There are so many things you can do with a leftover pumpkin, from soups to pies to bread.
Here are a few of my favorite recipes for using up that last of the pumpkins.
Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, I’ve got you covered.
Happy cooking.
Make pumpkin soup
Pumpkin soup is so easy to make.
You just need to cut up the pumpkin and cook it, then use an immersion blender to create your soup.
You can add spices and some chicken broth or just leave it as is.
How easy and delicious.
Make pumpkin pie
You’ve probably made a pumpkin pie before, but if you haven’t you’ll find this recipe very helpful.
After roasting the seeds from your pumpkin, you can soak them in salted water then toast them for a great snack.
Make pumpkin ice cream
You can make your own ice cream without an ice cream maker by adding some heavy whipping cream and pumpkin puree (make sure it’s mixed well before adding) to some sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.
Add the mixture to a Ziploc bag and stick it in the freezer.
Flip the bag occasionally to make sure it freezes evenly.
Make pumpkin chili
This is great for leftovers, especially after Thanksgiving.
To make your chili, cut up your leftover turkey, add some beans and corn if you want, along with 1 can of undrained tomatoes, 2 small cans of crushed tomatoes, 1 can of tomato paste, and 2 cans of chicken broth.
Season to taste with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to give it a kick.
Make pumpkin pie sundaes
Pie sundaes are one of my favorite ways to eat leftover pie.
Dollop some vanilla ice cream on top of your pumpkin pie slice and top with syrup, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or anything else you like.
Roast your pumpkin flesh for dinner with some spices
I used to turn my nose up at this idea until I found out how delicious it really is.
After roasting your pumpkin for an hour or two (you may need to flip them over), you’ll get tasty, caramelized chunks of pumpkin that are perfect on their own or mixed into a grain bowl.
Make pumpkin garam masala
This pumpkin curry is perfect when served with rice or roti.
The mixture of spices, ginger, and garlic enhances the flavor and gives it a rich color.
Pumpkin garam masala is an Indian favorite for all who like the exotic taste of the mysterious spices.
You can either roast your pumpkin in cubes or boil them first before adding them to the curry.
Make a spicy pumpkin salsa
This is a great recipe for parties because it can be made ahead of time and served as a snack with tortilla chips or vegetables.
It’s also perfect to serve at Thanksgiving instead of cranberry sauce.
You can use canned pumpkin or leftover roasted pumpkin from Halloween, along with jalapeno pepper, red onion, cilantro, and salt to taste.
Make a pumpkin pie smoothie
Smoothies are such a great way to add healthy ingredients that might be sitting around in your kitchen.
You can add some protein powder or protein-rich Greek yogurt for an extra boost of protein if you’d like.
I used almond milk to sweeten my smoothie, but you can add in any kind of milk you like.
Bake gluten-free pumpkin pancakes
This is a great recipe if you’re looking for something different to do with your leftover pumpkin.
Top the pancakes with maple syrup, cream cheese, peanut butter, butter, or whatever else you like.
Can I freeze pumpkin puree?
Yes.
You can freeze pumpkin puree and it will last for about 3 months.
The best way to freeze it is to first drain the canned pumpkin and mix in some sugar so the taste doesn’t change when you re-heat it.
Put your puree into convenient sizes that you know you’ll use up within a few weeks, then place them in a freezer bag and seal it well so the air is pushed out.
Be sure to label your bags with the date.
You can either boil or roast your pumpkin before freezing it. (source)
Is there a way to cook a whole pumpkin in the oven?
Yes.
Although you can bake whole pumpkins, it’s not really recommended because the flesh tends to have a dry texture.
It’s better to just cook small chunks of pumpkin and roast them in the oven with some spices on them for a great snack.
You can also put your roasted pumpkin into a soup or chili to add some extra richness.
How do I roast pumpkin seeds?
It’s easy to roast pumpkin seeds.
Here is what you need: Pumpkin seeds and a paper towel, salt, and oil (optional).
First, wash your seeds and dry them with a paper towel until they’re completely dry.
Toss the seeds in some salt and oil if you want.
Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden brown.
This might vary depending on the oven, so check them regularly. (source)
What are some recipes for leftover cooked pumpkins?
Leftover cooked pumpkins are a great way to add some extra flavor and richness to your meal.
You can use it in tacos or mix it into a sauce for pasta or pizza.
This is an excellent way to get rid of large chunks that you wouldn’t normally eat.
How long can leftover pumpkins last?
If kept in the fridge, the leftover pumpkin can last about a week.
Be sure to wrap it tightly with plastic or aluminum foil so that it doesn’t pick up other flavors, and keep it away from vegetables that have a strong smell.
You want to eat your pumpkin as soon as possible for maximum flavor and nutrients. (source)
Can I use canned pumpkins in recipes?
Yes.
Canned pumpkins are good to use in recipes because they already have the spices mixed in.
You can also make your own puree out of the fresh pumpkin, which is what most cooks do since it has more flavor.
If you buy a fresh pumpkin, try boiling or roasting chunks for a better texture and taste.
Boiling will give you a softer, more mashed-potato texture while roasting will give you a firmer pumpkin that you can cut into cubes for soup.
Why did my pumpkin pie come out gooey?
It’s possible that the pumpkin pie came out gooey because of an issue with the oven temperature.
It could be too hot, which would cause the filling to be set before baking for very long.
You can also try putting your pie crust on a baking sheet and putting it in the bottom of the oven at 375 degrees for five minutes before you put the pumpkin filling inside.
If you’re using a store-bought crust, be sure to follow the instructions on how long to cook your pie so that it doesn’t burn or turn gooey.
What is the best way to reheat cooked pumpkins?
To reheat cooked pumpkin, you can simply heat it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Make sure to cover it tightly with a lid or tin foil so that all of the moisture stays inside and doesn’t evaporate away.
Another great way to maximize flavor is by adding spices like nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves before you reheat it.
You can also sprinkle in some brown sugar for extra sweetness.
Is pumpkin good for your health?
Yes.
Pumpkins are filled with nutrients that are vital to your everyday life, such as Vitamin C and Potassium.
It’s also high in fiber which helps keep you full so you won’t be tempted to eat between meals.
This is a common problem that can cause you to gain weight if you’re not careful.
Pumpkins are also rich in carotenoids, which are good for your eyesight and help keep your immune system healthy so you don’t get sick as often.
Are roasted pumpkins healthy for you?
Yes, roasted pumpkins are healthy for you.
They’re low in fat and sodium while high in fiber which will help your body stay full longer.
The fiber also helps prevent digestive issues like constipation since it acts like a sponge to suck up excess moisture in the bowels.
Roasting pumpkin seeds for 5-10 minutes at 300 degrees is an excellent way to reap the benefits of pumpkin seeds.
Conclusion
I hope you found the following recipes helpful for your pumpkin dilemma.
Whether you want something sweet or savory, I’ve got all of my favorite ways to use up that last of the pumpkins.
Happy cooking.