17 Savory Pumpkin Recipes That Bring Fall to the Dinner Table

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Photo: Blaine Moats

These savory pumpkin recipes deserve just as much room on your holiday menu as pumpkin dessert recipes. In these dishes we blend the subtle flavor of pumpkin into delicious pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, and even a pumpkin salad.

01 of 17

Gluten-Free Pumpkin-Parmesan Risotto

Gluten Free Pumpkin-Parmesan Risotto
Jason Donnelly

Add a taste of pumpkin to dinner tonight without making a whole pumpkin-centric main dish by scooping this warm, creamy risotto onto your plate. If you're planning an Italian night, you could serve this savory pumpkin appetizer recipe before getting started on your main meal. We kept this dish gluten-free so everyone at your table can enjoy.

02 of 17

Pumpkin Black Bean Bake

Pumpkin Black Bean Bake
Andy Lyons

Put a seasonal spin on savory tamale pie by stirring fresh pumpkin in with ground beef, black beans, and corn. One you top all that goodness off with a fluffy corn bread topper, this pumpkin casserole recipe is practically irresistible. You can even add a little spice by spooning on a juicy jalapeño and olive relish.

03 of 17

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Blaine Moats

Hold onto your hats—mac and cheese just got a grown-up upgrade. Rich pumpkin adds to the classic flavor with help from a creamy blend of Fontina cheese, whole milk, and whipping cream. Laced with aromatic fresh sage, it's an indulgent savory canned pumpkin recipe that's way better than the boxed version.

04 of 17

Curry Pumpkin Soup

Curry Pumpkin Soup
Andy Lyons

Pumpkin spice and curry make a sweet and spicy statement in this savory pumpkin soup. Canned pumpkin keeps things extra creamy, while a citrus-cranberry sprinkle makes a colorful topper. Grab your Dutch oven and make a big batch for a chilly fall night!

05 of 17

Cheesy Bean and Rice Bites with Pumpkin-Sage Sauce

Cheesy Bean and Rice Bites with Pumpkin-Sage Sauce
Karla Conrad

Perfect for a holiday meal (or anytime you're craving a yummy pumpkin dinner recipe), these fluffy Parmesan-studded bites of cannellini beans and brown rice get a crunchy coating from panko crumbs and chopped walnuts. A delicious blend of smooth pumpkin and fragrant sage sauces up these rice balls. Serve as an appetizer for a special meal, or add them to your holiday dinner menu as a savory pumpkin side dish.

06 of 17

Pumpkin, Bean, and Chicken Enchiladas

Pumpkin, Bean, and Chicken Enchiladas
Blaine Moats

Spiced with jalapeño and smothered in fresh pico de gallo, these are the chicken enchiladas you love turned into an easy savory pumpkin recipe. We add canned pumpkin to mimic the squash often used in Mexican cuisine. It makes for a heartier enchilada and adds subtle nutty flavor.

07 of 17

Pork and Pumpkin Noodle Bowl

Pork and Pumpkin Noodle Bowl
Andy Lyons

Take pasta beyond noodles and sauce with juicy pork, sweet red onion, and creamy spoonfuls of pureed pumpkin. Toss in some blue cheese for a little tang. If you're not a fan of canned, you can turn this into a savory fresh pumpkin recipe by using one cup of pureed pumpkin.

08 of 17

Sopa de Pepitas

Sopa de Pepitas (Pumpkin Seed Soup)
Jason Donnelly

Save your pumpkin seeds! This pumpkin soup recipe is filled with fresh pumpkin flavors, and you can make sure everyone at your dinner table knows it by topping it with more pumpkin seeds. Each slurp of this fall soup is creamy and rich, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro takes it over the top.

09 of 17

Pumpkin, Barley, and Sage Soup

Pumpkin, Barley, and Sage Soup
Andy Lyons

For this smooth, savory pumpkin soup, we took a page from the dessert book and paired pumpkin with maple syrup for subtle sweetness. The traditional fall flavors taste delicious with hearty andouille sausage and barley. You can even add tart flavors to the mix by topping this recipe with a few slices of green apple.

10 of 17

Roasted Pumpkin, Arugula, and Dried Cherry Salad

Roasted Pumpkin, Arugula, and Dried Cherry Salad
Jason Donnelly

The gorgeous colors of this roasted pumpkin recipe make it a must-have for your holiday table, and the blend of flavors will make it an annual tradition. Tangy dried cherries and peppery arugula perk up the velvety richness of roasted pumpkin, while a maple vinaigrette adds a splash of sweetness. Be prepared to pass this savory pumpkin dish around the table a second time!

11 of 17

Pumpkin-Tortilla Casserole with Chicken

Pumpkin-Tortilla Casserole with Chicken
Jason Donnelly

Just another casserole recipe? Think again. Layers of tortillas, cumin-spiced pumpkin, and a fiery jalapeño sauce combine for a new take on casserole. Roasted pumpkin seeds top off this cheesy, savory pumpkin dinner recipe.

12 of 17

Pumpkin Soup with Lentils

Pumpkin Soup with Lentils
Andy Lyons

Get the fresh fall flavor of pumpkin in a quick and easy dinner. This spiced pumpkin soup with lentils is done in no time, and it's so satisfying on a chilly day. Serve a crusty slice of bread on the side so you can soak up every last drop of this savory pumpkin soup recipe.

13 of 17

Roasted Pumpkin Guacamole

Roasted Pumpkin Guacamole
Reed Davis

Pumpkin combines with fresh avocado for a dip that's perfect for fall. This pumpkin appetizer recipe gets a pick-me-up in the form of jalapeno, lime, and garlic. It's lighter than traditional guacamole, but you'll be just as satisfied with this easy recipe.

14 of 17

Cinnamon-Roasted Chicken with Pumpkin-Sage Grits

Cinnamon Roasted sliced Chicken with Pumpkin-Sage Grits on plate

Cinnamon-rubbed chicken stars in this sophisticated pumpkin dinner recipe with roasted chicken. For a dreamy side, we transformed classic grits into a savory mash with melted cheddar cheese and canned pumpkin. It's as comforting as a scoop of mashed potatoes, but this savory pumpkin side tastes just like fall.

15 of 17

Pumpkin, Chickpea, and Red Lentil Stew

Pumpkin, Chickpea, and Red Lentil Stew
Blaine Moats

No matter the season, this savory pumpkin recipe will transport you to fall. Chunky pumpkin and hearty chickpeas simmer in a thick, ginger-spiced broth, while chopped peanuts and cilantro bring to mind your favorite Thai dish. Add a dollop of yogurt on top of this pumpkin stew to give it a touch of creaminess before you dig in.

16 of 17

Roasted Pork Tacos with Pumpkin Seed Sauce

Roasted Pork Tacos with Pumpkin Seed Sauce
Reed Davis

Fiesta night just got better, thanks to a colorful taco spread including a mouthwatering roasted pumpkin recipe. Top juicy pork tacos with the works: Pickled red onions, pink radishes, and roasted pumpkin guacamole. This dish can serve as finger food at a party, or you can make them into a main meal.

17 of 17

Pumpkin Fall-afel

skillet with pita flatbread and pumpkin falafel patties
Jacob Fox

This creative take on classic falafel starts with canned pumpkin and chickpeas. Spice up the mix with garlic, cilantro, and cumin. Form into patties and pan-fry until golden. Serve this pumpkin dinner recipe with Greek yogurt, fresh cucumbers, and lemon wedges.

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