Related categories
Arla Homemade
Pumpkin recipes
Take a look at Arla’s pumpkin recipes. Get new ideas for delicious homemade dishes with pumpkin and start cooking great food for the whole family to enjoy.
Pumpkin recipes 31
Pumpkins are some of autumn’s greatest treasures. Their golden flesh, sweet nuttiness, and smooth texture make them a favourite seasonal ingredient, lending themselves to countless dishes. We are talking everything from warm soups to hearty mains and tasty desserts. Here are some scrumptious recipes and ideas using butternut squash, red kuri, and other pumpkins to showcase this seasonal favourite at its best.
Butternut squash recipes
Looking for the best butternut squash recipes? This sweet, nutty vegetable is easy to peel, full of flavour, and very versatile. Its velvety texture makes it perfect for blending into creamy soups, tossing into salads, or serving as an impressive main. Whether you are after a quick side dish or a show-stopping centrepiece, these recipes will give you plenty of tasty inspiration.
Butternut squash in the oven
Something as simple as roasting butternut squash in the oven can yield the greatest sides. This version combines cumin and chilli seasoning for subtle warmth, creating wedges that caramelise beautifully in the oven. The outside turns golden with just a hint of crispness, while the inside softens into a buttery, almost creamy bite. Serve them hot alongside roasted meats or fold them into grain salads. 
Air fryer butternut squash
If you love the taste of roasted butternut squash, the air fryer is your new best friend. Our lightly seasoned air fryer butternut squash fries turn out perfectly in a matter of minutes, with wonderfully crisp edges. Sprinkle on garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat, then serve them with a yoghurt dip or sriracha mayo. They are excellent as a snack, a side dish for grilled meats, or a crunchy addition to salads. But they taste just as good straight from the basket.
Butternut squash risotto
A little patience is all it takes to make a creamy butternut squash risotto that tastes like something you would order at your favourite restaurant. Sweet squash purée blends right into the rice, making every bite rich and velvety. Finish it off with plenty of Parmesan for that savoury depth that pulls everything together. It might need a bit of stirring and attention, but the payoff is definitely worth it.
 Butternut squash quiche
This butternut squash quiche embraces autumn like no other. Its buttery shortcrust pastry is baked until crisp and golden, ready to hold a filling of roasted butternut squash purée enriched with cream, eggs, and a hint of sage. Cubes of tangy white cheese melt into the mixture, while roasted hazelnuts add a bit of crunch.
Try having a look at our collection of butternut squash recipes to find one that is perfect for your next dinner.
Red kuri squash recipes
Red kuri squash has a way of making any dish feel special. Its teardrop shape and bright orange-red skin catch the eye, while the sweet, chestnut-like flavour and creamy texture make it a dream to cook with. It is just as at home in a rustic soup as it is in an elegant main, and it brings a bit of autumn warmth to the table. These red kuri squash recipes show how to make the most of it, whether you are after something simple or a little more impressive.
Pumpkin quiche
This pumpkin quiche is all about cosy flavours in a crisp, golden pastry. Roasted red kuri squash, earthy spinach, and tangy cheese come together in a smooth, savoury egg filling, with just a touch of paprika and cumin for a subtle warmth. Enjoy it for both brunch and dinner.
Red kuri soup
When the weather calls for something warming, this easy, 30-minute red kuri soup comes knocking with both comfort and character. The red kuri squash is left unpeeled, so you get all that vibrant colour and delicate nuttiness in every spoonful. The soup is finished with cream and served with diced apple for brightness and roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Best ever pumpkin soup recipes
Pumpkin soups are synonymous with autumn, and here we have rounded up our favourite for you to try this season. Creamy, naturally sweet, and endlessly adaptable. Here are some of the tastiest ways to enjoy pumpkin soup.
Butternut squash soup
This classic needs no introduction. This butternut squash soup gets its sweetness from roasted squash, a savoury note from onion and stock, and just the right amount of seasoning to bring it all together. It is quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner with friends or family. Serve with plenty of crusty bread and a swirl of cream.
Butternut squash soup with coconut milk
Rich butternut squash soup with coconut milk boasts a luscious texture and a hint of tropical sweetness. Add a squeeze of lemon and a few chilli flakes for brightness and heat, and you have a delicious soup without the complicated hassle that usually follows. Finish it off with fresh thyme, a dollop of crème fraiche, and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for the full experience.
Roasted pumpkin soup
We associate autumn with the aroma of vegetables roasting in the oven, and this roasted pumpkin soup turns that feeling into a bowl of pure comfort. Red kuri, juicy tomatoes, and onions caramelise as they bake, drawing out a natural sweetness that blends beautifully with garlic and fresh herbs. Once puréed with vegetable stock and a splash of cream, the texture becomes luxuriously smooth, balanced by the bright freshness of basil. Elegant starter? Cosy main? Your choice.
Delicious pumpkin sides to try
No autumn feast is complete without a few extras. Think crunchy sides, flavourful toppings, and tasty surprises that instantly elevate your meal. Here are some pumpkin sides to get you inspired.
Roasted pumpkin seeds
One of the joys of cooking is turning leftovers into something scrumptious, as with roasted pumpkin seeds. Instead of discarding those seeds, give them a quick rinse, toss them with butter and spices, and roast until they are golden and crackling with crunch. You can sprinkle them over soups, salads, and grain bowls for an irresistible textural contrast.
Sweet and sour pumpkin
For those who love bold flavours, this sweet and sour pumpkin is an absolute delicacy. Cubes of tender pumpkin are simmered in a fragrant brine of apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger, with a touch of chilli for gentle heat. It pairs well with a tapas spread, you can toss it into salads, or spoon it onto grain bowls.
Hasselback pumpkin
Hasselback is not just for potatoes; this clever trick turns a whole butternut squash into a stunning autumn centrepiece. Thin, even slices are fanned open and brushed with melted butter, while fresh sage leaves tuck between the layers to infuse a gentle herbal aroma as it bakes. Once tender and golden, the Hasselback pumpkin is topped with toasted hazelnuts, creamy white cheese, and pomegranate seeds. Perfect for a festive dinner, a show-stopping side, or even as the main event when you want something seasonal and sensational.
Pumpkin purée
This pumpkin purée is the building block of countless pumpkin recipes, from pies and muffins to savoury sauces. Roasted until soft, then blended with butter and a hint of spice, it is smooth, golden, and bursting with flavour. Keep a jar in the fridge, and you will find endless uses for it. Swirl it into soups, mix it into risottos, or even fold it through pancake batter.
Pumpkin spice
Pumpkin spice is basically autumn in a jar. This mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice brings instant warmth to whatever you add it to. Stir it into your coffee, sprinkle it over porridge, or add it to cakes and cookies for that unmistakable spiced aroma. Make a batch and you will never run out of ways to enjoy it.
Pumpkin bread recipes
Bread lovers, rejoice. Pumpkin has more to offer than just pies and soups. Their natural sweetness and dense texture make them ideal for baking golden loaves and soft buns. These recipes are perfect for breakfast spreads, seasonal brunches, or as a side to hearty autumn soups. Here are two ways to bring pumpkin into your breadbasket:
Pumpkin bread
This pumpkin bread strikes the perfect balance between sweet and hearty, with a soft crumb enriched by pumpkin purée. Its subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with salted butter or a dollop of cream cheese. Enjoy it for breakfast, pack it into lunchboxes, or serve it as a rustic side to a warming bowl of soup.
Pumpkin buns
These ​​pumpkin buns are shaped like a tiny pumpkin with delicate slits and a playful stem on top. Their warm, sweet aroma fills the kitchen, inviting you to break into their soft, pillowy crumb. Made with earthy red kuri and creamy skyr, these buns are mildly sweet with a touch of honey and a subtle richness from butter. They are exemplary for a Halloween spread, and if you are summoning recipes for this spooky time of year, you can also explore our ​​fantastic Halloween food ideas.
Pumpkin pasta recipes
Pasta and pumpkin could very well be your new favourite duet. The pumpkin adds creaminess and a gentle sweetness that makes sauces richer and pasta extra silky. Perfect for cosy weeknight dinners or when you want to serve something impressive without hours in the kitchen.
Butternut squash pasta
This ​​butternut squash pasta is autumn’s answer to creamy carbonara. Roasted squash blends into a velvety sauce enriched with cream cheese and Parmesan, coating every piece of pasta with subtle sweetness. Crispy sage leaves bring an aromatic crunch, while a squeeze of lemon at the end keeps everything bright.
Pumpkin gnocchi
These ​​pumpkin gnocchi put the vegetable’s natural sweetness to good use. The dough is soft but sturdy enough to hold its shape, turning golden and crisp at the edges when sautéed in butter. They take a little effort, but the payoff is big; perfect for when you want to impress without getting into anything too complicated.
Pumpkin recipes for dessert
If you have only thought of pumpkin in savoury terms, these desserts will change your mind. From towering cakes to elegant treats, each recipe offers a different way to bring pumpkin perfection to the table.
Pumpkin pancakes
​​​Pumpkin pancakes are a seasonal twist on a beloved classic, bringing together the comforting sweetness of red kuri with warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. These golden, fluffy pancakes are perfect for breakfasts or even as finger food at festive gatherings. Finish them with classic toppings like syrup, cinnamon sugar, or diced apples for a burst of freshness. 
Carrot and pumpkin cake
Our ​​carrot and pumpkin cake packs in all the autumn flavours with cinnamon, ginger, and sweet vanilla sugar. Grated carrot and pumpkin keep it moist and give it a rich colour, while cream cheese frosting with a hint of lemon zest adds the perfect tang. Garnish it up with edible flowers or keep it simple for an everyday teatime treat.
Pumpkin pie
​​​Pumpkin pie never goes out of style, and for good reason. The filling is rich and custardy, delicately spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and baked until just set. Its buttery, flaky crust provides the perfect contrast to the smooth pumpkin filling. Serve it with lightly whipped cream and pumpkin seeds for an American-inspired dessert.
Pumpkin dessert
This elegant ​​pumpkin dessert is super easy to pull off. Sweet pumpkin purée, flavoured with cinnamon and a hint of orange, gets layered with fluffy vanilla cream and topped with caramelised nuts for crunch. It is light, creamy, and ready in under 20 minutes, so you get something seasonal and special without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for a dinner party or just when you feel like treating yourself.
Pumpkin cupcakes
Our ​​pumpkin cupcakes pack all the best autumn flavours into one tasty bite. The batter combines grated pumpkin and apple for a moist, tender crumb, with warm cinnamon and sweet brown sugar in the mix. They are topped with cream cheese frosting and a little lemon zest, plus a sprinkle of pistachios. Perfect for cosy afternoons, festive tables, or Halloween celebrations, these cupcakes are true seasonal favourites.
Pumpkin recipes for dinner
Pumpkin is well-suited for taking centre stage, so here comes a few beloved pumpkin recipes for dinner. These mains are hearty, satisfying, and brimming with seasonal flavour. Whether you are planning an intimate dinner or a family gathering, they are bound to deliver comfort and elegance in equal measure.
Pumpkin flammkuchen
Our ​​pumpkin flammkuchen is a vibrant twist on the classic Alsatian flatbread, perfect for when you want something quick yet impressive. A crisp, paper-thin base is layered with spiced cream cheese, sweet pumpkin slices, earthy beetroot, and sharp red onion for a colourful, autumn-inspired combination. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish works beautifully for lunch, a light dinner, or even a casual evening with friends.
Stuffed butternut squash
​​​Stuffed butternut squash is a spectacular-looking dish, brimming with colours and delicious ingredients. The squash halves are roasted until tender, then piled with a filling of quinoa, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. Ideal for a vegetarian main that does not compromise on flavour.
Butternut squash casserole
To some, ​​butternut squash casserole may be one of the heartiest, most soothing dinner options out there. Cubes of squash and potato mingle with sautéed leeks, fresh herbs, and a rich cream-egg mixture, then everything is finished with a bubbling cheese crust. That means layers and layers of creamy tenderness under a crisp, savoury lid.
Butternut squash curry
This Indian-inspired ​​butternut squash curry is made for those of us who love a warm meal with warm flavours. Tender squash pieces simmer in an aromatic sauce made of coconut milk, tomatoes, and warm spices, while lentils absorb the many delicious notes found in the curry. It is comforting, wholesome, and packed with bold ingredients. Enjoy it with steamed rice and warm naan for scooping up every last drop.
Learn all you need to know about pumpkin types
Do you know your way around pumpkins, both in the kitchen and in general? Jump into our ​​article about pumpkin and learn all you need to know. We will walk you through the differences between ​​butternut squash, ​​spaghetti squash, ​​red kuri squash, and ​​Halloween pumpkin. They all have their own shapes, sizes, flavours, and textures, and knowing what is what not only helps you choose the right one for your recipe, but also sparks new ideas in the kitchen.
Related categories