12 No-Waste Sweet and Savory Recipes That Use a Whole Can of Pumpkin

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies
Photo: Blaine Moats

We use canned pumpkin in everything from pie to mac and cheese (yes, really). However, what we don't love is a recipe that leaves us with leftover canned pumpkin puree. That's why every single one of these is a recipe that uses a whole can of pumpkin. Enjoy this sweet and savory pumpkin recipe collection, knowing you'll have no leftovers.

01 of 12

Double Decker Pumpkin Bread

Double-Decker Pumpkin Bread
Blaine Moats

Sure, you could make a classic pumpkin bread recipe with canned pumpkin. But with a few more ingredients, you can add a swirl of richness in the middle. You'll also appreciate the sweet-tinged spark that the crystallized ginger adds to this recipe.

02 of 12

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Blaine Moats

There's no need to sit at the kids' table to enjoy creamy macaroni and cheese. Thanks to savory canned pumpkin, the kid-friendly classic gets a grown-up makeover.

03 of 12

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies
Blaine Moats

Here's how to turn one can of pumpkin into 60 three-bite desserts! Topped with an irresistible brown sugar icing, these cookies rank as one of our all-time top canned pumpkin recipes. One reviewer wrote, "They're worth five stars—if I could give 'em 10, I would!"

04 of 12

Coconut-Pumpkin Soup

Coconut-Pumpkin Soup
Jason Donnelly

Salty, sweet, nutty, and hot—this canned pumpkin soup recipe pushes all the flavor buttons we love in classic Thai cooking. We also love the way the soup doesn't require a blender or food processor, making it a great choice when you're looking for easy canned pumpkin recipes you can effortlessly pull off at the end of a busy day.

05 of 12

Pumpkin Soup with Lentils

Pumpkin Soup with Lentils
Andy Lyons

If you're looking for healthy canned pumpkin recipes, you've found a winner! Each serving comes in at under 200 calories and contains 11 grams of good-for-you fiber.

06 of 12

Pumpkin, Bean, and Chicken Enchiladas

Pumpkin, Bean, and Chicken Enchiladas
Blaine Moats

Even the most devoted fans of savory canned pumpkin recipes have probably never tried this enchilada recipe. You'll love how pumpkin's autumnal flavor pairs with hot jalapeño peppers, chile powder, and pico de gallo for a healthy and satisfying Mexican-inspired entrée that's oven-ready in 35 minutes.

07 of 12

Pumpkin Football Cakes

Pumpkin Football Cakes
Dana Gallagher

The only thing better than tasty canned pumpkin dessert recipes is tasty canned pumpkin desserts that are adorable too! These too-cute football cakes include a whole can of pumpkin ($4, Target) and make a delicious addition to any game-day tailgate or sports-centric potluck celebration.

08 of 12

Curry Pumpkin Soup

Curry Pumpkin Soup
Andy Lyons

This pumpkin soup made with canned pumpkin is a great choice for holiday entertaining. Serve the luscious fall or winter warmer as a sit-down first course to get everyone into the spirit of the season. Choose a great dinner roll recipe to serve alongside.

09 of 12

Sara's Silky Pumpkin Pie

Sara's Silky Pumpkin Pie
Peter Frank Edwards

Of all the recipes using canned pumpkin in our files, pumpkin pie recipes are always the most popular. Here's one that veers slightly off the beaten path; it calls for sweetened condensed milk for extra rich and silky appeal. But don't worry—the nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves keep this close to the classic pumpkin pie!

10 of 12

Bourbon Pumpkin Bread with Spice Swirl

Bourbon Pumpkin Bread with Spice Swirl
Andy Lyons

Conveniently, this moist pumpkin bread recipe that uses a whole can of pumpkin makes two loaves in classic loaf pans. That means you can give one as a gift and keep one for yourself. Not ready to enjoy your loaf? Freeze it for later. Just be sure to add the optional icing after you've thawed the loaf.

11 of 12

Easy Pumpkin Roasted Red Pepper Mac and Cheese

Easy Pumpkin Roasted Red Pepper Mac and Cheese
Andy Lyons

We've said it before: We're fans of canned pumpkin recipes, whether they're sweet or savory. Here's another stellar example of the latter. It demonstrates how much richness (with a bonus of extra nutrition) canned pumpkin puree can bring to a simple casserole.

12 of 12

Cream of Pumpkin Soup

Cream of Pumpkin Soup
Keller

You've often heard us say "fresh is best," but pumpkin may be the exception. We actually prefer making pumpkin soup with canned pumpkin for the most reliable, silky results. This savory soup is made hearty for winter with the addition of orzo or wild rice.

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