16 Savory Pumpkin Recipes That Bring Fall to the Dinner Table
These savory pumpkin recipes deserve just as much room at your fall dinner table as pumpkin pie or pumpkin cookies. We blend the subtle flavor of pumpkin into delicious, savory pumpkin recipes for main courses, soups, salads, and side dishes.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin-Parmesan Risotto
Add a savory pumpkin recipe to dinner tonight without making a whole pumpkin-centric main dish by scooping this warm, creamy risotto onto your plate. If you plan an Italian night, you could serve this savory pumpkin appetizer recipe before starting your main meal. We kept this dish gluten-free so everyone at your table can enjoy it.
Pumpkin Black Bean Bake
Put a seasonal spin on savory tamale pie by stirring fresh pumpkin with ground beef, black beans, and corn. This pumpkin casserole recipe is practically irresistible once you top all that goodness off with a fluffy corn bread topper.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Hold onto your hats—mac and cheese just got a grown-up upgrade. Rich pumpkin adds to the classic flavor with the help of a creamy blend of Fontina cheese, whole milk, and whipping cream. Laced with aromatic fresh sage, it's an indulgent, savory pumpkin recipe that's way better than the boxed version of mac and cheese.
Curry Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin spice and curry make a spicy and sweet statement in this savory pumpkin recipe. Canned pumpkin keeps things extra creamy, while a citrus-cranberry sprinkle makes a colorful topper. Grab your Dutch oven and make a big batch of soup for a chilly fall night!
Cheesy Bean and Rice Bites with Pumpkin-Sage Sauce
Perfect for a winter meal (or anytime you're craving a yummy pumpkin dish), these fluffy Parmesan-studded bites of cannellini beans and brown rice get a crunchy coating from panko crumbs and chopped walnuts. A delicious blend of smooth pumpkin and fragrant sage sauces up these rice balls. Serve as an appetizer for a special meal, or add them to your holiday dinner menu.
Pumpkin, Bean, and Chicken Enchiladas
Spiced with jalapeño and smothered in fresh pico de gallo, these are the chicken enchiladas you love turned into an easy savory pumpkin recipe. We add canned pumpkin to mimic the squash often used in Mexican cuisine. It makes for a heartier enchilada and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Sopa de Pepitas
Save your pumpkin seeds! This pumpkin soup recipe is filled with fresh pumpkin flavors, and you can make sure everyone at your dinner table knows it by topping it with more pumpkin seeds. Each slurp of this fall soup is creamy and rich, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro takes it over the top.
Pumpkin, Barley, and Sage Soup
For this smooth, savory pumpkin soup, we took a page from the dessert book and paired pumpkin with maple syrup for subtle sweetness. The traditional fall flavors taste delicious with hearty andouille sausage and barley. You can add tart flavors to the mix by topping this recipe with a few slices of green apple.
Roasted Pumpkin, Arugula, and Dried Cherry Salad
The gorgeous colors of this roasted pumpkin dish make it a must-have for your holiday table, and the blend of flavors will make it an annual tradition. Tangy dried cherries and peppery arugula perk up the velvety richness of roasted pumpkin, while a maple vinaigrette adds a splash of sweetness. Be prepared to pass this savory pumpkin recipe around the table a second time!
Pumpkin-Tortilla Casserole with Chicken
Just another casserole recipe? Think again. Layers of tortillas, cumin-spiced pumpkin, and a fiery jalapeño sauce combine for a new take on casserole. Roasted pumpkin seeds top off this cheesy, savory pumpkin recipe.
Pumpkin Soup with Lentils
Get the fresh fall flavor of pumpkin in a quick and easy dinner. This spiced pumpkin soup with lentils is done in no time, and it's so satisfying on a chilly day. Serve a crusty slice of bread on the side to soak up every last drop of this dish.
Roasted Pumpkin Guacamole
Pumpkin combines with fresh avocado for a dip that's perfect for fall. This pumpkin appetizer recipe gets a pick-me-up from jalapeno, lime, and garlic. It's lighter than traditional guacamole, but you'll be just as satisfied with this easy recipe.
Cinnamon-Roasted Chicken with Pumpkin-Sage Grits
Cinnamon-rubbed chicken stars in this sophisticated pumpkin dinner recipe with roasted chicken. For a dreamy side, we transformed classic grits into a mash with melted cheddar cheese and canned pumpkin. It's as comforting as a scoop of mashed potatoes, but this savory pumpkin recipe tastes just like fall.
Pumpkin, Chickpea, and Red Lentil Stew
This savory pumpkin recipe will transport you to fall regardless of the season. Chunky pumpkin and hearty chickpeas simmer in a thick, ginger-spiced broth while chopped peanuts and cilantro bring to mind your favorite Thai dish. Add a dollop of yogurt on top of this pumpkin stew to give it a touch of creaminess before you dig in.
Roasted Pork Tacos with Pumpkin Seed Sauce
Fiesta night just got better, thanks to a colorful taco spread, including a mouthwatering roasted pumpkin recipe. Top juicy pork tacos with the works: Pickled red onions, pink radishes, and roasted pumpkin guacamole. This dish can serve as finger food at a party or make it into a main meal.
Pumpkin Fall-afel
This creative take on classic falafel starts with canned pumpkin and chickpeas. Spice up the mix with garlic, cilantro, and cumin. Form into patties and pan-fry until golden. Serve this pumpkin dinner recipe with Greek yogurt, fresh cucumbers, and lemon wedges.