Pumpkin is everywhere during fall, but if you’re still only thinking about pie, you’re missing out. This versatile little gourd can do way more than just sweet treats. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick or a dish that screams “I’m ready for fall,” savory pumpkin recipes are where it’s at. From soups to salads and even pasta, pumpkin’s stepping out of the pie dish and into your dinner rotation.
Pumpkin Herb Cheeseball
A pumpkin-shaped herb cheeseball that’s perfect for your fall appetizer spread. Serve it at your next party and let your guests dig in with crackers or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Herb Cheeseball
Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash
A pumpkin and cauliflower mash that’s creamy and comforting, without being too heavy. Perfect for those looking for a lighter side dish that still brings out all the fall flavors.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash
Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole
Layers of tortillas, pumpkin, and cheese come together in this easy casserole. It’s a great fall meal for the whole family, packed with savory pumpkin goodness and just the right amount of spice.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole
Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage
This creamy pumpkin barley dish is hearty and full of fall flavor, with a bit of chew from the barley and savory sausage to tie it all together. A faster alternative to risotto without sacrificing any taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage
Pumpkin Potato Soup
Throw everything into a blender and you’ve got yourself a creamy potato and pumpkin soup. Simple, fast, and perfect for when you need a savory fall soup in no time.
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Pumpkin Stuffed Shells
These pumpkin stuffed shells bring together sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a savory fall pasta dish. It’s cozy, comforting, and great for a weeknight dinner.
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Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip
This creamy pumpkin goat cheese dip with caramelized onions is a great addition to any party spread. Serve it with crackers, fruits, or veggies for a savory pumpkin bite everyone will love.
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Pumpkin Seed Nut Bread
Hearty and packed with pumpkin seeds, this nut bread makes for a great snack or side. It’s dense, chewy, and perfect for fall.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Seed Nut Bread
Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta
This creamy pumpkin garlic pasta is a perfect savory dish to welcome fall. Quick to make, it’s loaded with rich flavors that go beyond the usual pumpkin pie spice.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta
Coconut Canned Pumpkin Soup
Need something fast but flavorful? This coconut curry canned pumpkin soup is your answer. No blender, no fresh veggies, just straight-up easy and ready in 10 minutes. A perfect reminder that pumpkin can shine in a savory dish.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Canned Pumpkin Soup
Thai Pumpkin Curry
This Thai Pumpkin Curry brings the bold flavors of coconut milk, red curry paste, and lime together with pumpkin in a way that’ll change how you think about it. It’s a great option when you’re looking to throw together a quick and tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Pumpkin Curry
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
This creamy pumpkin pasta sauce is packed with flavor from sage, garlic, and a touch of nutmeg. It’s a quick sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, reminding you that pumpkin is a fall favorite for more than just pie.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Creamy Pumpkin Risotto
A comforting, creamy pumpkin risotto that comes together in about 30 minutes. The canned pumpkin and sage make it a perfect savory dish to enjoy all fall long.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin Leek Soup
Pumpkin and leek team up for a smooth, puréed soup that’s quick and easy to whip up. This savory take on pumpkin proves it’s more than just a sweet ingredient for the season.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Leek Soup
Garlic Pumpkin Cheesy Bread
This cheesy bread is loaded with a garlic pumpkin cream sauce, making it a standout for any meal. Using store-bought dough keeps it simple, but the pumpkin makes it extra special.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Pumpkin Cheesy Bread
Healthy Pumpkin Curry Paneer
This pumpkin curry paneer skips the heavy cream for a lighter, vegan-friendly option. The pumpkin and cashew-based gravy brings a rich, savory flavor that’s perfect for a fall meal or special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Pumpkin Curry Paneer
Savory Ricotta and Pumpkin Pinwheels
These savory ricotta and pumpkin pinwheels are the perfect snack or appetizer, with just a touch of sweetness from the pumpkin. Quick to make and perfect for any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Savory Ricotta and Pumpkin Pinwheels
Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
Roasted pumpkin and ricotta fill these baked pasta shells with a rich, creamy goodness. The crispy edges and warm filling make it a crowd-pleasing, savory pumpkin dish.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
Creamy Gnocchi with Pumpkin Sauce and Bacon
Gnocchi gets a fall makeover with this creamy pumpkin sauce and crispy bacon. It’s a quick, comforting meal that’ll have you loving pumpkin for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Gnocchi with Pumpkin Sauce and Bacon
Pumpkin Galette
Forget dessert—this pumpkin galette is a savory treat that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving spread or a casual fall dinner. Flaky crust meets rich pumpkin filling for a dish that’s more than just pie.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Galette
Pumpkin Black Bean Burgers
Pantry staples come together in these easy black bean and pumpkin burgers. With just a few ingredients, you can have a savory veggie burger without even needing to hit the store.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Vegan Burgers with Pumpkin
Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad
Roasted pumpkin and beets make this salad both filling and flavorful. Tossed with leafy greens and a tangy mustard vinaigrette, it’s a fresh, savory way to enjoy pumpkin.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad
Cod Curry with Pumpkin
This cod curry brings a rich pumpkin-tomato sauce into the mix, with spinach and perfectly cooked cod. A great way to get your pumpkin fix in a savory, unexpected dish.
Get the Recipe: Cod Curry with Pumpkin
Kale Pumpkin Salad with Feta and Pesto Dressing
Pumpkin shines in this kale salad, paired with feta and a simple pesto dressing. It’s quick, healthy, and full of fall flavor, all ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Kale Pumpkin Salad with Feta and Pesto Dressing
Slow Cooker Pumpkin, Chickpea & Lentil Curry
Let your slow cooker handle this hearty pumpkin, chickpea, and lentil curry. Full of bold spices and fall flavors, it’s the perfect dish to cozy up to after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pumpkin, Chickpea & Lentil Curry
Chicken and Pumpkin Risotto
This chicken and pumpkin risotto brings all the savory fall flavors into one comforting dish. Don’t let the risotto intimidate you—it’s on the table in under an hour, making it a great weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pumpkin Risotto
Chicken Drumsticks with Pumpkin Seed Sauce (Pipian Rojo)
Baked chicken drumsticks get a flavorful twist with a rich Mexican pumpkin seed sauce, also known as “pipian rojo.” It’s a savory pumpkin dish that’s perfect for shaking up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Drumsticks with Pumpkin Seed Sauce (Pipian Rojo)
Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Simple and easy, these spiced roasted pumpkin seeds make for a great snack. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and a good way to use up every part of the pumpkin.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Pumpkin Risotto with Shrimp
This pumpkin risotto with shrimp is a savory take on a fall favorite. It’s quick, coming together in 30 minutes, and the shrimp gives it that extra boost of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto with Shrimp
Easy Thai Pumpkin Chicken Curry
A red curry that brings out the best in pumpkin, this Thai-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Creamy, spicy, and loaded with flavor, it’s a great way to mix pumpkin into a savory meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Pumpkin Chicken Curry
Pumpkin Shaped Gnocchi
These gnocchi are not just shaped like pumpkins—they’re filled with savory pumpkin flavor. Tossed in a brown butter sage sauce, they’re a great dish to impress for a fall dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Shaped Gnocchi
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.