Pumpkin Recipes: From Bread to Soup and More

When autumn arrives and visits to the pumpkin patch become a seasonal tradition, kitchens everywhere turn to this versatile vegetable. Pumpkin is naturally sweet, creamy when cooked, and packed with nutrients, making it ideal for both savory and sweet recipes. Whether you’re planning cozy family dinners or festive desserts, there’s a pumpkin dish for every occasion.

Sweet Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin Bread

Moist, fragrant with spices, and easy to slice, pumpkin bread is a comforting bake that fills the kitchen with the aroma of fall. It makes a perfect breakfast, snack, or even a gift during the holiday season.

Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin muffins are light, fluffy, and full of cozy spice, making them a perfect fall treat. They can also be made as vegan pumpkin muffins, which are just as moist and flavorful without dairy or eggs. Both versions pair beautifully with a warm drink on a crisp morning.

Pumpkin Roll

A pumpkin roll combines spiced sponge cake with a creamy filling rolled into an elegant swirl. It’s festive, impressive, and a classic autumn dessert.

Pumpkin Cookies

Chewy, soft, and lightly spiced, pumpkin cookies are perfect for kids and adults alike. They can be made with chocolate chips, nuts, or a dusting of sugar for extra sweetness.

Pumpkin for Breakfast

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

A healthy and convenient option, pumpkin overnight oats bring together oats, pumpkin purée, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Prepped the night before, they’re ready to enjoy in the morning with minimal effort.

Savory Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin Soup

Silky smooth and full of flavor, pumpkin soup is a warming dish for cool autumn days. Garnish with herbs, a swirl of cream, or roasted seeds for added crunch.

Pumpkin Gnocchi

Soft and pillowy, pumpkin gnocchi makes a comforting dinner. Serve with a sage butter sauce or light cream for a restaurant-style meal at home.

Pumpkin Ravioli

Pumpkin ravioli is a balance of sweet and savory, often paired with brown butter and crispy sage. It’s a great way to turn pumpkin into an elegant pasta dish.

Don’t Waste the Seeds

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds)

After carving or cooking with pumpkin, the seeds can be roasted into a nutritious snack. Toss them with oil and spices, then bake until golden and crunchy. They’re delicious on their own or as a topping for salads and soups.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Pumpkin is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. It is rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, as well as vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that strengthen immunity. Its natural sweetness makes it a healthier ingredient in both sweet and savory recipes.

Choosing the Perfect Pumpkin

Whether at the supermarket or at a local pumpkin patch, look for firm pumpkins with smooth skin and no soft spots. Smaller sugar pumpkins (also called pie pumpkins) are sweeter and better suited for cooking, while large carving pumpkins are great for decoration and seeds.

Storing Pumpkin and Purée

Fresh pumpkin can be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks. Once cut, it should be refrigerated and used within a few days. Pumpkin purée can be frozen in portions, making it easy to add to recipes like muffins, gnocchi, or overnight oats any time of year.

What can I make with fresh pumpkin?

Fresh pumpkin works in many dishes—soups, pasta fillings, bread, cookies, or even roasted for salads. It’s as versatile as it is flavorful.

Are pumpkin muffins healthy?

Yes. Pumpkin adds fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness. Vegan pumpkin muffins can be especially wholesome when made with oats or whole grains.

Can you use pumpkin purée in savory dishes?

Absolutely. Pumpkin purée is excellent in pasta sauces, risotto, curries, and spreads, bringing creaminess and a mild, sweet flavor.

How do you roast pumpkin seeds?

Clean and dry the seeds, toss with olive oil and salt, then roast at 180°C/350°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy.

What are the best pumpkin desserts for fall?

Top choices include pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cookies, and the classic pumpkin roll—each highlighting cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

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Pumpkin Recipes: Bread, Soup, Muffins & More

Cookpad US Team