Pumpkin Everything: Thanksgiving Recipes Beyond the Pie

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and pumpkin season is in full swing! While pumpkin pie is a staple at the holiday table, this versatile ingredient can go far beyond dessert. From savory gratins to fluffy muffins, there’s no shortage of ways to incorporate pumpkin into your Thanksgiving menu. Using disposable foil pans for baking not only simplifies your prep and cleanup but also ensures that your dishes bake evenly, making them perfect for serving or gifting.

Here Are 8 Pumpkin-Inspired Recipes To Try This Thanksgiving

1. Pumpkin Bread

This moist and flavorful classic is a must-have for any fall gathering. Mix pumpkin puree with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a loaf that bakes beautifully in a foil loaf pan. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for breakfast or as a snack for your guests.

Colored 2 lb. Closable Foil Loaf Pan

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a foil loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, sugars, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the foil pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

2. Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked pumpkin muffins. Top them with a crumbly streusel made from brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for an extra layer of sweetness.

Low Dome 4 Compartment Plastic Muffin Container

Ingredients for Muffins:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup sugar

Ingredients for Streusel:

• ½ cup flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter, cold and cubed
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a foil muffin pan with liners or grease it.
2. Mix dry ingredients for muffins in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin, oil, eggs, and sugar until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
3. For the streusel, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cut in butter until crumbly.
4. Fill muffin cups two-thirds full with batter and sprinkle with streusel.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

3. Savory Pumpkin Gratin

Turn pumpkin into a creamy, savory side dish with this gratin. Baked to perfection in a medium foil casserole dish.

13"x 9"x 2" All Purpose Disposable Pan

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. pumpkin, peeled and sliced thinly
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium foil casserole dish.
2. Arrange pumpkin slices in the dish.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, cream, Parmesan, sage, salt, and pepper. Pour over pumpkin.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

4. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

For those who can’t choose between pie and cheesecake, pumpkin cheesecake bars are the perfect hybrid. These bars slice and serve beautifully.

8" Square Disposable Aluminum Pan

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and butter, and press into the bottom of a foil square pan.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and mix well.
3. Pour filling over the crust and bake for 40-45 minutes until set. Cool before slicing.

5. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Give your mac and cheese a festive twist by adding pumpkin puree to the cheese sauce. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and velvety texture, while the foil pans ensure even heating for a bubbly, golden crust.

Half Size Disposable Steam Table Pan - Deep

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 tbsp. flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until cheese is melted.
4. Combine sauce with pasta and transfer to a greased foil pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

6. Pumpkin Risotto Casserole

Take the hassle out of stirring risotto by turning it into a baked dish. Combine arborio rice, pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, and Parmesan cheese in a foil baking dish for a hearty, hands-off option.

9" Round Handistax Take-out Container

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix rice, broth, pumpkin puree, cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper in a foil baking dish.
2. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Stir, then bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

7. Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Perfect for dessert or breakfast, these bite-sized treats are baked instead of fried. Roll them in cinnamon-sugar straight out of the oven and bake in individual foil mini-muffin pans for a no-fuss approach.

Disposable 6 Cup Muffin Pan

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a foil mini-muffin pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, whisk pumpkin, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
3. Spoon batter into pan and bake for 10-12 minutes. Roll warm donut holes in cinnamon sugar.

8. Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Transform stale bread into a decadent dessert by soaking it in a pumpkin custard mixture. Add raisins, walnuts, or even chocolate chips for extra flair, then bake in a disposable foil pan.

5 lb. Oblong Carryout Pan 

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed stale bread
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a foil baking dish.
2. Combine milk, pumpkin, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Add bread cubes and raisins, tossing to coat.
3. Transfer to the pan and bake for 40-50 minutes until set.

Conclusion

Pumpkin is a versatile and festive ingredient that deserves a starring role in your Thanksgiving menu, beyond just the classic pie. From savory gratins to sweet treats like muffins and bread pudding, there are countless ways to celebrate the season’s favorite flavor. Pairing these recipes with disposable foil pans makes baking and serving effortless, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday with loved ones.

So, this Thanksgiving, embrace the pumpkin craze and wow your guests with dishes that are as easy to prepare as they are to devour. Whether you're hosting a feast or bringing a dish to share, these recipes will make your holiday memorable and delicious. Happy baking!