Stuffed Mini Pumpkins

Introduction

Stuffed Mini Pumpkins transform humble squash into an eye-catching centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. Their tender, edible shells cradle a flavorful stuffing—savory, herby, and full of texture—making them perfect for cozy nights, dinner parties, or festive holiday gatherings. The individual serving size adds an elegant touch and ensures everyone gets their own piping-hot, perfectly seasoned pumpkin.

Why Stuffed Mini Pumpkins Are a Seasonal Showstopper

This recipe takes full advantage of autumn’s harvest by combining the natural sweetness of roasted mini pumpkins with a hearty, customizable stuffing. Whether you opt for a vegetarian filling with wild rice and cranberries or a meaty mixture with sausage and sage, stuffed mini pumpkins balance comfort and sophistication, making them a favorite for both weeknight dinners and impressive entertaining.

What Makes the Filling Special?

The succulent filling steals the show: think sautéed onions, garlic, nutty grains, wilted greens, tender sausage or beans, and pops of dried fruit for sweetness. Finished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese, the stuffing packs a punch of flavor and texture. For best results, prepare the filling while your pumpkins bake, allowing the flavors to meld before spooning into the warm, golden shells.

How to Assemble and Serve Stuffed Mini Pumpkins

Once your pumpkins are roasted and tender, fill each one generously with your prepared mixture, pressing lightly so they hold their shape. Return them to the oven for a final bake to combine flavors and infuse the pumpkin flesh. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or crunchy pepitas on top—these stuffed pumpkins look beautiful on any table and are easy to portion for guests.

Serving Suggestions for a Plated Presentation

Pair your stuffed mini pumpkins with a crisp greens salad and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a well-rounded meal. They also shine as a festive side, complementing roasted proteins or other autumnal dishes. For a dinner party, serve atop a bed of wild rice or alongside a selection of roasted vegetables for added color and variety.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 individually stuffed mini pumpkins, each serving providing a balance of fiber, vitamins, and protein (depending on your filling). On average, each stuffed pumpkin contains around 225–300 calories—a nourishing, portion-controlled option for hearty appetites and healthy eaters alike.

Stuffed Mini Pumpkins Recap

Combining a subtly sweet pumpkin shell with a robust, savory filling, these Stuffed Mini Pumpkins deliver comfort and wow-factor in every bite. Their versatility and elegant presentation make them ideal for sharing and celebrating the flavors of fall.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tops off each mini pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp. Rub inside and outside with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, then place on a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until just fork-tender.
2. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the wild rice (or quinoa), cooked sausage (or beans), dried fruit, and nuts. Season with thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and remove from heat. If desired, stir in half the cheese.
4. Spoon the filling into each pumpkin, packing gently. Top with remaining cheese, if using.
5. Return filled pumpkins to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the cheese is bubbling. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

Stuffed Mini Pumpkins make an excellent candidate for meal prepping—they reheat beautifully and their individual size ensures everyone gets a perfect portion. Save and schedule this recipe to build a balanced meal plan and generate smart shopping lists that consolidate ingredients across all planned recipes.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities for multiple meals
• Organizes your grocery list by store section for efficient shopping
• Reduces duplicate purchases and food waste
• Keeps your weekly meal schedule organized and stress-free

Pro tip: Schedule this and other recipes to see how staples overlap—making it easier to buy just what you need and stretch your seasonal produce.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour