Pumpkin gets all the attention in the fall months, but the other types of pumpkin should also be celebrated. This popular fall staple, which comes in several varieties like acorn, butternut, and spaghetti, has a long list of health benefits. For example, according to research, butternut squash may help lower your risk of cancer, while acorn squash is a great source of vitamin C.
Traditional pumpkin recipes, whether made in the kitchen or ordered at a restaurant, can sometimes have heaps of butter, sugar, and salt, making this healthy ingredient a not-so-healthy dish. Fortunately, there are better ways to make this popular fall ingredient right at home without sacrificing taste.
From spicy pumpkin casseroles to smooth soups and irresistible desserts, we’ve put together 20 cozy pumpkin recipes that show what this versatile fall vegetable can do. (Also, don’t miss out on 47 healthy Thanksgiving side dish recipes to make.)
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This time-saving recipe, which uses just a few ingredients, uses a tablespoon of maple syrup to give it a touch of sweetness. With 130 calories per serving, this effortless casserole is the perfect dish for your fall weather recipe sequence.
Get our recipe for sweet roasted butternut squash.
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Courtesy Minimalist Baker
Only eight ingredients are needed for this gluten-free, Spanish-inspired sweet potato and butternut squash casserole that is a breeze. With only 161 calories and 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this delicious dish is the perfect holiday side dish and an ideal recipe for health-conscious cooks.
Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
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Courtesy of I Breathe I’m Hungry
This butternut squash risotto recipe, which has just 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving, gives an Italian classic of home cooking a keto twist. Made with healthy ingredients like grated cauliflower, butternut squash, and fresh sage, this simple but decadent meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Get the recipe from I Breathe I’m Hungry.
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Courtesy Cookie and Kate
Experience the joy of eating deliciously creamy pasta without all the carbohydrates (or cream). This linguine dish uses pureed pumpkin flavored with garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create an incredibly velvety sauce that is healthier than milk-filled versions. For an even more nutritious dish, replace regular pasta with a whole grain version.
Get the recipe from Cookie and Kate.
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Courtesy The Big Mans World
Bet you never thought you’d make a ton of irresistible brownies out of pumpkin. This 3-ingredient fudge brownie recipe, which can be made in under 20 minutes, is grain, sugar, flour, and butter free, making it a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods. All you need is butternut squash puree, almond butter, and cocoa powder.
Get the recipe from The Big Man’s World.
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Courtesy Diethood
Why not make a batch of these garlic parmesan squash chips for your next Netflix night? Made with yellow pumpkin, panko crumbs, and parmesan, this simple snack is much healthier than store-bought ones.
Get the recipe from Diethood.
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Courtesy Cookie and Kate
Acorn squash, dried cranberries, parmesan, and goat cheese combine to make a delicious filling that would rival your mom’s traditional version.
Get the recipe from Cookie and Kate.
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Courtesy Simply Quinoa
This dairy-free, gluten-free ravioli recipe with butternut squash, spinach, and nutritional yeast is a great substitute for heavy, carbohydrate-filled pasta dishes. It also contains 10 grams of fiber per serving, making it a perfect dish for anyone looking for a high-fiber meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.
Get the recipe from Simply Quinoa.
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Courtesy Gimme Some Oven
Made with oatmeal, unsweetened almond milk, and melted coconut oil, these butternut squash muffins are not only delicious, but also healthier than traditional muffins. We also love how easy this recipe is to customize. If you want, you can top these muffins with a homemade cream cheese frosting, for example, or add a few nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise.
Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
Courtesy Well Plated
Is there anything cozier than a casserole? This spaghetti squash casserole, filled with peppers, diced tomatoes, and ground turkey, is a filling dish with just 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving. If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that will keep you full by morning, this might be your first choice – each serving contains a whopping 20 grams of protein.
Get the recipe from Well Plated.
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Courtesy Well Plated
This butternut squash puree, which is very low in carbohydrates and saturated fats, is the perfect accompaniment to cook at home. Serve a healthy meal full of flavor with juicy chicken, baked fish or roasted portobello mushrooms.
Get the recipe from Well Plated.
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Courtesy Ambitious Kitchen
Gentle and easy, this healing butternut squash soup has a whopping 15.7 grams of fiber and 10.5 grams of protein per serving. Prepared as a quick side dish for dinner or served alone with crusty bread, this delicate recipe, seasoned with freshly grated turmeric and yellow curry powder, is a great autumn dish.
Get the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
Courtesy of I Breathe I’m Hungry
This low-carbohydrate, gluten-free butternut squash and fennel gratin is the perfect accompaniment to slow-cooked roast beef dinners. Feel free to skip the blue cheese or use a vegan version if you want to cut down on dairy products.
Get the recipe from I Breathe I’m Hungry.
Courtesy Fit Food Finds
Make the most of your next farmers market with this butternut squash Buddha bowl recipe. This easy-to-prepare lunch (or dinner) is delicious and healthy.
Get the recipe from Fit Foodie Finds.
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Courtesy Minimalist Baker
If you’re looking for a simple fall recipe that will impress your dinner guests, look no further. This creamy, vegan soup made from butternut squash, red lentils and vegetable broth is not only full of nutrients, but also full of flavor. Our favorite part? We love how the hollowed out acorn gourds are repurposed into adorable fall shells that are perfect for holiday entertainment.
Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
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Courtesy Sweet Phi
Pumpkin is not only suitable for roasts and soups, but can also be used to make great cakes. Made with acorn squash, unsweetened coconut milk, and flour, this vegan dessert is an inventive way to use popular fall produce. Bonus: This sweet treat is also healthier than sugar-filled baking versions.
Get the recipe from Sweet Phi.
Courtesy of eating bird seed
If you’re a fan of sweet potato fries then you’ll love this baked version of butternut squash. Made with just two ingredients – pumpkin and salt – this oil-free roasting recipe is a great substitute for the unhealthy fast food variety. Serve with homemade ketchup or creamy yogurt dip for an extra “zing”.
Get the recipe from Eating Bird Food.
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Courtesy The Healthy Maven
While absolutely delicious, traditional macaroni and cheese dishes can be rich and heavy. If you’re looking for an alternative mac and cheese recipe that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture, this is it. If you’d like, you can add other fresh vegetables like cauliflower, peas, and red peppers for an even bigger boost of fiber.
Get the recipe from The Healthy Maven.
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Courtesy Bobbis Kozy Kitchen
Refine your regular toasted pumpkin dishes by using this Toasted Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar Chili pepper recipe instead. Brown sugar “Swerve” and chili powder make the perfect combination of sweetness and spiciness in this delicious side.
Get the recipe from Bobbis Kozy Kitchen.
Courtesy Well Plated
Made with a touch of honey and a mix of carrots, shallots, and pumpkin, this acorn pumpkin soup is the perfect cold weather recipe for cozying up on the couch.
Get the recipe from Well Plated.
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