Skip to Content

19 Classic and Creative Pumpkin Recipe Ideas

These are some of our favorite pumpkin recipes — that aren’t desserts.

We love all things pumpkin. But far too often, pumpkin as an ingredient is relegated to dessert. That’s why we’ve collected some of our favorite, creative pumpkin recipe ideas to inspire you to branch out!

Don’t get me wrong — pumpkin desserts can be great, from a classic pumpkin pie to pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. In fact the more I think about it, the more I’m tempted to make the hour-plus drive west right now to my college town and snag a pumpkin chocolate chip muffin from my favorite bakery there.

Pumpkin is a more versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a much broader range of recipes, though. For starters, it can fold beautifully into pasta, as some of the ideas below demonstrate. It also works well in drinks — alcoholic and otherwise — and add a touch of fall to your breakfast, snack, or dinner menu.

Here’s a look at some of our favorites from over the years that reach beyond desserts to deliver compelling, creative pumpkin recipe ideas you can immediately put to use (and to help you use up a full can of pumpkin puree, if needed).

Be sure to explore all of our pumpkin content, too.

1
Slow Cooker Pumpkin French Toast Photo
Megan Myers
Slow Cooker Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Slow Cooker Pumpkin French Toast is the delicious autumn breakfast you can prepare the night before. Let the slow cooker do all the work!
Get The Recipe
2
Spicy Pumpkin Lentils Photo
Shashi Charles
Spicy Pumpkin Lentils Recipe
Spicy Pumpkin Lentils have a little sweetness and a whole lot of spice. A burst of flavors.
Get The Recipe
3
Pumpkin Lassi Photo
Shanna Schad
Pumpkin Lassi Recipe
Pumpkin Lassi is a great healthy breakfast you can enjoy before your holiday meal. Wonderful!
Get The Recipe
4
Cranberry Pumpkin Oatmeal Photo
Nora Rusev
Cranberry Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe
Cranberry Pumpkin Oatmeal will make your morning oatmeal seasonal and exciting. Full of fall flavors!
Get The Recipe
5
Pumpkin Spice Pop Tarts Photo
Jocelyn Brubaker
Pumpkin Spice Pop Tarts Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Pop Tarts taste like a little slice of pumpkin pie. And who ever complained about pie for breakfast?!
Get The Recipe
6
Apple Pumpkin Bread Photo
Stacey Mebs
Apple Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Apple Pumpkin Bread will probably be the best pumpkin bread you’ve ever tasted. Soft and tender with a crunchy cinnamon topping.
Get The Recipe
7
Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Photo
Kristan Roland
Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe
This Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte will warm you up and keep you cozy! It’s even got pumpkin puree, so you’re drinking your vegetables.
Get The Recipe
8
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Stew Photo
Kristy Still
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Stew Recipe
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Stew is the comforting and hearty meal you need for the cold weather. A bowl of this and a warm fire…
Get The Recipe
9
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Photo
Stacey Mebs
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe
These whole wheat pumpkin dinner rolls are soft and fluffy and so easy to make. Plus, they are amazing piled with turkey or ham for lunch!
Get The Recipe
10
Creamy Pumpkin Tortellini Photo
Nancy Piran
Creamy Pumpkin Tortellini Recipe
Creamy Pumpkin Tortellini is the simple supper your fall menu needs. This light, creamy sauce has just the right flavor profile to match up to pumpkin!
Get The Recipe
11
Pumpkin Mojito Photo
Dan George
Pumpkin Mojito Recipe
Pumpkin Mojito will be your new Fall drink. The pumpkin and mint combination will surprise you!
Get The Recipe
12
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Soup Photo
Allison Ruth
3-Ingredient Pumpkin Soup Recipe
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Soup brings together the flavors of Fall. In one delicious soup.
Get The Recipe
13
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce Photo
Nancy Piran
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce will have you licking the bowl! That sauce is soooooooo good.
Get The Recipe
14
Boozy Pumpkin Chai Latte Photo
Shanna Schad
Boozy Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
Boozy Pumpkin Chai Latte is just the right amount of warmth you need. Sip in front of the fire after skiing.
Get The Recipe
15
Whole Grain Pumpkin Pancakes Photo
Urvashee Patel
Whole Grain Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
These whole grain pumpkin pancakes are packed with flavor and easy to make. Give your everyday pancakes the perfect twist for the fall season.
Get The Recipe
16
Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding Photo
Jennie Phaneuf
Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding brings a comforting pudding to Pumpkin Week. You’ll be amazed at this healthy dish.
Get The Recipe
17
Hot Pumpkin Pie Cocktail Photo
Kristan Roland
Hot Pumpkin Pie Cocktail Recipe
Hot Pumpkin Pie Cocktail just became the happy ending to your autumn evening. A comforting dessert and cocktail!
Get The Recipe
18
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Photo
Taylor Kiser
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Recipe
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is a nice change from the traditional! You’ll love the sweet, savory flavors that come out of this sauce.
Get The Recipe
19
Pumpkin Spice Granola Photo
Stacey Mebs
Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe
This homemade pumpkin spice granola is so easy to make – pair it with some yogurt for the perfect healthy breakfast or snack! You’ll love the extra crunch of pumpkin seeds.
Get The Recipe