10 Delicious Ways to Cook With Pumpkin Besides Pie

Pumpkin pie may get much of the attention in fall, but canned pumpkin purée can do far more than fill a pastry crust. Its mild flavor and creamy texture work just as well in breakfast foods, comforting dinners, snacks, and desserts. If you have an extra can in the pantry, these recipes offer plenty of ways to put it to use without making another pie.

Start the Morning With Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin purée adds moisture and a subtle earthy sweetness to a stack of homemade pancakes. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice give them the familiar flavor associated with fall. Serve them with maple syrup, toasted pecans, or a spoonful of yogurt for a weekend breakfast that feels a little more special.

Make a Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Pumpkin can turn into a surprisingly rich pasta sauce with just a few savory ingredients. Combine it with garlic, sage, Parmesan, and a little broth or cream for a smooth sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Add cooked sausage, chicken, spinach, or roasted vegetables if you want to turn it into a more substantial meal.

Stir Pumpkin Into a Pot of Chili

Pumpkin may sound unusual in chili, but its mild flavor works well alongside tomatoes, beans, ground meat, and chili spices. A small amount can add body and a subtle sweetness without turning the pot into a pumpkin-flavored dish. Try it in turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetarian chili when you’re looking for a simple way to change up your usual recipe.

Blend a Pumpkin Smoothie

A smoothie is another easy place to use a few spoonfuls of leftover pumpkin purée. Blend it with banana, milk or a dairy-free alternative, cinnamon, and vanilla for a creamy seasonal drink. Greek yogurt, nut butter, or protein powder can also make it more filling if you’re serving it as breakfast or a snack.

Add Pumpkin to Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin purée can give homemade mac and cheese a deeper golden color and a creamy consistency. Its mild flavor pairs particularly well with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or other flavorful cheeses. A little sage, black pepper, or smoked paprika can make the combination taste more savory than sweet.

Turn Pumpkin Into Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is an easy way to turn day-old bread into a warm fall dessert. Pumpkin purée, eggs, brown sugar, and spices create a custard-like mixture that soaks into the bread as it bakes. Serve it warm with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Get the recipe.

Whip Up a Batch of Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin gives classic hummus a seasonal update without overwhelming the chickpeas and tahini. Blend pumpkin purée with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, then adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve it with sliced vegetables, crackers, toasted pita, or spread it onto sandwiches and wraps.

Make a Savory Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin fits naturally into creamy risotto, where its texture blends smoothly with the rice. Sage, Parmesan, garlic, and black pepper help balance the pumpkin’s mild sweetness and create a savory finished dish. Serve it as a meatless main course or alongside roasted chicken or pork.

Make No-Bake Pumpkin Energy Bites

Pumpkin energy bites are a convenient way to use a small amount of purée without turning on the oven. Combine oats, nut butter, pumpkin, ground flaxseed, and your favorite mix-ins, then chill the mixture before rolling it into bite-size portions. Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, coconut, or chopped nuts can add extra texture and flavor.

Bake a Batch of Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin muffins are a practical way to use the rest of a can of purée after making another recipe. Pumpkin helps keep the muffins moist while cinnamon and other warm spices provide their familiar fall flavor. Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or fold in chocolate chips when you want something sweeter.

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