My 31 Pumpkin Recipes That Get More Love Than The Main Dish

Ever notice how side dishes sometimes steal the spotlight? That’s what happens with this set of 31 pumpkin creations: people keep talking about them long after the main course is gone. It’s almost unfair to the entrée, but once pumpkin takes the stage, the rest of the plate doesn’t stand much of a chance.

A slice of pumpkin roll being sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Pumpkin Roll. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pumpkin Soup

A mouthwatering close-up of pumpkin soup garnished with a swirl of cream, crunchy pumpkin seeds, a crispy slice, and aromatic sage leaves.
Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bowls go empty first when hot Pumpkin Soup comes out creamy and smooth with every spoonful. People ask if there’s more way before the main dish arrives. It feels extra rich but comes together fast on busy nights. Friends always want leftovers next day.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Waffles

Three golden-brown vegan pumpkin waffles stacked on a white plate, with syrup pooling in their square pockets.
Pumpkin Waffles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Breakfast gets bumped way up with fluffy Pumpkin Waffles loaded onto plates before anyone touches bacon or eggs. Those waffles hold syrup like a champ. People rave about how much more fun breakfast feels with them. Weekend plans always include these.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Waffles

Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Close-up of a frosted cookie with a bite taken out, sprinkled with cinnamon, on a parchment surface.
Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dessert trays shine bright stacked with soft Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies right out of the oven. That gooey bite makes folks double up on dessert every time. Cookies come before dinner is even done. Forget the main course with these around.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Pie

A slice of vegan spiced pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon on a white plate.
Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Dessert wins the spotlight when smooth Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Pie lands at the end of the table and gets grabbed first. Dairy-free or not nobody knows the difference. Slices always get smaller just so people can grab two. Requests for the recipe never stop.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Three cinnamon rolls topped with white icing and sprinkled with cinnamon, served on a plate.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Brunch crowds stick close when warm Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls start getting unrolled on the side table. Sticky icing drips down every piece and napkins go missing quick. Friends call dibs on extras for the next morning. Plates get wiped clean here.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

A close-up of several oatmeal cookies stacked and scattered on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the inside texture.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Snack plates get raided once chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies stack up on the counter for sweet breaks all day. They pair with coffee better than the main meal. Cookies pack well for lunch too. People ask for these again.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Pumpkin Pasta

A bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, topped with grated cheese, pumpkin seeds, and sprinkled with herbs.
Pumpkin Pasta. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dinner switches up fast with creamy Pumpkin Pasta heaped onto every plate instead of the usual noodle dish. The flavor stands out from regular sauce so seconds fly quickly. You never see leftovers in the fridge. Pasta night gets taken over.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta

Pumpkin Bars

A group of pumpkin bars with icing on top.
Pumpkin Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert lines run long when sweet Pumpkin Bars get sliced big for snacking at parties. Soft middle and square shape always win over cake. No one wants to trade for pie when these show up. Bars always vanish from the tray first.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin Carbonara

A close-up of a forkful of spaghetti carbonara with crispy bacon bits and garnished with green herbs.
Pumpkin Carbonara. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Spaghetti night gets wild with silky Pumpkin Carbonara spinning up a whole new plate of flavor. That creamy coating surprises the crowd right away. Plates end up cleared so fast you wonder if there’s more. The rest of dinner takes a back seat.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Carbonara

Pumpkin Muffins

A stack of pumpkin muffins in paper liners is arranged on a light surface, with small decorative pumpkins in the background.
Pumpkin Muffins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Mornings cheer up when warm Pumpkin Muffins fill baskets before toast ever has a chance. Soft all the way through you can pack them for lunch without mess. Muffins freeze so well you make extras every time. Nobody cares what else is cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Close-up of a dish of bread pudding with walnuts drizzled with caramel sauce in a white baking dish.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm dishes bring everyone to the table with gooey Pumpkin Bread Pudding scooped out after the meal. That sweet scent fills the kitchen every single time. Friends say it beats any pie or cake you could serve. Bread pudding always wins as a dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Close-up of a slice of pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of caramel on top.
Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Parties get loud with big slices of layered Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake stacked up for serving instead of regular sheet cake. The caramel touch sticks on everyone’s mind. Cuts from this cake never make it back to the fridge. You’ll hear about it till next time.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Close-up of seasoned and roasted meat with crispy edges.
Copycat Honey Baked Ham. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Plates fill up fast with juicy Copycat Honey Baked Ham sitting next to salads but stealing all the attention. That sweet glaze pairs even with side dishes you wouldn’t expect. Slices go quicker than anything else on the buffet. Folks will forget the rest of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Roasted Pumpkin Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Dips take over any tray when orange-tinted Roasted Pumpkin Hummus lands next to crackers and bread. That smooth finish makes pita chips disappear. People love it spread in wraps too. Hummus bowl always scrapes clean.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

Maple Pecan Granola Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Breakfast bowls get loaded with clusters of Maple Pecan Granola Recipe right on top for extra crunch. This mix works on yogurt or just by the handful at snack time. Granola never lasts past the first refill. Mornings win when you’ve got this around.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

Roasted Pumpkin Seed

A white bowl filled with roasted, seasoned pumpkin seeds on a light surface.
Roasted Pumpkin Seed. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Snack bowls run empty with salty Roasted Pumpkin Seed poured out for easy crunch between bites of everything else. Crunching on these makes the wait for dinner way better. Guests always take extra home in baggies. These never last long.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin Seed

Pumpkin Risotto

A close-up of vegan pumpkin risotto, topped with roasted pumpkin slices, sage leaves, and chopped nuts.
Pumpkin Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Plates scoop up buttery Pumpkin Risotto packed with creamy flavor even before the roast is finished. People look for seconds fast so pans always go empty. Leftover risotto keeps fans coming back. Regular risotto just gets left out now.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto

Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

Two slices of pumpkin s'mores pie on a white plate, topped with chocolate chips, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows.
Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crowd pleasers never miss with sticky Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake baked deep for every sweet tooth. Folks line up to cut big chunks while marshmallow oozes around the edge. This beats regular cake for any party. No crumb leaves the pan.
Get the Recipe: Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Soup

Close-up of a bowl of creamy vegan pumpkin soup, garnished with crunchy nuts and vibrant saffron threads.
Vegan Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bowls fill with rich Vegan Pumpkin Soup for a light meal that even non-vegans ask for. Creamy and smooth, it works with every topping you like. Seconds come quick so pot never stays full. This soup runs the show.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies

Close-up of a stack of swirled cookies with a light and dark pattern, showcasing a golden brown color.
Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cookie swaps get fun with twirled Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies laid out for a new look on dessert tables. Sweet swirls make these go first at parties. They travel well so you can pack them up for friends. No need for other cookies when these show up.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Close-up of a muffin with a bite taken out, topped with cream and pumpkin seeds.
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Coffee breaks level up when jumbo Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins land on the table just like the coffee shop. Cream cheese pockets win everyone over at once. They get claimed fast for breakfast too. These make home snack time special.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Pumpkin Pie

A slice of pumpkin pie on a plate with cranberries.
Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Slices get claimed early when thick Pumpkin Pie hits the table straight after dinner. That smooth filling never fails, so you’ve got to grab a piece quick. Even folks who skip dessert sneak bites from your plate. Everyone asks who made it.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Two cupcakes with light brown frosting are shown on a white surface, each in a beige paper liner.
Pumpkin Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dessert stands clear fast after soft Pumpkin Cupcakes show up topped in fluffy layers nobody wants to miss. They hold their shape like bakery treats. Cupcakes outplay any cake in one bite. Plates always go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cupcakes

Vegan Pumpkin Cookies

Several peanut butter cookies with a crisscross pattern on top are arranged on crumpled parchment paper, with some crumbs scattered around.
Vegan Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Snack tables stay busy with chewy Vegan Pumpkin Cookies dotted for sharing and eating by the handful. People don’t even care that they’re vegan—they just taste good. These cookies disappear from lunchboxes too. Ask for extras while you can.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Bread

A close-up of a sliced loaf of pumpkin bread with a light tan glaze dripped over the top. The bread has a moist and textured look, with visible air bubbles throughout.
Pumpkin Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Loaves slice up warm with classic Pumpkin Bread going first in every breakfast spread or packed in lunchboxes. That rich flavor stands strong every time. It keeps soft for days on the counter. People ask for it all week long.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Cheesecake

A person holding a piece of pumpkin cheesecake on a fork.
Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert forks get ready for creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake that makes every other sweet look plain. Rich layers cut smoothly and land heavy on every plate. No one turns this down at parties. Cheesecake always gets all the attention.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake

Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Close-up of freshly baked cookies with nuts on top, arranged closely together.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cookie jars empty out fast when Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans come out of the oven warm and nutty. Each one melts in your hand. Sharing gets hard when you bake these. Friends always reach for more.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Close-up of a Pumpkin Dump Cake, a baked dessert topped with chopped pecans and drizzled with caramel sauce, served in a white dish on a wooden surface.
Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Party crowds grab forks when gooey Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake comes scooped right from the pan. Layers blend smooth and nobody believes how simple it is. Seconds are gone before the main dish gets touched. Dump cake always beats pie.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy pasta garnished with herbs, with a slice of bread on the side; a skillet and a small bowl of roasted vegetables are in the background.
Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Pasta wins the meal with creamy Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese packed on every plate as a crowd-pleaser. The texture fools everyone looking for cheesy comfort. Bowls clear out after seconds every time. Forget any main dish with this showing up.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Close-up of five bright orange physalis fruits placed on a chocolate pumpkin patch brownie surface, garnished with fresh green mint leaves.
Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dessert fans come running for gooey Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake sliced for sharing right off the plate. Chocolate swirls with pumpkin on every forkful. This cake means no leftovers to pack up. Brownies never see the next day.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Pumpkin Roll

A slice of pumpkin roll being sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Pumpkin Roll. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Plates get snapped up the second a big Pumpkin Roll wheels out in pretty spirals for the table. Creamy filling hits just right in each bite. Folks slice off big pieces and ask for more. Dessert’s done when this shows up.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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