Best Pumpkin Recipes

Written by Beth - Budget Bytes

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I freaking LOVE October. Pumpkins, costumes, cider, the smell of fallen leaves, MY BIRTHDAY, and lots and lots of candy… what’s not to love?

In celebration of October and all things pumpkin, I’ve put together this little collection of pumpkin recipes to make your life just a little bit easier. I highly suggest you try each and every one of them. After all, you can’t ever have too much pumpkin, right? What’s the worst that could happen? You turn into a big ‘ol jack-o-lantern, Violet Beauregarde style? Admit it, that would be pretty cool.

1. Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal

Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

It tastes like dessert, but is healthy enough for breakfast! Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal is a great “fix ahead” breakfast option. 
4.86 from 105 votes
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All of the deliciousness of pumpkin pie baked into a healthy breakfast oatmeal. This is the #1 reader-favorite pumpkin recipe. …And I’m not going to argue with that.

2. Mini Pumpkin Pies

close up of mini pumpkin pies with whipped cream

Mini Pumpkin Pies

Make your Thanksgiving dollar go further by using simple pantry staples to make these adorable and affordable Mini Pumpkin Pies!
5 from 10 votes
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These adorable little single-serving pumpkin pies are the best option for any party, Thanksgiving gathering, or if you just want to keep a few for yourself stashed in the freezer for later. ;)

3. Easy Pumpkin Chili

Overhead view of a bowl of pumpkin chili with cheese and tortilla chips

Easy Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin chili is hearty but light and packed with fiber and other nutrients. It's the perfect warm and cozy bowl of fall flavors.
4.95 from 18 votes
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Add a little canned pumpkin puree to a pot of chili makes it extra smooth and rich, without being overly heavy. You’ve got to try this deliciously unique combo!

4. Spicy Coconut & Pumpkin Soup

Spicy Coconut and Pumpkin Soup

This Spicy Coconut and Pumpkin Soup is perfectly balanced with creamy coconut milk, spicy red pepper flakes and pumpkin’s natural subtle sweetness.
4.79 from 14 votes
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This soup is one of my favorite recipes and I regret that it doesn’t get more attention. It’s simple, fast, and incredibly delicious.

5. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

side view of pumpkin smoothie, pumpkins behind it

Pumpkin Smoothie

Forget the PSL, this pumpkin smoothie should be the official drink of October. It's fast, easy, and tastes like a pumpkin pie milkshake!
4.91 from 11 votes
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Seriously SO GOOD. Luckily, October is usually still pretty warm in Louisiana, so I can enjoy this frosty treat for a couple more months to come… It also makes a rather refreshing post-workout treat.

6. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

Pumpkin cream cheese spread is the perfect autumn spread for bagels, toast, graham crackers, or even dipping apples.
5 from 1 vote
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Pumpkin and cream cheese were made for each other. If you’re craving pumpkin-flavored cheesecake, this is a good substitution. You can put it on bagels, crackers, cookies, or just a spoon. It’s gooood.

7. Easy Pumpkin Soup

One bowl of easy tomato soup with sour cream swirled in and a gold spoon in the middle

Easy Pumpkin Soup

This flavorful and easy pumpkin soup takes less than 30 minutes to make and is the perfect simple side for a gooey grilled cheese sandwich! 
4.5 from 20 votes
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If you’re not into the coconut-spiciness of the other pumpkin soup, this is a super easy, basic pumpkin soup recipe. And if you’re feeling creative, this soup is an excellent blank canvas for all sorts of delicious add-ins! (black beans, cauliflower, hot sauce, chipotle, whatever.)

8. Maple Brown Butter Pumpkin Pie

Overhead view of a Maple Brown Butter Pumpkin Pie with a slice cut out, on a plate on the side with whipped cream.

Maple Brown Butter Pumpkin Pie

This Maple Brown Butter Pumpkin Pie is the perfect special touch for your Thanksgiving dinner, without adding a lot of extra work or unusual ingredients.
4.85 from 13 votes
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This pumpkin pie is extra special because it’s made with nutty brown butter and rich maple syrup. The perfect special touch to create all of those perfectly cozy fall-vibes!

9. Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Overhead view of a small wooden bowl with spices

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Make your own homemade pumpkin pie spice from scratch as needed for all of your fall recipes.
5 from 1 vote
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If you can’t find pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice blend at your local grocery, it’s SUPER easy to mix up at home.

10. Curried Lentil and Pumpkin Soup

A spoonful of lentil and pumpkin soup being lifted from the bowl

Red Lentil and Pumpkin Soup

This Curried Red Lentil and Pumpkin Soup is super fast and easy, and will keep you warm from the inside out on chilly fall evenings!
4.71 from 86 votes
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This hearty and flavorful soup is inexpensive, filling, and satisfying. The perfect budget-friendly soup to keep you full and warm through those Autumn nights!

11. Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse

This Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse is a super light and fluffy dessert packed with fall spices and just enough sweetness to balance the pumpkiny flavor. BudgetBytes.com

Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse

This Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse is a super light and fluffy dessert packed with fall spices and just enough sweetness to balance the pumpkiny flavor. 
4.8 from 5 votes
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If you want pumpkin-y goodness but don’t want all the work of making a fresh pumpkin pie, this no-bake cheesecake mousse is it!

12. Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta

Skillet full of smoky, spicy, and creamy Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta.

Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta

This easy tomato-free Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta is smoky, spicy, creamy, and the perfect way to celebrate fall flavors.
4.83 from 23 votes
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This creamy, smoky, and spicy pumpkin sauce is perfect on any type of pasta!

And if you’re carving pumpkins this weekend, make sure to roast those seeds!

Roasted pumpkin seeds in a small black ceramic bowl with pumpkins and leaves on the sides
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5 from 1 vote

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are an easy and deliciously crunchy byproduct of pumpkin carving. A fast, easy, and tasty fall treat!
Author: Beth – Budget Bytes
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 10 ¼ cup each

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Rinse the pumpkin seeds in a colander and remove any remaining pumpkin flesh that may be attached to the seeds. Place the washed pumpkin seeds in a lint-free dishcloth and pat dry (the seeds have a slippery coating and may not feel totally dry).
  • Place the washed and dried pumpkin seeds in a bowl and add the cooking oil and seasoning. Stir until the seeds are well coated. Pour the seasoned pumpkin seeds out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spread them into a single layer.
  • Roast the pumpkin seeds in the preheated oven, stirring every 5-10 minutes, until they are golden brown and have a nutty aroma. Total roasting time will vary depending on the size of the seeds and their moisture level. Allow the pumpkin seeds to cool, then enjoy!

Notes

*Use your favorite high heat cooking oil and your favorite seasoning blend (see notes above recipe for seasoning ideas).
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Nutrition

Serving: 0.25 cup ・ Calories: 78 kcal ・ Carbohydrates: 1.69 g ・ Protein: 3.43 g ・ Fat: 7.05 g ・ Sodium: 138.07 mg ・ Fiber: 0.75 g
Nutritional values are estimates only. See our full nutrition disclaimer here.

Equipment

large enamelware sheet pan
Enamelware Sheet Pan
parchment paper
Parchment Paper
The equipment section above contains affiliate links to products we use and love. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

See the full blog post for roasted pumpkin seeds here.