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A white pumpkin is still a pumpkin, so you can cook it, carve it, decorate with it, or turn it into puree just like you would with an orange one.
If you’ve been staring at a white pumpkin on your porch and wondering what to do with a white pumpkin besides letting it sit there looking pretty, you’re in luck.
These pale beauties are edible, long-lasting, and honestly a little more versatile than people give them credit for.
In this post, we’ll walk through what to do with a white pumpkin, from roasting it in the kitchen to using it as fall decor, and share a few creative ideas you probably haven’t tried yet.
Let’s get into it.
What to Do With a White Pumpkin: The Basics
When you’re figuring out what to do with a white pumpkin, it helps to know what you’re working with.
White pumpkins, often called “ghost pumpkins,” come in varieties like Baby Boo, Lumina, and Casper.
Some are bred purely for looks, but most are absolutely edible and taste very similar to classic orange pumpkins, just slightly sweeter and less stringy in some cases.
So what to do with a white pumpkin really comes down to two paths: eat it or display it.
And honestly, you can do both.
1. Cook and Puree It
One of the best things to do with a white pumpkin is treat it like any pie pumpkin.
Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast it face down at 375°F for about 45 minutes until the flesh is fork-tender.
Once it cools, scoop out the insides and blend them into a smooth puree.
That puree works beautifully in pies, muffins, soups, and even pumpkin butter.
2. Roast the Seeds
Don’t toss those seeds when you’re deciding what to do with a white pumpkin.
Rinse them, toss them with olive oil and salt, and roast at 300°F for about 15 minutes.
They make a crunchy snack and taste just as good as seeds from orange pumpkins.
3. Carve or Paint It for Decor
If you’d rather not cook your white pumpkin, use it as decor instead.
A white pumpkin makes a stunning canvas for carving, and the pale skin contrasts beautifully with a lit candle inside.
Or skip the knife and paint it, decoupage it, or add metallic accents for an elegant fall centerpiece.
Creative Ideas for What to Do With a White Pumpkin
Beyond the basics, here are some fun, creative answers to what to do with a white pumpkin.
1. Make a White Pumpkin Centerpiece
Stack a few white pumpkins of different sizes on a cake stand with some eucalyptus and fairy lights.
It’s an easy, elegant centerpiece for a fall table, and it lasts for weeks.
2. Use It as a Planter
Hollow out a medium white pumpkin, line it with a small plastic cup, and plant succulents or mums inside.
It’s a charming way to use a white pumpkin as a seasonal planter.
3. Bake White Pumpkin Bread
If you’re still wondering what to do with a white pumpkin in the kitchen, try pumpkin bread.
Use the puree you made earlier in your favorite recipe, and the result is a moist, lightly sweet loaf that’s perfect with coffee.
Tips for Choosing and Storing Your White Pumpkin
Knowing what to do with a white pumpkin starts with picking a good one.
Look for a firm, heavy pumpkin with a sturdy stem and no soft spots.
If you plan to eat it, choose a smaller variety labeled as edible, like Baby Boo or Lumina.
Store it in a cool, dry spot, and it’ll last for weeks, whether you’re displaying it or saving it for cooking.
If you carve it, keep it out of direct sun so it holds up longer.
So, What to Do With a White Pumpkin?
What to do with a white pumpkin really comes down to eating it, decorating with it, or both.
You can roast it, puree it, bake with it, carve it, paint it, or turn it into a planter.
The options are wide open, and none of them require much effort.
Hope this post gave you plenty of ideas for what to do with a white pumpkin, whether you’re in a cooking mood or just want a pretty fall display.