Leftover Pumpkin Recipes – Guide to Using Every Part from Seeds to Skin

So, the kids have had their fun carving, and now you’re left with a slightly sad-looking pumpkin. Don't throw it away! That big orange squash is actually a goldmine of delicious possibilities, and we're here to show you how to use every last scrap. This article is your full guide to sustainable pumpkin cooking, packed with tasty, creative ideas for using everything from seeds to skin. We've included simple preparation tips and plenty of properly delicious recipes to help you turn your post-Halloween leftovers into warming dinners and comforting treats.

How to Make the Most of Your Pumpkin Leftovers…

Get the Most Out of Your Halloween Pumpkin:

Don't let that beautiful Halloween pumpkin end up in the bin! We believe in making every ingredient count. To set yourself up for a delicious, zero-waste autumn, rethink your decorating. If you paint your pumpkin instead of carving it, you can easily use all the gorgeous flesh for cooking once Halloween is over. If carving is a must, simply scoop the flesh, seeds, and stringy bits straight into a bowl before you start carving out faces. By saving those guts, you’re already halfway to a properly delicious meal and solving the common problem of what to do with a pumpkin after Halloween.

Preparing Pumpkin Leftovers for Cooking:

Getting your pumpkin ready for recipes is straightforward. First, make sure you wash the skin thoroughly, especially if it was outside. If you’re using the inner flesh and pulp from a carved pumpkin, remove any candle wax residue or burnt edges. If your recipe calls for fresh pumpkin, you’ll need to peel the tough outer skin using a sturdy peeler or sharp knife. The seeds should be separated from the stringy pulp, washed, and dried thoroughly on a kitchen towel—they’re perfect for roasting!

Storing Pumpkin Leftovers:

Need to save your pumpkin goodness for later? Storing it safely is key. For short-term use (up to 3–4 days), raw peeled chunks or seeds can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer-term storage, freezing is your best bet. Always wash your pumpkin and remove the wax/peel before freezing. You can freeze raw chunks or, better yet, freeze it as a cooked purée—it lasts brilliantly for up to 12 months! Raw seeds, once washed and dried, can be stored at room temperature in an airtight jar.

Cooking Pumpkin Flesh Ready for Recipes:

If you're using pumpkin for baking, soups, or puréed dishes, you’ll want to cook the flesh down first. A simple way is to boil the peeled chunks in lightly salted water until tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain the pumpkin well, and then mash or blend it until you have a smooth purée. This purée is ready to use in almost any recipe, from cakes to curries. See below for some of our favourite recipes that use leftover pumpkin—turning waste into warming comfort food!

Pumpkin Recipes To Try…

Pumpkin Fondue

A proper good get-together needs a stunning centrepiece, and we've got the perfect one. Our Pumpkin Fondue is a cosy autumn dream come true, ideal for sharing with friends or family. This genius recipe uses your leftover pumpkin flesh to create a rich, cheesy, and utterly delicious sharing dish. It’s a brilliant, waste-reducing sharing dish that adds a bit of fun to the table. Just grab some crusty bread and veggies for dipping, gather everyone around, and get stuck in.

Pumpkin Chilli

If you need a brilliant centrepiece for your Bonfire Night gathering, look no further! Our Pumpkin Chilli is the ultimate hearty and comforting savoury dish, perfect for feeding the whole family. This recipe uses your leftover pumpkin flesh to create a rich, warming chilli that's properly delicious. But here’s the clever bit: you serve the chilli right inside the hollowed-out pumpkin shell! It’s a spectacular, waste-reducing idea that makes a fabulous centrepiece and is guaranteed to get everyone talking. Grab your bowls and spoons!

Pumpkin Spice & Pecan Bread

If you're craving something sweet and comforting after the spooky fun, this is the perfect use for your leftover pumpkin flesh. Our Pumpkin Spice & Pecan Bread is the ultimate autumnal bake—warmly spiced, moist, and utterly delicious. This recipe is the definition of a cosy kitchen treat, turning your leftovers into an indulgent loaf that’s fantastic served warm with a cuppa. It’s a simple, comforting way to make sure that none of that pumpkin goodness goes to waste.

Pumpkin Seed Brittle

You’ve used the flesh, now it’s time for the seeds! Don't let those valuable little bits of crunch go to waste. Our Pumpkin Seed Brittle is a fun and easy way to turn what you thought was just 'guts' into a properly delicious, crunchy, sweet treat. It’s the perfect confectionery snack to enjoy while watching the fireworks or to package up as a thoughtful gift. With a simple, sleeves-rolled-up process, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform those leftovers into something so tasty.

Hot Honey Pumpkin Bread

If you thought pumpkin bread couldn't get any better, prepare for a brilliant, creative twist! This Hot Honey Pumpkin Bread takes your leftover pumpkin flesh and transforms it into an incredibly moist, indulgent loaf that delivers that perfect balance of sweetness and subtle spice. It’s the ultimate way to bring a little warmth to a chilly autumn day. This unique pumpkin recipe idea is deceptively easy to bake and makes for a properly delicious treat with your afternoon cuppa. Zero waste, maximum comfort.

Easy Pumpkin Soup

Nothing beats a classic, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly autumn day. Our Easy Pumpkin Soup is the simplest, classic way to use up your leftover pumpkin flesh, proving that leftover pumpkin recipes don't have to be complicated. This recipe is your go-to pumpkin recipe idea for busy weeks, especially as it’s fantastic for batch cooking. Just make a big pot and freeze portions for quick, faff-free lunches all winter long. It’s a beautifully simple, warming meal that makes clever use of your Halloween haul.

Roasted Pumpkin with Mushrooms

Looking for a properly delicious savoury side that uses up every bit of your leftover pumpkin? Roasting is the answer. Our Roasted Pumpkin with Mushrooms transforms that firm flesh into a caramelised, tempting dish. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s completely waste-reducing—you can roast the skin along with the flesh, adding a lovely texture and saving you the faff of peeling. It’s a simple, versatile side you can easily scale up for a family dinner or a big gathering.

Pumpkin Spiced Syrup

Transform that extra pumpkin flesh into a luxurious, liquid treat! Our Pumpkin Spiced Syrup is a beautifully fragrant, easy pumpkin recipe idea that brings a little bit of indulgence to your everyday routine. This syrup isn't just for desserts; it's incredibly versatile. Use it to add a rich, spicy sweetness to your home-brewed coffee, mix up a cheeky cocktail, or drizzle it over pancakes. It's a simple, faff-free project that proves that the tastiest leftover pumpkin recipes are often the most creative.

Toasted Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

Don't let those crunchy little treasures from inside your pumpkin go to waste! Our Toasted Spiced Pumpkin Seeds recipe is the easiest, most fun way to use up that leftover pumpkin. They transform the seeds into a properly delicious, zero-waste snack or topping in minutes. You can easily tailor the spices to your liking: make them sweet with a little cinnamon and sugar for topping yoghurt or ice cream, or keep them savoury and smoky for sprinkling over salads or our Pumpkin Chilli. It’s a rewarding, faff-free recipe that ensures you use every part of your Halloween pumpkin.

Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Looking for a brilliant, creative twist for your pumpkin seeds? Try swapping out the pine nuts in your traditional pesto for those leftover pumpkin seeds! Our Pumpkin Seed Pesto is a fresh, vibrant, and sustainable swap that is just as properly delicious as the original—maybe even better! It’s a fantastic way to tackle what to do with leftover pumpkin ingredients. Use it just like regular pesto: tossed with pasta, spread on bruschetta, or spooned over grilled chicken. It’s an easy, faff-free way to make a versatile ingredient that can be frozen, helping you enjoy that delicious autumn flavour long after the carving is done.

More to Explore This Spooky Season

So there you have it! Using every part of your pumpkin, from seeds to skin, is a simple and utterly delicious way to cut down on food waste this autumn. Ready for more seasonal fun? Check out our full Halloween hub for spooky recipes and celebration ideas. You can also explore our full autumn recipes collection and dedicated leftovers recipes for even more faff-free inspiration.

Grab all your fall feasting ingredients in-store or online and get cooking! Don't forget to share your masterpieces with us on social media using the #MakeitwithMorrisons – we love to see what you've whipped up.