10 savory pumpkin appetizers to serve this Thanksgiving

When we think of pumpkin, we often think of sweet treats like pumpkin pie, the fabled Starbucks’ PSL, and a whole host of other treats. But why not go savory instead?

Fall is the perfect time to try delicious seasonal dishes that celebrate the harvest. What better way to do so than adding pumpkin into your holiday lineup of meals to serve? With such a versatile gourd at your disposal, we encourage you to think outside of the box and try something savory this Thanksgiving. Yes, the flavor of pumpkin can be whipped into a sweet dessert (and yes, lattes) but our savory tastebuds deserve some pumpkin love too.

These 10 dishes are some our favorite savory dishes that use this seasonal ingredient to its maximum potential.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Soup can be a versatile dish to begin with and adding in a creamy and thick pumpkin flavor makes it perfect for Thanksgiving. And thanks to this recipe, you get a soup that is savory perfection for not just the fall, but all winter long.

Get the recipe here: Cafe Delites

5 Ingredient Pumpkin Alfredo

With just five ingredients, you get an amazing pasta dish that will wow even the pickiest of eaters this Thanksgiving. Not only is this a rich and creamy Alfredo dish with a lot of flavor, but the addition of the pumpkin gives it another layer of flavor that is hard to resist.

Get the recipe here: Pinch of Yum

Pumpkin Quesadillas

When it comes to a savory dish that is out of the box and delicious, these quesadillas hit the spot. While we often think of a much simpler dish when it comes to the quesadilla (cheese, meat, and maybe some vegetables), this recipe will blow you away with its flavor combinations (walnuts, goat cheese, and pumpkin) and ability to steal the show.

Get the recipe here: Rachel Ray Magazine

Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a staple of the Thanksgiving dinner table, but if you want to liven things up with savory and sweet flavors, then these are a must make. Mashed potatoes are a fairly easy recipe, but this concoction kicks things up a few notches with a number of flavor combinations (we suggest Worcestershire Sauce over the miso paste suggestion).

Get the recipe here: Steamy Kitchen Recipes

Pumpkin Gnocchi

Gnocchi is a great starter dish for any meal, and with this easy recipe, you will become an expert and making these from scratch. And what seals the deal is the light sauce that you add over the gnocchi that accentuates the pumpkin flavor without drowning it out.

Get the recipe here: Recipes from Italy

Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are often a staple of parties and get-togethers, but sometimes they can be a bit boring. However, if you do a bit of substitution with your filling mix (cut back on mayo and add in pumpkin puree), you will liven these little eggs up. Who knows — this may become a permanent addition to your Thanksgiving menu.

Get the recipe here: Apron Strings

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food, especially when it is baked, and makes a great dish to add to any Thanksgiving dinner. And adding pumpkin to the cheese sauce, topping it with bacon, and of course baking it, makes this dish a creamy, savory bite of perfection.

Get the recipe here: The Cookie Rookie

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells might not seem like a Thanksgiving ready offering, but with the addition of the pumpkin puree to the ricotta mix, these become the perfect fall dish. And the bonus of this recipe is the fact that by using less cheese in the filling, you save on calories, fat, and even cholesterol.

Get the recipe here: Country Living

Pumpkin, Basil, Goat Cheese, and Fig Tart

Tarts are a great appetizer choice, and with the seasonal ingredients at the heart of this dish, you will find yourself wanting to make this for every get together this season. With vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this tart will change the way you look at Thanksgiving this season.

Get the recipe here: Local Food London

Vegan Pumpkin Basil Pinwheels

Not only are pinwheels a great choice for any appetizer course, but these are also easy to make and of course vegan-friendly. These pinwheels are loaded with flavor and are both creamy and delicious, which is why they make out holiday table often.

Get the recipe here: Elephantastic Vegan

Whether you try one or all of these savory pumpkin dishes, we think you will fall in love with these appetizer-friendly offerings. From unique pasta dishes to tarts and pinwheels, there is something for everyone. We think you’ll fall in love with these savory dishes, and want to add them your feast every Thanksgiving from now on.