10.05.2020
Our Favorite Pumpkin Recipes
Discover top pumpkin recipes, spice pairings, roasting tips, and storage tricks for pies, soups, breads, and savory dishes.
- Use a variety of pumpkin dishes beyond pie: soups, breads, pasta sauces, and ice cream showcase pumpkin's versatility.
- Fresh spices lift pumpkin flavors. Try grated nutmeg for sweet dishes and ground cumin for savory soups.
- Roast or puree pumpkins ahead, store properly, and swap canned pumpkin 1:1 when needed for quick recipes.
Pumpkin pie gets all the publicity this time of year, while it is pumpkin breads, bisques, and even pasta sauces that truly capture our attention. (Although, we do love a good pumpkin pie recipe!) Fresh spices bring out the best in seasonal produce. We love grating fresh nutmeg over cozy pumpkin recipes, like this acorn squash pasta sauce, or adding ground cumin to pumpkin and carrot soup. Even if you’re simply oven-roasting a whole pumpkin, it’s that perfect combination of butter, sugar, and fresh cinnamon that make it special. If you have your own favorite pumpkin recipe you wish to share, email us at spices@thespicehouse.com, or let us know in the comments below!
Harvest Squash Bisque
Maple Glazed Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin Bread
Spiced & Roasted Acorn Squash
Stuffed Pumpkins
Calabaza Caribeña
Classic Pumpkin Pie
Tagliatelle alla Salsa di Zucca
Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
Carrot & Pumpkin Soup
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pumpkins are best for cooking?
Choose small sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins. They have denser, sweeter flesh than large carving pumpkins and make smoother purees and better baked goods.
How do I roast pumpkin for recipes?
Cut pumpkin in half or into large pieces, scoop out seeds, brush with oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until fork tender, about 35 to 60 minutes depending on size. Scoop or blend the flesh into a puree and drain excess liquid if needed.
Can I substitute canned pumpkin for fresh pumpkin?
Yes. Use canned pumpkin puree in a 1:1 ratio for most recipes. Canned products may be denser and moister, so check texture and drain or adjust liquid as needed. Note that some canned labels contain squash varieties rather than pure pumpkin.
How should I store leftover pumpkin or pumpkin puree?
Refrigerate cooked pumpkin or puree in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
What spices pair well with pumpkin?
Sweet pumpkin dishes do well with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. For savory recipes try cumin, smoked paprika, sage, or thyme. Freshly grated nutmeg gives bright aroma; ground cumin adds warmth to soups.
How do I keep pumpkin bread and muffins moist?
Avoid overmixing the batter, measure flour accurately, use oil or melted butter, and do not overbake. Check with a toothpick: a few moist crumbs mean it is done. Cool briefly in the pan, then finish on a rack.
How can I use pumpkin in savory dishes like pasta or soup?
Roast pumpkin for deeper flavor or use puree to make sauces and soups. Thin with stock or cream, season with salt and acid like lemon or vinegar, and finish with herbs, cheese, or toasted seeds for texture.
What can I do with pumpkin seeds?
Clean seeds, toss with oil and salt or spices, and roast at 325°F (160°C) for 10 to 20 minutes until crisp. They make a crunchy topping or snack and can also be saved for planting if untreated.
Which pumpkins are best for cooking?
Choose small sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins. They have denser, sweeter flesh than large carving pumpkins and make smoother purees and better baked goods.
How do I roast pumpkin for recipes?
Cut pumpkin in half or into large pieces, scoop out seeds, brush with oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until fork tender, about 35 to 60 minutes depending on size. Scoop or blend the flesh into a puree and drain excess liquid if needed.
Can I substitute canned pumpkin for fresh pumpkin?
Yes. Use canned pumpkin puree in a 1:1 ratio for most recipes. Canned products may be denser and moister, so check texture and drain or adjust liquid as needed. Note that some canned labels contain squash varieties rather than pure pumpkin.
How should I store leftover pumpkin or pumpkin puree?
Refrigerate cooked pumpkin or puree in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
What spices pair well with pumpkin?
Sweet pumpkin dishes do well with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. For savory recipes try cumin, smoked paprika, sage, or thyme. Freshly grated nutmeg gives bright aroma; ground cumin adds warmth to soups.
How do I keep pumpkin bread and muffins moist?
Avoid overmixing the batter, measure flour accurately, use oil or melted butter, and do not overbake. Check with a toothpick: a few moist crumbs mean it is done. Cool briefly in the pan, then finish on a rack.
How can I use pumpkin in savory dishes like pasta or soup?
Roast pumpkin for deeper flavor or use puree to make sauces and soups. Thin with stock or cream, season with salt and acid like lemon or vinegar, and finish with herbs, cheese, or toasted seeds for texture.
What can I do with pumpkin seeds?
Clean seeds, toss with oil and salt or spices, and roast at 325°F (160°C) for 10 to 20 minutes until crisp. They make a crunchy topping or snack and can also be saved for planting if untreated.
Comments