How to use your whole pumpkin: tips & recipes

When pumpkins fill the markets in autumn, they bring flavour, colour and comfort to our kitchens. Yet, many of us only use part of them — leaving the rest to go to waste. This guide will show you how to use your whole pumpkin, from roasted seeds to soups, bread, and cakes. You’ll reduce food waste and discover just how versatile this seasonal star can be.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, a plant pigment that your body turns into vitamin A — great for eye health and immunity. It also contains vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants while being low in calories. Whether you roast it, puree it, or bake it into treats, you’re adding a nutrient-packed vegetable to your meals.

Can you eat the whole pumpkin?

When it’s cooked, the entire pumpkin is edible so with some simple tips and great pumpkin recipes, you can cook it all and eat from skin to seed, reducing food waste and getting maximum nutrients and fibre too!

How to Prepare Your Pumpkin

  1. Wash it well — Scrub the outer skin to remove dirt.
  2. Cut it safely — Use a large, sharp knife to halve the pumpkin.
  3. Scoop the centre — Remove the seeds and stringy pulp.
  4. Separate the seeds — Use a bowl of water to make this easier.

Now let’s see how to cook every part.

🟠1. How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are full of protein, fibre, and magnesium — and they’re easy to prepare.

How to cook pumpkin seeds:

  • Rinse them and pat dry.
  • Toss with olive oil, salt, or your favourite seasoning.
  • Roast at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes, stirring once or twice.

They’re perfect for snacking or sprinkling on salads, soups, or porridge.

Related question: Do you eat the shell of pumpkin seeds?
Yes — roasted shells are safe and add crunch. If you prefer softer seeds, soak them overnight before roasting.
Honey Brown Sugar Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe by Chef Nena
Perfect time of year for fall snacks left over from your kids jack o lanterns . They taste like a rich caramel corn flavor. Great snack for the kids too !
Salted Butter Pumpkin Seeds Recipe by Rae
Instead of throwing those pumpkin seeds out make them into a healthy and tasty snack.
Roasted Pumpkin Seed 🎃 🌱 Recipe by Yui Miles
I tried to use up all of my pumpkin, instead of throwing the seed in the middle, roast them instead. It’s so delicious and nutritious! Great snack! 😊 Don’t throw away your pumpkin seeds! Turn them to addictively delicious and healthy snack 🍿 #CookEveryPart Check out the tip of how to keep your pum…

🟠 2. How to Cook Pumpkin Flesh

Once the seeds are out, the flesh is where most of your recipes begin.

Cooking methods:

  • Roast it: Cut into cubes, drizzle with oil, add rosemary or chilli flakes, and bake until golden.
  • Steam it: For a soft, mashable texture used in soups and baking.
  • Puree it: Blend cooked pumpkin until smooth to use in pies, pancakes, or lattes.
Related question: How to cook pumpkin for soup?
Peel and cube the pumpkin, then roast or boil until soft. Blend with vegetable stock, garlic, and cream (or coconut milk) for a smooth texture.

Recipe ideas:

Pumpkin Soup Recipe by Tripolitan Cuisine
Great recipe for Pumpkin soup.
Pumpkin & Chickpea Curry Recipe by Emilys Home Cooked Kitchen
Well it’s that time of year where pumpkins are a plentiful the nights are drawing in how about a hearty tasty pumpkin curry to warm you up?
Leftover Pumpkin Soup Risotto – Rice Cooker Method Recipe by Hiroko Liston
Using leftover Pumpkin Soup, I made ‘Macaroni Cheese’ yesterday, but I still had some leftover. To use it up, I made this Rice Cooker Risotto replacing a part of Chicken Stock with the Pumpkin Soup. We shouldn’t underestimate computerised rice cookers. Rice Cooker Risotto is not disappointing.
Pumpkin Bread Recipe by James Dion
Was very good for a pumpkin spice style bread
Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe by Bianca Mwale
My pumpkin (husband) didn’t eat pumpkin all that much until I made this pumpkin cake. And I have made it about a dozen times every pumpkin season

🟠 3. Can You Eat Pumpkin Skin?

Many pumpkin varieties have thin, edible skin that softens when cooked. If yours does, there’s no need to peel it.

How to use pumpkin skin:

  • Roast pumpkin wedges with skin on for a rustic side dish.
  • Blend roasted pumpkin (with skin) into soups for extra fibre.
  • Slice and grill pieces for a smoky, caramelised flavour.
Tip: If the skin feels too thick or hard, bake the pumpkin first — it will peel off easily once softened.
Salted Pumpkin Skin Chips Recipe by Sonia
People often throw away the skin of the pumpkins and squashes but it’s completely edible so don’t waste it! These little chips/crisps are salty and crunchy and they make an awesome snack #CookEveryPart
Grilled Pumpkin Recipe by anytoh
Pumpkin is a versatile squash- you can grill it, make soup, stir fry & stew. I like it grilled simply. Great as a side or a salad with greens or Feta cheese.
Roast Pumpkin Recipe by Bianca Mwale
#CookEveryPart Baked/roasted pumpkins make a smokey rich pumpkin puree and pumpkin mash unlike their boiled counterpart.

Reduce Food Waste — and Enjoy More Flavour

Cooking your whole pumpkin is a simple way to cut waste and get more value from seasonal produce. From crispy roasted seeds to hearty soups and cakes, every part of your pumpkin can bring warmth and comfort to autumn cooking.

All our pumpkin recipes:

Explore Unique Pumpkin Recipes For Cozy Fall Days
Indulge in creamy soups, spiced pies, and fluffy pancakes. Uncover creative ways to savor this fall favorite today!

Don’t forget to share your Cooksnaps with us so that we can see how your delicious creations turn out!📷💖


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