Surprising Ways to Use Canned Pumpkin for More Than Pie

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2015

Matt Armendariz, 2015

When you crank the lid off a can of pumpkin, the next logical step is to bake its contents into a pumpkin pie, right? Maybe so, but we believe that this creamy ingredient has so much more to offer. Load up on our most-creative ways to put canned pumpkin to use in dishes beyond good old pumpkin pie.

If a tub of hummus is your go-to office snack or party app, just wait until you try Food Network Kitchen’s newly developed Spicy Pumpkin Dip. The already-smooth pumpkin puree unites with blended chickpeas for a creamy spiced dip best scooped up with pita chips.

Food Network Kitchen
Pumpkin-Ginger Smoothie
Healthy Eats
Food Network

Food Network KitchenPumpkin-Ginger SmoothieHealthy EatsFood Network,Food Network KitchenPumpkin-Ginger SmoothieHealthy EatsFood Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Blending velvety ingredients like avocado into smoothies is all the rage, so imagine the results when you do the same with pumpkin puree. With a dose of low-fat yogurt and a glug of apple cider vinegar, our Pumpkin-Ginger Smoothie is a welcome change from the rich pumpkin desserts that fall is filled with.

Lasagna on a White Plate and Brown Place Setting

Lasagna on a White Plate and Brown Place Setting

Robert Irvine’s comforting lasagna comes with a layer of — you guessed it! — pumpkin puree. Featured in Food Network Magazine, this savory Pumpkin Lasagna comes with all of the tomato sauce and cheese that you’d expect, plus one whole cup of pumpkin puree.

Food Network Kitchen's Pumpkin Pie Dessert Dip, as seen on Food Network.

Food Network Kitchen's Pumpkin Pie Dessert Dip, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Pumpkin pie may typically be enjoyed by the slice, but this after-dinner dessert Pumpkin Dip is a whole lot more fun. Scooped up with gingersnap cookies, it tastes so much like pumpkin pie that you might forgo baking a full-blown pie all season.


Food stylist: Anne Disrude
Prop stylist: Marina Malchin

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Food stylist: Anne Disrude Prop stylist: Marina Malchin,Food stylist: Anne DisrudeProp stylist: Marina Malchin

Topped with pumpkin cream and thickened with pure pumpkin from a can, Food Network Magazine’s warming Pork-and-Pumpkin Chili is a super-seasonal way to break from your typical chili routine.

Food Nework Kitchen's Holiday One-Offs, Pumpkin Crumble.

Food Nework Kitchen's Holiday One-Offs, Pumpkin Crumble.

Photo by: Kate Mathis ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Kate Mathis, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

In the same vein, Food Network Kitchen’s Pumpkin Crumble has all of the warming, seasonal elements of classic pumpkin pie, without the laborious process of pie baking. Think of it as one of the simplest ways to satisfy a pumpkin-pie craving — without even making a crust.

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