22 pumpkin recipes for those who think they've tried everything (but half of them you wouldn't believe existed)

Thursday 5 February 2026 15:30 - Mirella Mendonça
22 pumpkin recipes for those who think they've tried everything (but half of them you wouldn't believe existed)

Pumpkin is one of those discreet stars of the kitchen: economical, nutritious and incredibly versatile.

It goes well in recipes that are light or creamy, sweet or savory, simple or surprising. It can become a starter, main course, dessert and even a drink, not to mention the seeds, which make a crunchy snack full of flavor.

In this article, you'll discover how to make the most of this ingredient with ideas to suit all tastes.


1. Starters, salads and snacks that prove it goes far beyond soup

Pumpkin is one of those ingredients that embraces the dish without stealing the show - versatile, nutritious and full of color. If you think it only goes with hot, full-bodied dishes, it's time to change your mind. Roasted, grilled or in well-seasoned raw cubes, it also shines in light, fresh and surprising recipes. Delicate starters, creative salads, healthy snacks... all with the sweet, earthy flavor of pumpkin as the protagonist.

Pumpkin croquettes in airfryerRecipe Pumpkin croquettes in airfryer

Looking for a tasty fall dish that will wow everyone? Then you can't miss our pumpkin croquettes cooked in an air fryer ! With just a few simple and easy-to-find ingredients , you can whip up a delicious vegetarian recipe perfect for any...

Pumpkin chips in airfryer: light and tastyRecipe Pumpkin chips in airfryer: light and tasty

If you are looking for an original , refined yet healthy snack , pumpkin chips in air fryer are the ideal choice. The natural sweetness of pumpkin , enriched with black pepper, is transformed into an irresistible treat that impresses from the...

Creamy pumpkin and feta dip with a touch of honeyRecipe Creamy pumpkin and feta dip with a touch of honey

An irresistible combination of flavors and textures, pumpkin pâté with feta cheese and honey is a sophisticated and comforting option for appetizers and starters . It's perfect with bread , toasts or even as a filling for sandwiches ....

Baked pumpkin and chickpeas with rosemary and fetaRecipe Baked pumpkin and chickpeas with rosemary and feta

A simple way to prepare baked pumpkin. You will get a melting texture perfect to eat with meat or fish, or alone. With crunchy chickpeas, aromatic rosemary, and melting feta cheese, this dish creates the perfect combo! This recipe yields enough to fill...

Lentil, butternut, red cabbage, beet and parsley salad (perfect for fall/winter)Recipe Lentil, butternut, red cabbage, beet and parsley salad (perfect for fall/winter)

We love salads so much we had to make a fall/winter one! So we swap our raw vegetables for seasonal vegetables by combining red cabbage, beet and butternut squash with lentils and parsley. An easy to make, quick and vegetarian recipe . Eat...

Ricotta, butternut and egg toastsRecipe Ricotta, butternut and egg toasts

Perfect for a brunch, you will enjoy these toasts topped with ricotta, butternut, and egg. Easy to make, you can also enjoy them with a mixed salad for a meal :-) A colorful and vegetarian meal guaranteed!




2. Main dishes with pumpkin: creamy, golden and flavorful recipes

When it becomes a main course, pumpkin shows all its comforting power. It gives body to risottos, creaminess to pastas, structure to savory pies and even replaces meat with great dignity. From the oven to the stove, in vegetarian recipes or as an adjunct to meats and cheeses, it is always a guarantee of deep flavor, velvety texture and a mouth-watering look. A humble ingredient that turns any meal into something special.

Pumpkin with shrimps - the brazilian "camarão na moranga"Recipe Pumpkin with shrimps - the brazilian camarão na moranga

How about sharing a delicious dish with family today? As autumn begins, the cold weather makes us crave comfort food. To warm up our plates, we bring you this recipe from Brazil: Camarão na Moranga. A hollowed pumpkin filled with a shrimp marinade....

Creamy pumpkin gnocchi with cream cheese and crunchy walnutsRecipe Creamy pumpkin gnocchi with cream cheese and crunchy walnuts

Homemade pumpkin gnocchi are paired with a creamy dressing made with Philadelphia cheese and crunchy walnuts for a fall dinner with an intense, enveloping flavor. The cream cheese enhances the sweetness of the pumpkin , while the chopped walnuts...

Vegetarian pumpkin "meatloaf" with mushrooms and stringy scamorza cheeseRecipe Vegetarian pumpkin meatloaf with mushrooms and stringy scamorza cheese

Pumpkin cake with mushrooms and scamorza cheese is an easy and flavorful vegetarian meal, perfect for fall lunches and dinners . Made with a soft dough of pumpkin and potatoes , enriched with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for a firm texture, it...

Fresh butternut pasta with only 2 ingredientsRecipe Fresh butternut pasta with only 2 ingredients

Fresh butternut pasta is the perfect example of a simple, delicious recipe :) With just two ingredients - butternut puree and flour - you can make an easy and original homemade recipe , without the need for sophisticated equipment. Butternut, with...

Pumpkin tatin with goat's cheese and honeyRecipe Pumpkin tatin with goat's cheese and honey

Let yourself be tempted by this pumpkin tatin with goat's cheese and honey , a real autumn delight! Melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin, creamy goat's cheese and a touch of sweet honey combine perfectly for a result that's both sweet and savory . This...

Vegetarian gratin with butternut squash, parmesan and mozzarella - pumpkin parmigianaRecipe Vegetarian gratin with butternut squash, parmesan and mozzarella - pumpkin parmigiana

You'll love this pumpkin version of the famous Italian parmigiana, a gratin with layers. Here you'll have thin layers of sweet butternut squash slices, with melting mozzarella cheese, topped with a crust of parmesan cheese. We added rosemary for...

Pumpkin pie, for a simple and effective mealRecipe Pumpkin pie, for a simple and effective meal

Are you tired of eating pumpkin in soup ? Try it in a pie ! We can promise you that you will not be disappointed! A vegetarian quiche that's super easy to make, don't forget to accompany it with a mixed salad for an effective meal. And if you have...

Pumpkin and sausage meat pastaRecipe Pumpkin and sausage meat pasta

We offer you a new topping idea for your pasta ! And believe us, you too will fall for this slightly sweet combination thanks to the addition of pumpkin. It will also be an opportunity to cook this squash in another way than velouté or simply...

Butternut burgers (without bread!)Recipe Butternut burgers (without bread!)

How about using butternut squash other than in soups and purees? Swap your bread for slices of butternut in your burgers! Rich flavors guaranteed ;-) For the filling of your hamburger, we let you choose the ingredients that make you crack. Here, we...

Butternut squash tartiflette - a cheese and bacon delightRecipe Butternut squash tartiflette - a cheese and bacon delight

Looking for ideas to cook butternut squash? Forget about soups and purées, try this butternut tartiflette! An easy recipe that requires only 4 ingredients. A great alternative to the classic tartiflette. Here, we enjoy replacing traditional potatoes...

Vegan quinoa stuffed butternut squash with pomegranateRecipe Vegan quinoa stuffed butternut squash with pomegranate

A delicious and colorful winter meal that is gluten-free and vegan, perfect for the whole family. This recipe combines the sweet orange flesh of butternut squash with the vibrant red of pomegranate seeds and the freshness of coriander, making it a...


3. Pumpkin desserts: homemade, creamy and spicy sweets

The natural sweetness of pumpkin shines through in desserts with surprising delicacy. It combines like few others with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, creating fragrant, comforting sweets with that home-made touch that warms the soul. Whether it's in moist cakes, creamy puddings, jams or even frozen desserts, pumpkin shows that it also knows how to end a meal on a high note - and with a lot of flavor.

Chocolate and butternut squash cakeRecipe Chocolate and butternut squash cake

You have just prepared a soup or a butternut gratin but you still have some squash left on your hands. It must be said that she had a fairly substantial size too! To use your leftover butternut , we won't offer you savory recipes... but rather a...

American pumpkin pie - video recipe !Recipe American pumpkin pie - video recipe !

For the holidays, what's best than this traditionnal american pie ? Have pumpkin as dessert, for sure you'll love it !

4. Pumpkin drinks: lattes, drinks and vitamins in one sip

Yes, pumpkin can also be drunk - and in style. It gives body to smoothies, warmth to lattes with spices, perfume to drinks with rum or cachaça and even an extra charm to natural juices. Creamy, smooth and slightly sweet, it transforms any sip into an unexpected moment of comfort and originality.

Pumpkin cider spritz, the spicy cocktail with pumpkin spice syrup!Recipe Pumpkin cider spritz, the spicy cocktail with pumpkin spice syrup!

As you know, we love the Spritz cocktail! Whether with limoncello , pomegranate or even elderflower , this aperitif can be adapted endlessly and to all seasons. Today, we offer you a version with fall and winter flavors, based on pumpkin spice...

Pumpkin spice latte with homemade pumpkin spice syrup!Recipe Pumpkin spice latte with homemade pumpkin spice syrup!

You must have seen the Starbucks “ Pumpkin spice latte ” trend, right? Today you will discover how to make this super comforting and spicy drink to spend the winter warm in front of your favorite series :-) The best part of this drink is obviously...

Homemade pumpkin spice syrup, perfect for your fall/winter drinksRecipe Homemade pumpkin spice syrup, perfect for your fall/winter drinks

Transform your pumpkin purée into a delicious pumpkin spice syrup to enhance your drinks! With its notes of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, this syrup will be perfect for making the recipe for the famous "Pumpkin spice latte" , a delicious latte made...


Extra: What to do with pumpkin seeds?

Once you've prepared your pumpkin recipes, don't throw away the seeds! Toasted with a little olive oil and seasoning, they become a crunchy, nutritious and incredibly versatile snack. Sprinkled over soups, salads or served as a snack, they're a delicious way to make the most of everything, without any waste - and with that artisanal touch that only home cooking has.




Mirella MendonçaMirella Mendonça
I am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.

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