Pumpkin is a versatile fall superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and health benefits like regulating blood pressure and supporting heart health. While often used in sweet treats, pumpkin shines in savory dishes. Explore these expanded, detailed savory pumpkin recipes perfect for appetizers, mains, and comforting meals.
1. Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup (Vegan, Keto-Friendly)
A healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free roasted pumpkin soup that's easy to make and perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
- 1 medium sugar pumpkin (about 3-4 lbs), halved and seeded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can coconut milk (for creaminess)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pumpkin seeds and cream for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush pumpkin halves with oil, place cut-side down on a baking sheet, and roast for 45 minutes until tender.
- Scoop out flesh. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.
- Add roasted pumpkin, broth, spices. Simmer 15 minutes.
- Blend until smooth, stir in coconut milk. Heat through.
- Serve topped with seeds and a drizzle of cream.
2. Pumpkin Risotto with Sage
A creamy Italian classic with roasted pumpkin, sage, and Parmesan for a comforting savory dish.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (or roasted cubes)
- 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Fresh sage leaves
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté onion in butter until translucent. Add rice, toast 2 minutes.
- Pour in wine, stir until absorbed.
- Add broth ladle by ladle, stirring constantly, for 18-20 minutes.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, sage, and cheese. Season and serve creamy.
3. Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Feta and Greens
A fresh, hearty salad with caramelized pumpkin, tangy feta, and crisp greens.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 cups cubed pumpkin
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Toss pumpkin cubes with oil, salt, pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Assemble greens, top with warm pumpkin, feta, and seeds.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently.
4. Thai Pumpkin Curry
A flavorful vegan curry with pumpkin, vegetables, and coconut milk.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 3 cups cubed pumpkin
- 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli)
- Vegetable broth
- Fresh basil, lime
Instructions:
- Sauté curry paste in oil. Add coconut milk and broth.
- Add pumpkin and vegetables, simmer until tender (20 minutes).
- Finish with lime juice and basil. Serve over rice.
5. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Sage Sauce
Comforting pasta in a rich pumpkin sage cream sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh sage leaves
- Garlic, Parmesan
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg
Instructions:
- Cook pasta al dente.
- Sauté garlic and sage in butter. Add puree and cream, simmer.
- Toss with pasta and Parmesan.
6. Hearty Pumpkin Chili
A smoky, filling chili with pumpkin for extra thickness.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 2 cans beans (black, kidney)
- Diced tomatoes, onion, garlic
- Chili powder, cumin
Instructions:
- Brown meat with onion and garlic.
- Add spices, pumpkin, tomatoes, beans.
- Simmer 30 minutes. Top with cheese or sour cream.
7. Baked Stuffed Whole Pumpkin
An impressive centerpiece stuffed with rice, vegetables, and cheese.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8):
- 1 medium whole pumpkin
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Mixed vegetables, cheese, herbs
- Broth for moisture
Instructions:
- Cut top off pumpkin, scoop seeds.
- Mix filling, stuff pumpkin.
- Bake at 375°F for 1-1.5 hours until tender.
8. Savory Pumpkin Quesadillas
Quick and cheesy quesadillas with spiced pumpkin filling.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 tsp cumin, chili powder
- Black beans, onion optional
Instructions:
- Mix pumpkin with spices and cheese.
- Spread on tortillas, top with another.
- Cook on griddle until golden and cheesy melted.
- Serve with salsa and sour cream.
9. Pumpkin and Spinach Lasagna
Layered pasta with creamy pumpkin and spinach filling.
Ingredients (Serves 8):
- Lasagna noodles
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- Ricotta cheese, spinach
- Mozzarella, Parmesan
- Garlic, nutmeg
Instructions:
- Cook noodles. Mix pumpkin with ricotta and spices.
- Layer noodles, pumpkin mix, spinach, cheeses.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
10. Homemade Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter
Soft pillowy gnocchi made with pumpkin, served in browned butter.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 2 cups flour
- 1 egg
- Salt, nutmeg
- Butter, sage
Instructions:
- Mix puree, egg, flour into dough.
- Roll into ropes, cut into pieces.
- Boil until floating, then pan-fry in sage butter.
11. Herb-Roasted Pumpkin Wedges
Simple side dish with crispy edges and fragrant herbs.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 pumpkin, cut into wedges
- Olive oil
- Rosemary, thyme, garlic
- Salt, pepper
Instructions:
- Toss wedges with oil and herbs.
- Roast at 425°F for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway.
12. Crispy Savory Pumpkin Fritters
Golden fritters with herbs and cheese.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 2 cups grated pumpkin
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg
- Parmesan, herbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients into batter.
- Drop spoonfuls into hot oil, fry until golden.
- Drain and serve with dip.
13. Hearty Pumpkin Vegetable Stew
Warming stew loaded with pumpkin and root vegetables.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 4 cups cubed pumpkin
- Carrots, potatoes, onions
- Broth, tomatoes
- Herbs like thyme, bay leaf
Instructions:
- Sauté vegetables.
- Add broth and simmer 30 minutes.
- Season and serve.
14. Savory Pumpkin Pizza
Pizza topped with pumpkin puree sauce and savory toppings.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- Pizza dough
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- Mozzarella, goat cheese
- Arugula, prosciutto optional
Instructions:
- Spread pumpkin as base sauce.
- Top with cheeses and bake at 450°F.
- Add fresh toppings after baking.
15. Spiced Pumpkin Hummus
Creamy dip with pumpkin and tahini.
Ingredients (Serves 8):
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- Tahini, garlic, cumin
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning and serve with veggies or pita.
16. Savory Pumpkin Ravioli
Homemade ravioli filled with pumpkin and cheese.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- Pasta dough
- 1.5 cups pumpkin puree
- Ricotta, Parmesan
- Sage butter sauce
Instructions:
- Mix filling. Roll dough, fill and seal ravioli.
- Boil and toss in sage butter.
17. Roasted Pumpkin Quiche
Creamy custard quiche with roasted pumpkin pieces.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- Pie crust
- 2 cups roasted pumpkin
- Eggs, cream
- Cheese, spinach
Instructions:
- Blind bake crust.
- Whisk eggs and cream, add fillings.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
18. Spiced Pumpkin Tacos
Soft tacos with seasoned pumpkin and fresh toppings.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- Corn tortillas
- 3 cups cubed pumpkin
- Cumin, chili, garlic
- Avocado, lime, cilantro
Instructions:
- Roast spiced pumpkin.
- Fill warm tortillas, top with smash and herbs.
19. Savory Pumpkin Galette
Rustic free-form pie with pumpkin and cheese.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- Pie dough
- Sliced pumpkin
- Caramelized onions, goat cheese
- Herbs
Instructions:
- Roll dough, layer fillings in center.
- Fold edges, bake at 400°F for 35 minutes.
20. Savory Pumpkin Empanadas
Handheld pastries filled with spiced pumpkin.
Ingredients (Serves 8):
- Empanada dough
- 2 cups pumpkin filling with spices, cheese
- Egg wash
Instructions:
- Fill dough discs, seal.
- Bake or fry until golden.
These 20 savory pumpkin recipes showcase the vegetable's versatility in hearty, flavorful dishes. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners—enjoy the season!