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.

Pumpkin Soup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
