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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
(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!
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!
Pumpkin Mash with Cinnamon
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.
Spicy Thai Pumpkin and Butternut Squash Ramen with Chicken
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!
Easy Pumpkin Chili (Instant Pot and Stove Top)
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!).
Spiced Pumpkin Vegan Cheese Ball
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!
Garlic Pumpkin Hummus
Adding pumpkin to hummus boosts the overall nutrition, flavor and creaminess of this classic dip.
Savory Mushroom and Quinoa Stuffed Mini Pumpkins
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!
Afghan Sauteed Pumpkin Recipe - Kadu Bouranee
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!
Pumpkin, Gruyere and Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese
This healthier mac and cheese uses pumpkin puree in the sauce, Gruyère and goat cheese to make a rich, creamy dish of comfort food.
Brown Butter Pumpkin Grits
Creamy cheese grits swirled with brown butter and pumpkin; these Brown Butter Pumpkin Grits are amazing!
Warm Winter Salad with Pumpkin, Goat Cheese, Cranberries and Avocado Dressing
Colorful and healthy Warm Winter Salad with Pumpkin, Goat Cheese, Cranberries and Avocado Dressing. Comforting, delicious and easy holiday meal ready in 30 minutes!
Pumpkin Ravioli with Browned Butter and Sage
Pumpkin ravioli with brown butter and sage is a delicious vegetarian dinner that uses the season’s favorite squash, pumpkin! Add toasted walnuts for extra flavor!
Pumpkin Risotto Recipe
This pumpkin risotto is creamy, savory, and delicious. Though this risotto is undeniably a savory dish, the slight 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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Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
Great round-up pinned to my Pumpkin Pinteresst board! Thanks for including Pumpkin Pizza recipe!
Slow The Cook Down says
Thanks Marjory! I couldn't resist including your pizza recipe - a great idea!
Igor @ Cooking The Globe says
Thank you so much for featuring my recipe, Betty!
Slow The Cook Down says
my pleasure! It's an awesome recipe!