Easy Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins – A Fun & Festive Halloween Dinner!
Introduction
Craving a dinner that’s equal parts delicious and delightful? These Easy Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins are the answer! Mini pumpkins filled with cheesy, savory pizza-inspired goodness make for a festive centerpiece and a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for Halloween dinner or any autumn gathering, this recipe blends seasonal flavors with all the best parts of your favorite pizza, served in an irresistibly cute package.
Why You’ll Love Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins
This dish stands out not just for its playful presentation, but also for its comforting blend of familiar flavors. Roasted pumpkin becomes a tender, subtly sweet bowl for a melty, herb-studded pizza filling—think gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, and zesty tomato sauce. It’s a fun twist that’s bound to excite kids and adults alike and makes mealtime feel like a party.
Building the Ultimate Pizza Filling
The secret to perfect pizza-stuffed pumpkins? Start with a base of quality marinara sauce, mix in your favorite toppings (like pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives), and finish with a generous helping of mozzarella and Italian seasoning. The pumpkin’s mild flavor pairs perfectly with bold pizza fillings and adds an autumn touch. You can even go meatless with extra veggies or add a sprinkle of parmesan for extra depth.
How to Stuff & Bake for Best Results
Begin by hollowing out the mini pumpkins—remove seeds and strings for a clean cavity. Brush the inside lightly with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake them solo for a few minutes to soften, then stuff to the brim with your pizza mixture. Return to the oven so the flavors can meld and the cheese becomes bubbly and golden. The result is a charming, edible pumpkin “bowl” bursting with flavor!
Serving Suggestions for Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins
Serve each pumpkin on individual plates, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. They’re perfect paired with a crisp autumn salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. Place them on a festive platter for a Halloween dinner buffet—these edible bowls are sure to steal the show!
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes 4 servings (one mini pumpkin per person). Each stuffed pumpkin includes plenty of vegetables, protein, and dairy. Depending on ingredients and toppings, each serving generally sits around 350–450 calories—a hearty but balanced meal for a seasonal celebration.
Easy Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins – Recap
Enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors in a fun, wholesome, and festive way. These pizza-stuffed pumpkins are simple to assemble, eye-catching on the table, and a huge hit for family dinners or Halloween parties!
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a grocery list with all ingredients organized by store section—making shopping a breeze and helping you plan more festive meals with ease.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Wash pumpkins and slice off tops (reserve as lids). Scoop out seeds and strings from each pumpkin, leaving a clean cavity.
- Brush the inside of each pumpkin with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place pumpkins (and lids, if desired) cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes to soften slightly, then carefully turn right side up.
- In a bowl, combine marinara sauce, veggies, pepperoni, ¾ cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well mixed.
- Spoon the pizza mixture into each pumpkin, filling generously. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake pumpkins upright (with or without lids) for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until filling is hot and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your festive pizza-stuffed pumpkins!
Weekly Meal Planning
Want to enjoy festive and flavorful meals all autumn long? Save and schedule this recipe to your meal planner for any week. CookifyAI automatically consolidates your ingredient list across every planned recipe—perfect for shopping and prepping without second-guessing or forgetting key ingredients.
Planning Benefits:
- Calculates total quantities for every meal on your plan
- Groups items by grocery department for fast, efficient shopping
- Prevents duplicate or missed ingredients
- Makes weeknight cooking smoother and more organized
Pro tip: Use CookifyAI’s weekly scheduler to track ingredient overlap. For example, if this recipe and another use mozzarella, your shopping list tallies only what’s needed, saving money and reducing food waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour