Fall is just around the corner, so today, I’m sharing 15 of my favorite Pumpkin Recipes, both sweet and savory. Most people only eat pumpkin-flavored foods during the autumn months, but you can enjoy them all year long. Pumpkin is packed with vitamins and nutrients and can easily be added to soups, baked goods, or even tacos.
This may be a hot take, but I firmly believe that pumpkin recipes should be enjoyed all year long. Yes, pumpkins are in peak season during fall, but most people are just eating canned pumpkin anyway, which can easily be obtained all year long. You don’t only eat canned corn and tomatoes during summer, so why should we relegate pumpkin recipes to only the autumn months? I also believe you should definitely be making savory pumpkin recipes, not just sweet ones! Below, I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite pumpkin recipes, both sweet and savory. Happy September!
ALL ABOUT PUMPKIN
Pumpkins are vegetables that belong to the Cucurbits, or gourd, family, and they grow in many different varieties. They’re a true symbol of fall, and people enjoy decorating with them and carving them, as well as using them in recipes. Despite being primarily used in sweet recipes, pumpkins are actually not naturally super sweet. A sweet potato has nine times as much sugar as a pumpkin, per cup.
You can cook a fresh pumpkin similarly to how you would cook a butternut squash, but most of us are probably used to using canned pumpkin puree in our recipes. Canned pumpkin is sold all year long and is most commonly used in sweet recipes, like pumpkin pie, which is a Thanksgiving staple in most homes. It can also be used in savory recipes, though, and I love adding it to curry, chili, and baked tacos. Pumpkin flavors go well with warm seasonings, like cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, and chili powder. Pumpkin seeds are also edible and can be roasted in the oven for a healthy snack.
Pumpkins are packed with tons of essential vitamins and nutrients, making them a great ingredient to add to your diet. Whether you are using fresh or canned, your body is sure to enjoy the benefits. They’re great for supporting immune health due to their high concentration of both Vitamin A and C. Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber, making it ideal for digestion and maintaining a healthy weight. Pumpkin seeds are packed with protein, zinc, and healthy fats, so they also have tons of health benefits.
SAVORY PUMPKIN RECIPES
Creamy Pinto Bean Pumpkin Soup
My Creamy Pinto Bean Pumpkin Soup is easy to make and requires only a few main ingredients. Make a big pot and enjoy this soup for lunch or dinner during the busy week. Garnish this hearty vegan soup with your favorite toppings and serve with bread or chips.
Vegetarian Pumpkin Sloppy Joes
These Vegetarian Pumpkin Sloppy Joes are cozy, hearty, and great for a fall-inspired weeknight dinner! They’re made with crumbled tofu and a flavorful homemade pumpkin sloppy joe sauce. These protein-packed, plant-based sandwiches come together in under 30 minutes and can easily be prepped ahead of time.
Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili with Black Beans
This Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili with Black Beans is packed with sweet and savory flavors. It’s cozy, warm, and perfect for fall. This chili recipe is made primarily with pantry ingredients, making it great for a last-minute, easy dinner that comes together quickly. Top with your favorite chili toppings and enjoy with a side of cornbread or corn chips.
If you love savory pumpkin recipes, these Pumpkin and Black Bean Tacos are for you. They’re quick and easy to make, and perfect for a healthy fall-themed vegetarian dinner. Top these Pumpkin Tacos with your favorite garnishes and a side of rice and tortilla chips for a complete meal.
This Vegan Pumpkin Queso Dip is easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s thick and creamy and goes great with a bag of tortilla chips. You can also use it as a nacho cheese sauce or a dip for fries or vegan burritos. The cashews, pumpkin, and nutritional yeast give this “cheesy” dip its authentic flavor. This is a great plant-based sauce that everyone will enjoy!
These Pumpkin Skillet Enchiladas with Black Beans are packed with the flavors of fall and are so easy to make. This is an excellent dish for a busy weeknight dinner when you’re craving something cozy or looking for a nutritious make-ahead meal to enjoy throughout the week.
This Vegan One-Pot Pumpkin Curry is easy to make, super flavorful, and great for meal prep. It’s a filling, fiber- and protein-rich meal that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner when you’re craving a cozy dish full of warming spices.
Pumpkin Quesadillas with Black Beans and Green Chile
These Pumpkin Quesadillas are a delicious, savory autumn dish. They’re easy to make, packed with black beans and green chile, and full of flavor. Quesadillas are always ideal for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, but these boast the flavors of fall and all the nutritional benefits of pumpkin, black beans, and green chile, too.
This Zesty Pumpkin Mac N’ Cheese is a comforting seasonal meal that’s quick and easy to make. Kids love it, and grown-ups can feel good about the essential vitamins and fiber the pumpkin provides. It’s a nourishing and delicious family-friendly dish that’s vegan and can easily be made gluten-free.
SWEET PUMPKIN RECIPES
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
These Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are made using just one bowl, and they’re perfect for snacking! This recipe yields approximately 48 mini muffins, which can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use. The pumpkin puree is loaded with nutrients, making these pumpkin muffins a healthier choice for you and your kids.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze have a delicious cake-like texture and are perfectly moist. The cookies are full of festive pumpkin flavors, and the orange glaze is sweet and tangy. These pumpkin cookies are a perfect, kid-friendly treat for Halloween, fall, and Thanksgiving.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts (Gluten Free)
These Baked Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts are topped with melted butter and a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. The batter comes together quickly; all you need to bake these cuties is a donut pan. Enjoy these festive, baked donuts for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal Cups
Start the day off right with these Healthy Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal Cups. They’re packed with fiber, which helps fight heart disease and diabetes, and keeps you feeling full until lunchtime. These oatmeal cups are free of most common allergens and great for snacks and dessert. Top them with whipped cream for the whole pumpkin-pie experience!
If you’re vegan or dairy-free, but long for the creamy sweetness of cheesecake, you will love my Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. And! It tastes just like traditional dairy cheesecake, but is made with cashews and contains no dairy at all.
This Healthier Pumpkin Bread is so easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, and treats. It’s a sweet pumpkin recipe that’s both refined sugar- and dairy-free, and loaded with the health benefits of pumpkin. Plus, it’s made in just one bowl!
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