The Best Quick and Easy Savory Pumpkin Recipes (2024)

Pumpkin is such a versatile ingredient and is in abundance during the fall. There's only so much pumpkin pie that we can eat during Thanksgiving, and these quick and easy savory pumpkin recipes are a great way to enjoy this seasonal squash.

These fun and simple recipe ideas will make you fall in love with pumpkins all over again! From breakfast to dinner, appetizers and side dishes, you'll find recipes for comforting and easy weeknight meals or serving something up deliciously special if you are hosting Thanksgiving.

The Best Quick and Easy Savory Pumpkin Recipes (1)

This post was first published in October 2016 and has been updated with more delicious recipes!

This list of savory pumpkin recipes range from healthy to indulgent, and you'll find a lot of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan recipes for those with dietary restrictions.

Get pastas, pizzas, soups and dips to enjoy throughout fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Whether you have a fresh whole pumpkin ready for roasting, or a can of leftover puree, you'll be able to put them to good use with these easy and tasty recipes.

If you are after something a little sweeter, be sure to check out my Pumpkin Spice French Toast and Fireball Whiskey Pumpkin Pie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pumpkins healthy?

Pumpkins are packed with nutrients and are very low in calories and fats and are loaded with vitamin A, beta carotene and antioxidants. They are high in fiber and a can of pumpkin puree comes in under 20g of carbs. They are naturally low in sugar, gluten-free and vegan. If you want more nutritional details, be sure to check out this pumpkin nutritional article.

What does pumpkin taste like?

Similar to other winter squashes, like butternut, pumpkin has a mild flavor with hints of earthy and buttery sweetness. When cooked in stews and soups, they tend to taste a little similar to sweet potatoes, and when roasted they become more nutty and sweet.

When are pumpkins in season?

Pumpkins are harvested in early fall, and they are in stores throughout September to November, making them ideal for Halloween and Thanksgiving menus. Canned pumpkin puree is a great option to use when the season is over.

Pumpkin Varieties

There are over 150 varieties of pumpkin, but these are the most common:

  • Jack O'Lantern: These are a larger variety and they are most commonly used for carving for Halloween decorations. Their flesh is less flavorful, but still edible. When you carve them, be sure to save the pumpkin seeds for healthy snacking!
  • Pie Pumpkins: These are smaller and most commonly used in cooking. They have a sweeter and less watery flesh.
  • Miniature: These are mainly used for fall decoration, but they are edible, and you'll find a great recipe for these below!
  • Giant: The huge pumpkins are edible, but they are much less flavorful due to their size.

How to choose the ideal pumpkin

Ripe pumpkins should have a smooth and firm skin and they should sound hollow when you tap them. They should be free from blemishes, and if choosing an orange pumpkin, they should be a bright and even color with a green stem.

Pumpkin Puree vs Fresh Whole Pumpkin

These savory pumpkin recipes include options for fresh pumpkin as well as canned pumpkin puree. The canned pumpkin puree you get in stores is very convenient and much quicker to prep, but for these savory recipes, be sure to buy a pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie puree which has sugars and spices added.

You can make your own pumpkin puree by baking and then processing the pumpkin, but be warned, it can be more watery than store bought, so be careful what recipes you use it in.

The Best Quick and Easy Savory Pumpkin Recipes (2)

The Best Quick and Easy Savory Pumpkin Recipes

The Best Quick and Easy Savory Pumpkin Recipes (3)

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce with Blue Cheese and Sage

This quick and easy pasta sauce is a tasty way to make the most of canned pumpkin puree. This creamy pumpkin pasta sauce is flavored with blue cheese and sage for a simple and delicious family weeknight meal.

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(Roasted) Baked Pumpkin with Garlic and Sage

Pumpkin slices are roasted with garlic and sage butter for a delicious and indulgent thanksgiving veggie side. Easy to make with little effort needed!

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Pumpkin Pizza with blue cheese

This pumpkin pizza is the perfect savory fall treat! Quick and easy to make, it's topped with blue cheese and loaded with tasty and crunchy toppings like walnuts and roasted sprout leaves. This pizza packs a flavour punch!

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Pumpkin Mash with Cinnamon

Photo Credit:biteontheside.com

Easy and quick to make roasted pumpkin mash is a sweet and salty side dish perfect for fall. Seasoned with cinnamon and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.

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Spicy Thai Pumpkin and Butternut Squash Ramen with Chicken

Photo Credit:theforkedspoon.com

Bursting with all the tastes and smells of Thailand, and made with fresh veggies and shredded chicken, this soup is sure to warm your soul!

The Best Quick and Easy Savory Pumpkin Recipes (8)

Easy Pumpkin Chili (Instant Pot and Stove Top)

Photo Credit:www.erinliveswhole.com

Easy Pumpkin Chili takes your traditional turkey and bean chili and gives it a nutritious upgrade by adding canned pumpkin puree. Done in about an hour, this pumpkin turkey chili is protein packed, healthy, and great for leftovers (or to feed a crowd!).

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Spiced Pumpkin Vegan Cheese Ball

Photo Credit:www.spabettie.com

This vegan cheeseball is an easy recipe for an impressive appetizer that brings layers of rich flavor. It will be the hit at any party!

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Garlic Pumpkin Hummus

Photo Credit:www.eatingbyelaine.com

Adding pumpkin to hummus boosts the overall nutrition, flavor and creaminess of this classic dip.

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Savory Mushroom and Quinoa Stuffed Mini Pumpkins

Photo Credit:simpleseasonal.com

Savory Mushroom and Quinoa Stuffed Mini Pumpkins –Easy to make and deliciously sweet and savory, these adorable little stuffed pumpkins will be the hit of your next fall gathering!

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Afghan Sauteed Pumpkin Recipe - Kadu Bouranee

Photo Credit:cookingtheglobe.com

Afghan Sauteed Pumpkin (Kadu Bouranee) is one of the most known dishes outside the country. Pumpkin or butternut squash is cooked in spices and served with the amazing yogurt garlic sauce. So good and so easy to make!

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Pumpkin, Gruyere and Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese

Photo Credit:www.foxandbriar.com

This healthier mac and cheese uses pumpkin puree in the sauce, Gruyère and goat cheese to make a rich, creamy dish of comfort food.

The Best Quick and Easy Savory Pumpkin Recipes (14)

Brown Butter Pumpkin Grits

Photo Credit:peasandcrayons.com

Creamy cheese grits swirled with brown butter and pumpkin; these Brown Butter Pumpkin Grits are amazing!

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Warm Winter Salad with Pumpkin, Goat Cheese, Cranberries and Avocado Dressing

Photo Credit:happykitchen.rocks

Colorful and healthy Warm Winter Salad with Pumpkin, Goat Cheese, Cranberries and Avocado Dressing. Comforting, delicious and easy holiday meal ready in 30 minutes!

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Pumpkin Ravioli with Browned Butter and Sage

Photo Credit:whatagirleats.com

Pumpkin ravioliwith brown butter and sage is a delicious vegetarian dinner that uses the season’s favorite squash, pumpkin! Add toasted walnuts for extra flavor!

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Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

Photo Credit:anerdcooks.com

This pumpkin risotto is creamy, savory, and delicious. Though this risotto is undeniably a savory dish, theslight sweetness of the pumpkin still shines through.

I hope you've enjoyed this list of the best quick and easy savory pumpkin recipes, I'm sure you will have found something you love!

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I love hearing from you!! If you have tried any of these savory pumpkin recipes, be sure to scroll down and let me know what you thought!

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The Best Quick and Easy Savory Pumpkin Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What savory flavors go well with pumpkin? ›

To complement pumpkin with sweet flavor pairings, consider using spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice and vanilla, or sweet ingredients like chocolate, maple, honey, cranberries or brown sugar. Create savory dishes by pairing pumpkin with spices like chilies, cajun, cayenne or pepper.

What is the quickest way to cook pumpkin? ›

Microwave tip: Place washed pumpkin in a shallow heatproof, microwave-safe dish. Cover and cook on High/800watts/100% for 4-6 minutes or until just tender.

What enhances pumpkin flavor? ›

Ginger: Ginger often plays a supporting role in pumpkin spice mixes, but it deserves it's own time in the spotlight. Mix your pumpkin with freshly-grated ginger for a spicy, sweet treat. Chili Powder: A good chili spice blend brings out the warm, savory notes in pumpkin. It's pumpkin like you've never seen it before.

What are some things you can do with pumpkin? ›

Top 20 pumpkin recipes
  • Pumpkin pie. This classic Thanksgiving dessert is well-deserving of a place in our top 20. ...
  • Pumpkin curry with chickpeas. ...
  • Halloween pumpkin cake. ...
  • Pumpkin soup. ...
  • Stuffed pumpkin. ...
  • Pumpkin pie s'mores. ...
  • Pumpkin hummus. ...
  • Roast pumpkin & spinach lasagne.

What adds savory flavor? ›

Home chefs often turn to umami ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and MSG to season before cooking.

What spice compliments pumpkin? ›

Pumpkin is notorious for pairing well with warm winter spices – as found in a variety of Moroccan-inspired cuisines. Try incorporating cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cumin and chilli with your pumpkin dishes for flavour-packed feasts.

Is it better to steam or bake pumpkin? ›

Two of the best ways to cook the pumpkins for puree are steaming and roasting. I prefer steaming because it is quicker and easier when making a lot of puree at once. To steam, place the pieces of cleaned pumpkin in a roasting pan and fill the bottom with an inch of water. Then seal the pan with foil.

Can dogs eat pumpkin? ›

The short answer is yes, dogs can eat pumpkin. In fact, if prepared correctly, pumpkin can be a beneficial addition to your pet's diet. It's naturally rich in fiber as well as vitamins A, C, and E and minerals like potassium and iron.

Do you peel pumpkin before cooking? ›

Depending on what type of squash you are using you might not need to peel it, with thinner skinned squash such as butternut squash you can eat the skin. For thicker skinned squash it is often easier to cut the squash into large wedges, roast, and then peel the skin off after it's cooked when it's softer and easier.

What can you add to canned pumpkin to make it taste better? ›

How to Do It
  1. ⅓ cup ground cinnamon.
  2. 1½ tablespoons ground ginger.
  3. 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg.
  4. 1½ teaspoons ground cloves.
  5. 1½ teaspoons ground allspice.
Oct 13, 2020

What to do with tasteless pumpkin? ›

  1. slice it up thinly and put it on pizza.
  2. dice it up and add it to couscous, rice, or pasta sauce (a cream-based sauce with paprika and garlic is nice, maybe sauteed sliced onions, spinach, bacon, chicken)
  3. make some pumpkin pie spice and use it and the pumpkin for baking: cupcakes, brownies, whatever.
Dec 4, 2014

What does cinnamon do for pumpkins? ›

Covering the inside of your pumpkin with cinnamon can help inhibit mold growth. The ingredients that make the spice flammable, cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, also have antifungal and antibacterial properties that prevent mold and bacteria growth.

What are 5 ways pumpkins can be used? ›

Five ways to use your pumpkin after Halloween
  • Roasted pumpkin seeds. Use the part of a pumpkin that most would throw away and make roasted pumpkin seeds. ...
  • Pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie is a traditional American favourite. ...
  • Stuffed pumpkin. ...
  • Pumpkin soup. ...
  • Pumpkin cake.

What flavor goes best with pumpkin spice? ›

Pumpkin Spice and Pecans: The buttery texture and rich flavor of pecans perfectly complement the cinnamon and allspice notes of pumpkin spice for a satisfying, nutty experience.

What is the best pairing for pumpkin pie? ›

Pumpkin Pie and 20-Year Tawny Port

When it comes to pumpkin pie pairings, after-dinner coffee is no match for a quality port. This pie begs for more sweetness. Enter Tawny Port.

What compliments pumpkin pie? ›

What to pair with pumpkin pie? Well, coffee, duh! Coffee and pumpkin pie, and a tiny slice of apple, and an even teeny-tinier slice of French silk. That's what goes with pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.

What are the savory flavor trends? ›

This year, expect to see dishes that include umami-rich ingredients like miso, seaweed, mushrooms and fermented soy products. These umami booster ingredients will be used to elevate sauces, broths and seasonings.

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