It’s that time of year again when everything from your latte to your neighbor’s porch is screaming “pumpkin!”
But let’s be real – there’s more to this orange superstar than just jack-o’-lanterns and pie.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been waiting all year to dust off those cans of pumpkin puree hiding in the back of your pantry.
Well, my fellow gourd enthusiasts, your moment has arrived. I’ve scoured the internet, raided grandma’s recipe box, and may or may not have gained a few pounds in the process to bring you the ultimate list of pumpkin recipes.
These 15 recipes are about to take your pumpkin game to the next level.
Grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to fall in love with pumpkin all over again.
15 Best Pumpkin Recipes
1) Pumpkin Spice French Toast
Forget your basic breakfast – this French toast is autumn on a plate. Thick slices of brioche get dunked in a pumpkin-spiced custard before hitting the griddle. The result? A crispy outside giving way to a custardy, pumpkin-infused center. Top it with a dollop of maple whipped cream and a sprinkle of candied pecans, and you’ve got a breakfast that’ll make you want to skip the pumpkin spice latte. Who needs Starbucks when you’ve got this?
2) Savory Pumpkin and Sage Risotto
This isn’t your average risotto. Creamy Arborio rice gets a fall makeover with the addition of pumpkin puree and fresh sage. The pumpkin adds a velvety texture and subtle sweetness, while the sage brings an earthy, aromatic punch. Finished with a shower of Parmesan and a drizzle of brown butter, it’s comfort food that thinks it’s fancy. Warning: May cause spontaneous sighs of contentment.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Can’t decide between pumpkin pie and chocolate? Why not have both? These brownies are the best of both worlds – fudgy chocolate goodness marbled with creamy pumpkin cheesecake. Each bite is a perfect balance of rich chocolate and warm pumpkin spice. They’re so good, you might just “forget” to share them with your family. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. - Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Quiche
This ain’t your mama’s quiche. A buttery crust cradles a silky custard studded with roasted pumpkin chunks and tangy goat cheese. A sprinkle of fresh thyme and a drizzle of honey before baking takes it to the next level. It’s savory, it’s sweet, it’s creamy – basically, it’s everything you never knew you needed in a quiche. Brunch game: officially upgraded. - Pumpkin Pie Martini
Who says pumpkin is just for eating? This cocktail takes all the flavors of your favorite Thanksgiving dessert and puts them in a glass. Vanilla vodka, pumpkin liqueur, and a splash of cream come together for a drink that’s dangerously sippable. Rimmed with crushed graham crackers and garnished with a cinnamon stick, it’s like pie you can drink. Thanksgiving just got a lot more interesting! - Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta
Forget everything you thought you knew about Alfredo sauce. This version gets a fall twist with the addition of pumpkin puree and a hint of nutmeg. The result? A creamy, dreamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta with autumn flavor. Topped with crispy sage leaves and a shower of Parmesan, it’s comfort food that’ll make you want to curl up in a cozy sweater. Pasta night just got a serious upgrade. - Pumpkin Spice Latte Cinnamon Rolls
Your favorite fall beverage and breakfast treat had a baby, and it’s glorious. Fluffy cinnamon rolls are infused with espresso and pumpkin spice, then slathered with a pumpkin cream cheese frosting. Each bite is a perfect balance of coffee kick and pumpkin warmth. Fair warning: these might ruin regular cinnamon rolls for you forever. - Smoky Pumpkin Hummus
This isn’t your average dip, folks. Creamy chickpeas and pumpkin puree get blended with tahini, garlic, and a touch of smoked paprika for a hummus that’s anything but basic. Topped with pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s the perfect partner for warm pita or crisp veggies. Snack time just got a whole lot more interesting. - Pumpkin Chili
Move over, beef chili – there’s a new player in town. This hearty chili combines tender chunks of pumpkin with black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a blend of warming spices. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of pepitas on top, and you’ve got a bowl of autumn comfort that’ll warm you from the inside out. Bonus: it tastes even better the next day. - Pumpkin Spice Latte Tiramisu
This isn’t your nonna’s tiramisu. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers alternate with a pumpkin spice mascarpone cream for a dessert that’s part Italian classic, part PSL fever dream. Dusted with cocoa and pumpkin pie spice, it’s the perfect ending to any fall meal. Or, you know, breakfast. We won’t judge. - Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi
Forget potato gnocchi – these little pillows of joy are packed with pumpkin flavor. Tossed in a brown butter sage sauce and topped with crispy prosciutto, they’re like little bites of autumn heaven. Fair warning: you might never want regular gnocchi again after trying these orange beauties. - Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls
For when you want to feel virtuous but still indulge your pumpkin spice cravings. These no-bake bites are packed with oats, dates, and nut butter, then rolled in a pumpkin spice coating. They’re like little balls of fall energy that’ll keep you powered through leaf-raking, apple-picking, or marathon Netflix sessions. No judgment here. - Roasted Pumpkin and Feta Salad
This isn’t your sad desk lunch salad. Chunks of roasted pumpkin mingle with peppery arugula, creamy feta, and toasted pumpkin seeds, all drizzled with a maple balsamic dressing. It’s a party of textures and flavors that’ll make you forget you’re eating something healthy. Who said salads had to be boring? - Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce
This dessert is what would happen if pumpkin bread and bread pudding had a delicious baby. Chunks of pumpkin bread get soaked in a pumpkin-spiced custard, baked until golden, then drizzled with a generous helping of salted caramel sauce. It’s the kind of dessert that’ll make you want to hug whoever invented pumpkins. - Pumpkin Spice Latte Overnight Oats
For those mornings when you can’t decide between your PSL and breakfast. These overnight oats combine the best of both worlds – creamy oats infused with espresso and pumpkin pie spice, topped with a dollop of pumpkin puree and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s like fall in a jar, and the best part? Breakfast is ready when you wake up. Morning you will thank night you.
Well, there you have it, pumpkin enthusiasts! Fifteen ways to get your orange fix that go way beyond the basic pie. From breakfast to booze, and everything in between, these recipes prove that pumpkin is the real MVP of fall.
So go ahead, embrace your inner basic b*tch (or bro – pumpkin love knows no gender). Stock up on those cans of puree, dust off your pie spice, and get ready to turn your kitchen into a pumpkin paradise. Who knows? You might just become the pumpkin king or queen of your friend group.
Remember, calories don’t count when they’re pumpkin-flavored (okay, they totally do, but let’s pretend they don’t). Now get out there and start cooking! Your taste buds are about to throw you a fall flavor party, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it.