they float.
- In a separate pan, melt the butter and add the sage leaves if using.
- Toss the cooked ravioli in the sage butter and serve.
13. Pumpkin Smoothie
Start your day with this creamy and nutritious pumpkin smoothie.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 banana
- 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
14. Pumpkin Pie Bars
These pumpkin pie bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Press this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish to form a crust.
- In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, until set.
- Cool, then cut into bars.
15. Pumpkin Muffins
These moist pumpkin muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and water.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
16. Pumpkin Quesadillas
These pumpkin quesadillas are an unexpected but delicious twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend works well)
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour tortillas
Instructions:
- Mix the pumpkin puree, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture on one half of a flour tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mixture.
- Fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted, flipping once.
- Cut into wedges and serve.
17. Pumpkin Scones
Wake up to these flaky and delicious pumpkin scones.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 6 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, milk, and egg.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a few times.
- Pat the dough into a circle and cut into wedges.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned.
18. Pumpkin Curry
This warm and spicy pumpkin curry is bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 cup vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, spinach)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger in a pot until soft.
- Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another minute.
- Add the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, soy sauce, and fish sauce.
- Bring to a simmer and stir in the vegetables.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve with lime wedges and rice.
19. Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
Wake up to these easy and delicious pumpkin pie overnight oats.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a jar or container with a lid.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, give it a good stir and top with nuts, fruit, or granola if desired.
20. Pumpkin Cheesecake
This pumpkin cheesecake is creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 8-oz packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, and mix until combined.
21. Pumpkin Pie Martini
Shake up your cocktail routine with this autumn-inspired pumpkin pie martini.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz pumpkin liqueur
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1/2 oz half-and-half
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Graham cracker crumbs (for rim)
- Whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the edge of a martini glass with graham cracker crumbs.
- In a shaker, combine the vodka, pumpkin liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, half-and-half, and pumpkin pie spice with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared martini glass.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
22. Pumpkin Enchiladas
A delightful twist on the traditional, these pumpkin enchiladas are a fusion of sweet and savory.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 8 flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, shredded chicken, half the enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, and half the shredded cheese.
- Fill each tortilla with the mixture and roll up.
- Place the rolled tortillas in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream.
23. Pumpkin Waffles
Kickstart your morning with these deliciously spiced pumpkin waffles.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vegetable oil.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Serve with butter and syrup.
24. Pumpkin Meatballs
These savory pumpkin meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, pumpkin puree, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite marinara sauce.
25. Pumpkin Stuffed Peppers
A hearty and healthy dinner option, these pumpkin-stuffed peppers are sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Jack)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, pumpkin puree, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
26. Pumpkin Brownies
These rich, fudgy pumpkin brownies are the perfect fall dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Conclusion
Each of these pumpkin recipes brings a slice of autumn into your kitchen, showcasing just how versatile and delightful pumpkin can be. From sweet treats like pumpkin brownies and pie bars to savory dishes like pumpkin chili and stuffed peppers, there's something on this list for everyone. Cooking with pumpkins not only adds flavor but also packs a nutritional punch.
This season is the perfect time to experiment and add these delicious, comforting dishes to your culinary repertoire. Grab some pumpkins and get creative—you might find yourself reaching for this autumn staple long after fall has passed. Enjoy the warmth and flavors of these 26 sweet and savory pumpkin dishes that transform every meal into a seasonal celebration. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!