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Extra pumpkin can be turned into soups, pies, muffins, and casseroles, or frozen, roasted, and even used for skincare.
If you’re staring at a counter full of leftover pumpkin after Halloween or a big fall harvest, you’re not alone.
The good news is there are plenty of things to do with extra pumpkin, and most of them are simple, practical, and delicious.
In this post, we’ll look at what to do with extra pumpkin, including easy ways to cook it, preserve it, and even use it around the house.
Let’s dive in.
What To Do With Extra Pumpkin: Delicious Ways To Use It Up
What to do with extra pumpkin is a question that has plenty of tasty answers.
Here are some of the best ways to put all that extra pumpkin to good use in the kitchen.
1. Roast It And Freeze It For Later
One of the easiest things to do with extra pumpkin is to roast it and stash it in the freezer.
Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast it face down at 375°F until the flesh is tender.
Then scoop out the flesh, mash it, and freeze it in cup-sized portions.
That way you’ll have extra pumpkin ready for pies, soups, and smoothies whenever a recipe calls for it.
2. Make A Warm Pumpkin Soup
There’s nothing quite like a creamy pumpkin soup when the weather turns cool.
If you have extra pumpkin sitting around, soup is one of the first things to do with it.
Sauté some onion and garlic, add chunks of pumpkin and broth, then simmer until everything is soft.
Blend it smooth and finish with a splash of cream or coconut milk for a comforting meal.
3. Bake Pumpkin Pies, Muffins, and Breads
Extra pumpkin was practically made for baking.
You can use it to make pies, muffins, pancakes, or a classic pumpkin bread.
Mashed pumpkin adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to baked goods, so it’s a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree.
Just swap it in for part of the oil or butter in your favorite recipes to keep things moist and flavorful.
4. Throw It Into Casseroles and Curries
If you’re wondering what to do with extra pumpkin beyond baking, look to savory dishes.
Cubed pumpkin works beautifully in casseroles, curries, and stews.
It soaks up spices and adds a hearty texture to any dish, so you can stretch a meal and use up extra pumpkin at the same time.
5. Blend It Into Smoothies
Yes, you can absolutely use extra pumpkin in smoothies.
Add a spoonful of mashed pumpkin to your morning smoothie along with banana, cinnamon, and yogurt.
It’s a sneaky way to use leftover pumpkin and give your drink a creamy, seasonal twist.
Ways To Preserve Extra Pumpkin So Nothing Goes To Waste
If you have more extra pumpkin than you can eat this week, preserving it is the way to go.
These methods let you hold onto your extra pumpkin for months.
1. Freeze Pumpkin Puree
Freezing is the simplest way to preserve extra pumpkin.
Puree the cooked flesh and freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label the portions so you know exactly how much extra pumpkin you have on hand for future recipes.
2. Can It In Jars
Canning extra pumpkin takes more effort but pays off in the long run.
If you’re comfortable with pressure canning, you can store pumpkin in jars and pull them out whenever you need it.
Just follow a trusted canning guide carefully to keep everything safe.
3. Dehydrate And Make Pumpkin Powder
Another smart way to use up extra pumpkin is to dehydrate thin slices and grind them into powder.
Pumpkin powder can be stirred into soups, smoothies, or baked goods for a concentrated flavor boost.
It saves space too, which is a win when your extra pumpkin is taking up the whole counter.
4. Donate Or Share It
If you truly have more extra pumpkin than you can ever use, share it with neighbors, friends, or a local food bank.
It’s one of the most generous things to do with extra pumpkin, and someone else will put it to great use.
Creative Uses For Extra Pumpkin Beyond The Kitchen
What to do with extra pumpkin doesn’t have to stop at food.
Here are a few surprising ways to use leftover pumpkin around the house.
1. Feed It To Compost Or Farm Animals
Overripe pumpkin can go straight into your compost pile or be fed to chickens and pigs.
It breaks down quickly and adds nutrients to the soil, so nothing goes to waste.
2. Make A DIY Pumpkin Face Mask
Pumpkin is packed with vitamin A and enzymes, which is why it shows up in plenty of skincare products.
Mix a spoonful of pureed pumpkin with a little honey and yogurt, apply it to your face, and rinse after ten minutes.
It’s a fun, frugal way to use extra pumpkin and give your skin a little glow.
3. Turn It Into A Fall Centerpiece
If your extra pumpkin still looks firm and fresh, don’t be too quick to chop it up.
Small whole pumpkins make lovely table centerpieces, and carved ones can be used as candle holders.
So even before you start cooking, your extra pumpkin can pull double duty as fall decor.
So, What To Do With Extra Pumpkin?
What to do with extra pumpkin comes down to how much time and energy you have on your hands.
You can cook it into soups and pies, freeze it in portions, preserve it in jars, or get creative with it around the house.
Either way, there’s no need to let leftover pumpkin go to waste, because there are plenty of things to do with extra pumpkin.
So pick the options that fit your schedule and enjoy making the most of every last bit.