Come October, pumpkins are ubiquitous. Good thing, too, because this versatile squash works well in both sweet and savory dishes. Use the shell of fresh pumpkin as a bowl and the flesh in pastas, casseroles, and soups. Canned purées add warm fall flavor to pies, cakes, and breads. Even pumpkin seeds make an appealing crunchy garnish.

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Seared Scallops with Pumpkin & Herbed Orzo

This stunning dish gets a double dose of pumpkin. Tender chunks of the sautéed flesh are stirred with orzo and the dish is finished with a sprinkling of chopped roasted pumpkin seeds.

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Pumpkin-Pecan Cake with Brown Sugar & Bourbon Glaze

This make-ahead pumpkin cake’s warm spices are complemented by bourbon or Cognac and the crunch of sweet candied pecans.

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Pumpkin Stuffed with Everything Good

A favorite among squash lovers, this all-in-one main makes a gorgeous centerpiece for any fall dinner.

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Pumpkin Bread Pudding

If you’ve got a can of pumpkin purée, a loaf of day-old bread, and a well-stocked spice cabinet, you’ve got the makings of a truly comforting dessert.

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Pumpkin Soup with Sage & Gruyère Croutons

Large sage-laced Gruyère croutons offer a crunchy contrast to this silky, creamy soup made with fresh pumpkin.

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Pumpkin Seed, Walnut & Blueberry Muesli

Toasted pumpkin seeds are a welcome addition to any fall granola or muesli. To make it a meal—it’s wonderful for breakfast or lunch—simply serve with milk or yogurt and top with honey.

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Pumpkin Enchilada Casserole

Pumpkin gets spicy in this versatile main that includes a red chile sauce and poblano-pepita salsa.  As written, you’ve got a company-worthy dish that’ll please vegetarians. Or, you could make excellent use of leftover turkey by adding it to the filling.

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Pumpkin, Sweet Potato & Coconut Pie

A riff on a classic, the pumpkin pie here is paired with complementary flavors. Pumpkin and sweet potatoes give the custard filling a mellow sweetness while the coconut milk adds a third layer of subtle flavor.

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Pumpkin-Quinoa Soufflé

A perfect soufflé is a work of art: puffed and light as air. This one’s made more far more healthy and hearty with a sweet-savory pumpkin purée and featherweight quinoa in the mix.

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Olive Oil Pumpkin Bread

You'll get double the pumpkin in this good-for-you quick bread. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm flavor to a smooth pumpkin purée and the pumpkin seed garnish adds a little texture and crunch. 

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Pasta with Pumpkin, Sausage & Cavolo Nero

A hearty fall dinner, this pasta dish is a wonderful way to incorporate fresh pumpkin into a simple but thoroughly satisfying weeknight meal.

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Pumpkin Pie with a Leafy Rim

This classic pie is a holiday tradition and likely the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a sweet pumpkin dessert. It’s an annual fall must-make.

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Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Purée

The pumpkin shell, used here as a serving vessel, makes for a dramatic presentation, and the orange and thyme highlight the dish’s sweet-savory character.

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Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake

Not crazy about pie, but need a pumpkiny dessert? Pumpkin cheesecake is a luxurious twist on traditional pie. This one features a spicy gingersnap crust.

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