The Versatility of Pumpkin in Autumn and Winter Cooking
Pumpkin is a beloved ingredient that brings a unique blend of sweetness and earthiness to both desserts and savoury dishes. Its versatility allows it to shine in a variety of forms, from roasted to pureed, making it a staple during the cooler months. Whether you’re looking for a hearty soup, a comforting pie, or an elegant main course, pumpkin can be transformed into something truly special.
Roasted pumpkin is particularly popular, offering a rich and satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with a range of ingredients. It can be used in dishes like ravioli, where it’s combined with labneh and hazelnuts, or coated in a spicy curry sauce for a bold twist. For those who prefer their pumpkin on the sweet side, pies and tarts are a classic choice. A savoury pumpkin, goat’s curd, and thyme tart makes for a perfect picnic dish, while a traditional pumpkin pie is always a hit.
When the weather turns colder, pumpkin soups become a go-to comfort food. These creamy and warming dishes are easy to prepare and offer a delightful way to enjoy the season’s bounty. With so many options available, there’s no shortage of ways to incorporate pumpkin into your autumn and winter meals.
Top Pumpkin Recipes for 2026
Here are some of the best pumpkin recipes to try this season:
- Spiced pumpkin creams with gingerbread crumb
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Spread pumpkin in a small roasting pan, add 100ml of water, cover tightly with foil, and roast until very tender (50 minutes to 1 hour).
- Pumpkin, taleggio and pancetta rolls
These salty-sweet buns are a delicious and unique take on traditional rolls.
- Lamb ragù pappardelle with pumpkin
Combining slow-cooked lamb with pumpkin and pasta creates a warm and comforting bowl of food.
- Oven-roasted Thai curry with pumpkin and tofu
Prep for 15 minutes and let the oven do the rest of the work for a quick and tasty meal.
- Stracciatella and pumpkin risoni with roast chilli oil
This pumpkin risoni is velvety, aromatic, and laced with heat, making it a certified winter warmer.
- Red lentil dhal with roast pumpkin and curry-leaf brown butter
Golden roast pumpkin crowns this soul-warming dhal, offering a rich and flavorful experience.
- Kolokithopita (Greek pumpkin pie)
Greece’s spectacular coiled-pastry creation is a must-try for anyone looking for a traditional twist.
- Roast pumpkin, labneh and hazelnuts
Lightly roasted pumpkin paired with creamy labneh and hazelnuts is a match made in heaven.
- Enrico Tomelleri’s risotto with pumpkin, Gorgonzola and brown butter
A hearty autumn-friendly dish that’s perfect for transitioning from warm to cold weather.
- A classic cream of pumpkin soup
This soup is super quick to whip up and offers a comforting taste of the season.
- Fred’s pumpkin galette with blue cheese and thyme
“I’d love to attempt the pumpkin galette at Fred’s in Paddington. Can you publish the recipe?” – Jacinta Johnson, Woolloomooloo, NSW
- Miso-roasted pumpkin with farro
A speedy, flavour-packed vegetarian option for weekday dinners.
- Sean Moran’s pumpkin and walnut gnocchi
A very autumnal dish that brings out the best of pumpkin in a fresh and creative way.
- Pumpkin, goat’s curd and thyme tart
Take it outside with this picnic-friendly pumpkin tart that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Mixed seed and spice crêpes with roasted pumpkin
Whether you’re looking for a breakfast-for-dinner option or planning a champagne breakfast, these crêpes are a showstopper.
- Roasted pumpkin with pistachio pesto
“This pesto is so versatile. It goes incredibly well with raw fish or steak, or a shellfish pasta. Pistachio has that beautiful sweetness and I always love using nori in pesto for a bit of flavour background,” says Wood.
- Berbere-spiced pumpkin with broccoli fatteh
This vegan-friendly dish can be served individually as a main or as a side to share.
- Quinoa salad with pomegranate, pumpkin and ashed goat’s cheese
One of our most popular recipes for good reason, this quinoa salad is both nutritious and delicious.
- Caramel pumpkin pie with spelt shortcrust
Make the most of pumpkin’s natural sweetness with this caramel pumpkin pie.
- Pumpkin and ras el hanout soup
A winter-friendly soup turbocharged by this heady North African spice mix.
- Amy Chanta and Palisa Anderson’s choo chee pumpkin
Thai-style roasted pumpkin with curry sauce, from the Chat Thai mother-and-daughter duo.
- Roast pumpkin and fig fatteh with za’atar and whipped feta
Our Levantine-inspired roast pumpkin and fig fatteh recipe is perfect for autumn cooking and group feasts.
- Etta’s tamari-roasted pumpkin, sunflower and horseradish
This stunning dish is powerful enough to take a place among the main courses in a banquet or could be served as a side to roasted or grilled meat.
- Pumpkin ravioli with sage brown butter
A combination that’s a classic for good reason, offering a rich and indulgent taste.
- Polenta with roast pumpkin, speck and almonds
What winter comfort food is made of — this dish is a true delight.
