Fall is here, and that means it’s time for pumpkin everything! From breakfast to dessert, pumpkin adds a cozy flavor to many dishes.

You’ll find lots of ways to use this versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory recipes.

These 16+ pumpkin recipes will give you plenty of ideas to try this season. You’ll discover classic favorites like pumpkin bread and pie, along with some surprising new ways to enjoy pumpkin.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm scent of pumpkin spice as you bake and cook your way through autumn.

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin spice lattes are a fall favorite drink. You can make them at home easily.

Mix espresso, milk, pumpkin puree, and spices for a tasty treat.

To boost the pumpkin flavor, cook down the puree first. This makes the taste stronger.

Add whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.

You can make a healthier version too. Use skim milk and less sugar. Some recipes use pumpkin creamer for extra flavor.

For a cold version, try pumpkin spice cold foam. Mix cream, milk, syrup, and spices. This adds a nice touch to iced coffee.

2. Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a classic fall dessert you can easily make at home. Start with a pre-baked pie crust to save time.

Mix canned pumpkin puree with eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Pour the filling into your crust and bake until set. The pie is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before serving.

For extra flavor, try adding a touch of Chinese 5-spice powder to your recipe. This unique twist will make your pumpkin pie stand out. Top with whipped cream for a perfect finishing touch.

3. Spiced Pumpkin Soup

Spiced pumpkin soup is a cozy fall favorite. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a pot.

Add diced pumpkin, vegetable stock, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne. Simmer until the pumpkin is soft, then blend until smooth.

For extra creaminess, stir in some coconut milk or cream before serving. Top your soup with pumpkin seeds or a swirl of cream for a nice touch.

This warming soup is perfect for chilly days.

4. Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is a tasty fall treat that’s easy to make. You’ll need common ingredients like flour, sugar, pumpkin puree, and fall spices.

Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them. Pour the batter into greased loaf pans.

Bake at 350°F for about an hour. Your kitchen will smell amazing as it cooks.

The result is a moist, flavorful bread perfect for breakfast or snacks. You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.

Pumpkin bread keeps well and makes a great gift. You can also freeze extra loaves to enjoy later.

5. Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin pancakes are a tasty fall breakfast treat. You can make them with fresh or canned pumpkin puree.

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients with some melted butter. Stir until just mixed, leaving small lumps.

Cook the batter on a heated, lightly oiled griddle. Flip when bubbles form on top. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

You can store leftover pancakes in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for two months.

6. Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin muffins are a tasty fall treat you can easily make at home. They’re moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

To make pumpkin muffins, you’ll need flour, baking soda, spices like cinnamon and ginger, and of course, pumpkin puree. Mix the dry ingredients separately from the wet ones.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) for the best results. Use a muffin pan with liners or non-stick spray. Fill each cup about 2/3 full with batter.

Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted. Let them cool before enjoying your homemade pumpkin muffins.

7. Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin cheesecake is a delicious fall dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with warm pumpkin flavors. To make it, you’ll need a graham cracker crust and a filling made with cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and spices.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with foil to prevent leaks. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter for the crust, then press it into the pan.

For the filling, blend cream cheese, sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and spices until smooth. Pour this mixture over the crust and bake for about an hour. Let it cool completely before serving.

You can top your pumpkin cheesecake with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. This rich, creamy dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.

8. Roasted Pumpkin Salad

Roasted pumpkin salad is a tasty and nutritious dish perfect for fall. You can make it easily at home with a few simple steps.

Start by cutting pumpkin into 1-inch cubes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes until tender.

Once roasted, let the pumpkin cool slightly. Mix it with baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds.

For dressing, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, vinegar, and mustard. Drizzle it over your salad just before serving.

This salad works great as a side dish or light meal. You can add other ingredients like pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.

9. Pumpkin Ravioli

Pumpkin ravioli is a delicious fall dish that combines pasta with savory pumpkin filling. You can make the pasta dough from scratch using flour, eggs, and oil. For the filling, mix pumpkin puree with cheese, spices, and herbs.

To assemble, place small dollops of filling on pasta sheets and cover with another layer. Cut into shapes and cook in boiling water until they float.

Serve your pumpkin ravioli with a brown butter sage sauce for a classic pairing. Melt butter in a pan, add sage leaves, and cook until the butter turns golden. Pour this fragrant sauce over your ravioli.

For extra flavor, top with grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pumpkin seeds. This comforting meal is perfect for cool autumn evenings.

10. Pumpkin Curry

Pumpkin curry is a tasty dish that brings warmth to your table. You can make it easily in one pot with canned pumpkin or fresh cubes.

The curry combines pumpkin with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Coconut milk adds creaminess, while onions and tomatoes build flavor.

You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Add some red chili peppers for heat or keep it mild. Serve your pumpkin curry over rice or with naan bread for a filling meal.

This vegetarian dish is perfect for fall, but you can enjoy it year-round. Try adding chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.

11. Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin risotto is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for fall. You can make this tasty meal in about 30 minutes.

Start by toasting rice in a pot over medium heat. Then sauté onions in butter until golden, and add minced garlic.

Add pumpkin puree, broth, and seasonings like sage and nutmeg. Stir frequently as the rice absorbs the liquid.

The risotto is done when the rice is tender and creamy. You can top it with crispy bacon bits or fried sage leaves for extra flavor.

This hearty dish works well as a main course or side. It’s great for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

12. Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin cookies are a tasty fall treat that brings warmth and coziness to your kitchen. These soft, spiced delights combine the flavors of pumpkin pie with the convenience of a cookie.

You can make classic pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting for a sweet indulgence. Or try pumpkin oatmeal cookies for a heartier texture.

For a fun twist, bake pumpkin snickerdoodles rolled in cinnamon sugar. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor to the traditional recipe.

Store your pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze unbaked dough for later use.

With so many options, pumpkin cookies are perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or any autumn day when you crave a pumpkin-spiced treat.

13. Pumpkin Waffles

Pumpkin waffles are a delicious fall breakfast treat. They’re easy to make and packed with cozy autumn flavors.

To make pumpkin waffles, you’ll need basic pantry ingredients plus canned pumpkin and spices. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine them to make the batter.

Preheat your waffle iron and cook the batter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The waffles should come out golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Top your pumpkin waffles with butter, maple syrup, or whipped cream. For extra indulgence, try cinnamon cream syrup.

These waffles freeze well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them later. Just pop them in the toaster to reheat.

14. Pumpkin Smoothie

Pumpkin smoothies are a tasty way to enjoy fall flavors. You can make one quickly with a few simple ingredients.

Start with pumpkin puree as the base. Add milk, yogurt, and a frozen banana for creaminess.

Spice it up with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla. For sweetness, try a spoonful of maple syrup or honey.

Blend everything until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy your pumpkin pie in smoothie form. It’s perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.

15. Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin chili is a tasty twist on the classic comfort food. You can make it with fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree.

Start by cooking ground beef, onions, and garlic in a large pot. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and pumpkin.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, and other spices to taste. Let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes to blend the flavors.

This hearty dish is perfect for cool fall evenings. You can top it with cheese, sour cream, or green onions. Serve with cornbread for a filling meal.

16. Pumpkin Fritters

Pumpkin fritters are a tasty treat you can easily make at home. To create these crispy bites, mix pumpkin puree with flour, eggs, and spices.

Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of the batter into it. Fry until golden brown on both sides. The result is a crispy outside with a soft, flavorful inside.

You can serve pumpkin fritters as a snack or side dish. They’re great with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup. For a savory twist, try adding cheese to the batter.

These fritters are perfect for using up leftover pumpkin puree. They’re also a fun way to enjoy pumpkin flavor outside of pie season.

The Benefits of Cooking with Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can boost your meals. It offers many nutrients and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Nutritional Advantages

Pumpkin packs a nutritional punch. It’s low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. You’ll get vitamin A, which is good for your eyes and immune system. Pumpkin also gives you vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

The fiber in pumpkin helps your digestion and keeps you feeling full. This can be helpful if you’re trying to manage your weight. Pumpkin seeds are also nutritious. They contain healthy fats, protein, and minerals like zinc and magnesium.

Adding pumpkin to your diet may help lower your risk of some health problems. Its antioxidants can protect your cells from damage. The beta-carotene in pumpkin might even help your skin look healthier.

Versatility in Recipes

You can use pumpkin in many different ways. It works well in both sweet and savory dishes.

For breakfast, try adding pumpkin to your oatmeal or pancakes. This gives them extra flavor and nutrients.

In baking, pumpkin can make your treats more moist. Use it in bread, muffins, or cookies.

You can even add it to smoothies for a creamy texture. For main meals, pumpkin goes well in soups and stews. You can roast pumpkin pieces as a side dish too.

Canned pumpkin makes cooking easier. It’s quick to use in recipes.

You can also cook fresh pumpkin by roasting or steaming it. Don’t forget about pumpkin seeds – they make a tasty snack when roasted with some salt.

Tips for Selecting and Preparing Pumpkin

Picking the right pumpkin and getting it ready for cooking can make a big difference in your recipes. Here are some key things to keep in mind.

Choosing the Right Pumpkin Variety

Look for smaller pumpkins labeled as “pie” or “sugar” pumpkins. These are sweeter and have better texture for cooking. They usually weigh 2-4 pounds.

Avoid large carving pumpkins. They have watery, stringy flesh that’s not good for eating.

Check the pumpkin’s color. It should be deep orange with no green spots. The stem should be tan and dry, not green.

Pick pumpkins that feel heavy for their size. This means they have more flesh inside.

Tap the pumpkin. It should sound hollow. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes.

Best Practices for Storing

Keep whole pumpkins in a cool, dry place. A basement or garage works well.

Don’t store them on cement floors.

Uncut pumpkins can last 2-3 months if stored properly. Check them often and use any that start to soften.

Cut pumpkin should be wrapped tightly and kept in the fridge. Use it within 5 days.

You can freeze cooked pumpkin puree for up to 3 months. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags.

For longer storage, can your pumpkin puree using a pressure canner.