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Best Pumpkin Recipe for Thanksgiving

When you think about Thanksgiving, you likely picture turkey, mashed potatoes, and of course, pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie is a traditional Thanksgiving dessert that many people love, but that doesn’t mean it has to show up on your plate year after year. There are a few alternatives that are attractive options for your next Thanksgiving meal.

Pumpkin is actually a fruit and not a vegetable. Pumpkins can grow to be very big; the largest on record clocked in at more than a thousand pounds, which is simply astonishing! There are around 26 kinds of pumpkin, and they are available in a variety of colors, including blue and pink.

Pumpkin can be used in a variety of dishes. Of course, it is great in a pie. But it is also delicious in salads, soups, and more. For example, pumpkin ravioli and pumpkin risotto are both great side dishes for your Thanksgiving meal. Thanksgiving offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin. While pumpkin pie remains a classic favorite, exploring a variety of pumpkin recipes can elevate your holiday feast. Here are seven of the best pumpkin recipes to make your Thanksgiving celebration unforgettable.

Best Pumpkin Recipe for Thanksgiving
Pumpkin pie is a beloved dessert at Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Here is a recipe for a Classic Pumpkin pie

Ingredients

  • 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend pumpkin puree with sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture looks smooth.
  3. Prepare Pie Crust: Place the unbaked pie crust in a pie dish, trimming and crimping the edges as needed.
  4. Pour Filling: Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
  5. Bake Initial: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to set the crust.
  6. Reduce Heat: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a knife near the center, which should come out clean.
  7. Cool Pie: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack, giving it time to set.
  8. Serve: Slice the pie and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Best Pumpkin Recipe for Thanksgiving
Classic Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Cheesecake

pumpkin cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin. This delightful dessert will surely become a hit at your Thanksgiving celebration.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. Beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth in a large bowl.
  2. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
  5. Mix the pumpkin mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
  • Place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
  • Bake for 60-70 minutes until the center sets and a knife inserted comes out clean.
  • Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

  1. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld.
  3. Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.
Best Pumpkin Recipe for Thanksgiving
Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin Soup

Warm up your Thanksgiving feast with a comforting bowl of pumpkin soup. This flavorful, creamy soup makes a perfect starter for your holiday meal, setting a cozy and festive tone for the celebration.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Roasted pumpkin seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Step 2: Add Pumpkin and Spices
    Mix in the pumpkin puree, then pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine. Add ground cumin, ground coriander, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  • Step 3: Blend the Soup
    Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot if using a regular blender.
  • Step 4: Add Cream
    Pour in the heavy cream and stir until fully incorporated. Cook the soup for another 5 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Step 5: Serve
    Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this holiday soup.
Best Pumpkin Recipe for Thanksgiving
Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread brings the flavors of fall to your Thanksgiving table, offering a delicious and comforting treat that everyone will love. Here’s how to make this moist and flavorful bread.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and water.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Fold in the nuts or chocolate chips if using.
  5. Fill Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Best Pumpkin Recipe for Thanksgiving
Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Ravioli

Pumpkin ravioli makes a delicious and impressive main course for Thanksgiving. Follow this recipe to create a dish that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and sage for a truly memorable meal.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
10 fresh sage leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough

Combine flour and salt on a clean surface.
Create a well in the center and add eggs and olive oil.
Mix the eggs and oil with a fork, gradually incorporating the flour until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Mix pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough into four portions.
Roll each portion into a thin sheet using a pasta machine or rolling pin.
Place small spoonfuls of filling spaced evenly apart on two of the dough sheets.
Brush the edges around the filling with water.
Place the remaining dough sheets over the filled sheets.
Press around each filling mound to seal the edges.
Cut into individual ravioli squares using a pasta cutter or knife.

Step 4: Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the ravioli and cook for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface.
Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add sage leaves and cook until the butter turns golden brown.
Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve the Ravioli

Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet with the sage-butter sauce.
Toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and crispy sage leaves.

Best Pumpkin Recipe for Thanksgiving
Pumpkin Ravioli

Pumpkin Risotto

Delight your guests this Thanksgiving with a rich and creamy pumpkin risotto. This comforting dish combines the savory taste of Parmesan with the warmth of pumpkin, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
    Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
    Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    Step 2: Toast the Rice
  • Add Arborio rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains with oil.
    Cook for about 2 minutes, until the rice becomes slightly translucent around the edges.
    Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
  • Pour in the dry white wine and stir continuously until the wine evaporates.
    Step 4: Cook the Risotto
  • Add a ladleful of warm vegetable broth to the rice mixture and stir until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
    Continue adding the broth one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently, until the rice is creamy and cooked through. This process should take about 18-20 minutes.
    Step 5: Add Pumpkin and Seasonings
  • Stir in the pumpkin puree, grated Parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, and ground nutmeg.
    Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Step 6: Finish and Serve
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Best Pumpkin Recipe for Thanksgiving
Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin Muffins

Celebrate Thanksgiving with these delicious pumpkin muffins. They offer a perfect blend of warm spices and moist pumpkin, making them an ideal treat for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

  • Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • If desired, fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Use a spoon or scoop to fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

  • Place the muffin tin in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  • Remove the muffins from the oven. Let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best Pumpkin Recipe for Thanksgiving
Pumpkin Muffins
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Conclusion

These seven pumpkin recipes offer a delightful array of traditional and innovative dishes to elevate your Thanksgiving gathering. Whether indulging in classic pumpkin pie or savoring savory pumpkin ravioli, each recipe highlights the versatility and delectable flavors of this seasonal favorite. Embrace the joy of cooking and sharing these dishes with your loved ones, as you create cherished memories around the table. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with warmth and culinary delight!

FAQs

1. What makes this pumpkin recipe perfect for Thanksgiving?

This pumpkin recipe combines the classic flavors of pumpkin pie with a modern twist, creating a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress your guests during the Thanksgiving feast.

2. Can I make any substitutions in the recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe provides specific ingredients, feel free to customize it to suit your preferences. You can experiment with different spices, alternative sweeteners, or even gluten-free flour for those with dietary restrictions.

3. How far in advance can I prepare this pumpkin pie?

You can make the pumpkin pie ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for a convenient option when planning your Thanksgiving meal.

4. Can I freeze the pumpkin pie for later?

Yes, you can freeze the pumpkin pie for up to a month. Ensure it is tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and freshen it up with a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

5. I’ve never made a cheesecake before. Is it difficult?

Not at all! This recipe provides simple step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. As long as you follow the recipe closely and use quality ingredients, you’ll achieve a creamy, decadent cheesecake layer that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin filling.

author avatar
Finn Anderson
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