Seems like I’ve developed a little trick. Have you noticed? Not the one where I stuff five of the fudgy oreo brownies into my mouth in 60 seconds. Or the baby-powder-to-degrease-hair trick.
Ok, I’ll just tell you. My trick is when I don’t know what to do with that can of pumpkin, I just add it to pasta, chili, or even tacos.
I like a pumpkin dish that is sweet but not overly sweet. It’s not overloaded with sugar because it’s not just dessert! I feel strongly about this. It can be classic, it can be incredibly savory, and it’s so ridiculously good!
1. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
You know those people who complain that pumpkin gets put in EVERYTHING? Well, this recipe is here to prove them right, and I am not even a little bit sorry about it.
Yes, you read that correctly. Pumpkin. Mac. and. Cheese.
But just trust me on this one, you have to try it. It is absolutely divine.
2. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Source: Ambitiouskitchen.com
I cannot wait to try this fun idea! You get all the best flavor of pumpkin pie packed into a smoothie that’s full of nutrients. It’s totally like having dessert for breakfast.
This is the perfect grab and go meal that blends up so fast for those mornings when you’re rushing out the door. Just because life is busy doesn’t mean your breakfast can’t be packed with flavor!
3. Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting
Source: Halfbakedharvest.com
Honestly, with a title like that, do I even need to say more? “Vanilla chai pumpkin latte cupcakes with cinnamon brown sugar frosting” tells you absolutely everything you need to know.
But I will add this: they are so moist, light, and perfectly spiced. They are just an out of this world delicious treat.
4. Pumpkin Lasagna with Sausage and Kale
Source: Tablefortwoblog.com
Everyone gets excited for lasagna night, right? But that doesn’t mean you can’t shake things up. Let’s give that classic Italian casserole a total pumpkin makeover.
Instead of tomato sauce, pumpkin joins the cheese and noodles for a savory twist that is so, so good.
Throw in some wilted greens and you’ve got yourself an entree that is just a total delight to serve.
5. Pumpkin Brownies
Source: Kirbiecravings.com
This recipe doesn’t have a pumpkin flavor, but it uses pumpkin to make America’s favorite dessert even more amazing.
Just swap out ingredients like eggs and oil for a can of pumpkin puree, and get ready for unbelievably fudgy brownies.
They are so dense, moist, and full of chocolate. They’ll be gone in minutes, I promise.
6. Pumpkin Cornbread
Source: Cookingclassy.com
Why not give dinner rolls a little break and serve up a pan of this pumpkin cornbread with your meal? Corn and pumpkin are both starchy vegetables that go so well together.
If you’re from the north, you might be surprised by how sweet this cornbread is. But Southerners know that cornbread should basically be cake.
This version has pumpkin pie seasoning and gets a topping of honey cinnamon butter for a real dessert-like treat.
7. Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon and Parmesan
Source: Theoriginaldish.com
Have some canned pumpkin you need to use up? Mix it with rice and just a few other things to make this buttery risotto.
This thick and flavorful rice dish is a fantastic option for a side or even a main course. It’s so satisfying and will definitely fill everyone up.
Serve your family a beautiful fall dinner with this on the menu!
8. Pumpkin Parfait
Source: Everydaysavvy.com
This gorgeous pudding parfait is the perfect thing to bring to your next get together. It has layer after layer of delicious pumpkin flavored goodness.
What could possibly be a better way to finish a feast than with a scoop of this beautiful pudding?
9. Vegan Pumpkin Curry
Source: Elavegan.com
Whether you serve it with naan bread or over a pile of rice, curry is such a warm and comforting dinner choice.
You can make yours friendly for fall and vegans with this simple 25 minute recipe. Serve it up for lunch or dinner, and your guests will leave so happy and full.
Unfortunately, I can’t promise there will be any leftovers.
10. Pumpkin Polenta
Source: Theendlessmeal.com
Get ready to fill up on amazing autumn flavor when you tuck into a bowl of this pumpkin polenta.
It’s similar to grits, and this hearty grain gets mixed with goat cheese and pumpkin for a flavor that is irresistibly earthy.
Wilt in a little spinach for a creamy polenta bowl that is just bursting with flavor.
11. Pumpkin Hummus
Source: Littlesunnykitchen.com
Creamy, savory hummus is another recipe that totally benefits from a little pumpkin. It doesn’t make the dip sweet, but it does add a richer, earthier flavor that is so good.
It might not seem like pumpkin would go well with garlic, chili powder, and chickpeas, but it really does. You have to try it for yourself to see just how well it all works together.
12. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse
Source: Aclassictwist.com
Mousse is such an elegant dessert that brings a little class to any meal. And this recipe is a super fun choice with the holidays coming up.
It is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s packed with pure pumpkin flavor and has a nice bit of tang from the cream cheese. This will be one of your new go to canned pumpkin recipes, for sure.
13. Pumpkin Chili
Source: Aspicyperspective.com
Are you looking for a pumpkin dinner idea the whole family will get behind?
Curl up with a bowl of this comforting pumpkin chili and get ready for the rich satisfaction of traditional chili flavor that’s been enhanced with pumpkin puree.
This is such a hearty meal that your whole family will love. Keep this recipe handy for a rainy day and watch the gray clouds just disappear.
I hope you made enough for leftovers! You’re definitely going to want another bowl tomorrow.
14. Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
Source: Lovelylittlekitchen.com
I scream, you scream, we all scream for pumpkin ice cream!
Pumpkin pie is my absolute favorite seasonal ice cream flavor, but the shops only have it for about a month each year!
With this amazing copycat recipe, you can enjoy that irreplaceable pumpkin pie ice cream flavor whenever you want. Churn up a pint of this cinnamon spiced cream and enjoy.
15. Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Source: Cookingclassy.com
Regular bread pudding is already such a sticky, satisfying dessert all on its own. But you can take it to the next level with a little bit of pumpkin.
The pumpkin makes this bread pudding even more decadent. It fills every single gap with its creamy and earthy flavor.
16. Pumpkin Alfredo
Source: Pinchofyum.com
This luscious pasta sauce is another knockout pumpkin dinner recipe that won’t result in many leftovers.
I mean, who doesn’t love alfredo? Especially an extra creamy alfredo with a pumpkin spin.
The pumpkin puree is a perfect addition to the cheese and cream. Its sweet and earthy flavor comes through without being overwhelming. This quick and easy homemade pasta sauce is sure to impress everyone!
17. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cups
Source: Fitfoodiefinds.com
Let’s take those Reese’s pumpkins a step further by adding pumpkin puree into the peanut butter filling for the ultimate stuffed chocolate cup.
These pumpkin peanut butter cups will make any sweet tooth happy, and they’re even more delicious right out of the freezer.
You should probably keep an endless supply on hand, since a craving could hit at any moment.
18. Pumpkin Scones
Source: Cookingclassy.com
Let’s get your morning started off right with this sweet treat! Pumpkin scones are soft, moist pastries that are perfect with a cup of coffee.
These scones are spiced to perfection and bursting with fragrant pumpkin flavor. Top them with an elegant glaze and treat yourself to a little piece of Heaven.
19. Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Kale
Source: Platingsandpairings.com
If you’ve never had pumpkin gnocchi, you are in for a serious treat. It has the soft and tender texture you expect from good gnocchi, and the flavor is just on another level.
It’s fantastically cheesy with Gruyere, mozzarella, AND parmesan. Plus, the heavy cream and pumpkin create the thickest, creamiest sauce imaginable.
The herb and seasoning mix is perfect, too. There is so much to love about this dish.
20. Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Source: Chefsavvy.com
For many people, coffee cake is a breakfast favorite. For others, it’s more of a dessert. Either way, this pumpkin infused coffee cake is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
It has everything you love about the classic coffee cake, right down to that crumbly streusel topping.
But in perfect fall fashion, you’ll also find a ton of pumpkin yumminess in every single bite.
21. Pumpkin Oatmeal
Source: Wellplated.com
Spice up your morning bowl of oats with this pumpkin oatmeal recipe. I promise you’ll never think of oatmeal as bland again after you try this flavor packed dish.
Creamy pumpkin is the ideal ingredient for a thick bowl of oatmeal. The naturally sweet pumpkin puree is sure to brighten up the start of anyone’s day!
22. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Source: Minimalistbaker.com
Fall usually signals a mad dash to the nearest Starbucks. But sometimes the line is just way too long. Or you find yourself craving your favorite drink when it’s out of season.
When that happens, you don’t have to miss out! Just make your own!
Whip up one of these creamy lattes for a morning caffeine boost or a little midday pick me up. Canned pumpkin and a premixed pumpkin pie seasoning make this drink so easy to prepare.
23. Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Source: Wellplated.com
Pumpkin is not just for dessert! Let’s take a walk on the savory side with this pumpkin pasta sauce recipe.
You can compare this creamy sauce to an alfredo, but without the cream base. The canned pumpkin gives it that thick and creamy consistency you want from a good alfredo. Well, that, and a little bit of cream cheese.
Season it up with nutmeg, cinnamon, and fresh sage for a complex flavor profile that will absolutely shake up your next pasta night.
24. Pumpkin French Toast
Source: Cookingclassy.com
French toast is a guaranteed crowd pleaser! Add a little bit of pumpkin flair, and you’ve got a real breakfast treat.
This recipe is seriously so simple! You can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family this weekend when you make plates of pumpkin French toast.
25. Pumpkin Chia Pudding
Source: Thenaturalnurturer.com
This chia pudding is a lot like overnight oats and is such a great way to get your omega-3s.
The chia seeds have a mild flavor, which gives them a blank canvas for the pumpkin to really shine. You can power up with these superfoods and get your pumpkin fix at the same time.
This recipe is so simple to whip up, you’ll never have an excuse to skip breakfast again!