Written by Clara Rose
Easy Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins for Halloween Dinner
Halloween is a time for fun and creativity. What better way to celebrate than with these delightful pizza-stuffed pumpkins? They bring a festive, spooky touch to your dinner table, and they’re easy to make. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a Halloween party with friends. Plus, kids will love the idea of a pumpkin filled with cheesy goodness!
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
These pizza-stuffed pumpkins are not only cute, but they also pack a delicious punch. Using pumpkins as the base adds a seasonal twist, making them great for Halloween. They are fun to make and perfect for creating a cozy dinner atmosphere. Plus, you can customize the filling to cater to everyone’s taste!
How to Make Easy Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (16 oz.) ricotta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (16.3-oz. tube) Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Biscuits
- 1 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 16 (1″-long) thin pretzel sticks
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Start by cutting the tops off of small pumpkins and scooping out the seeds and pulp.
- In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, parsley, and paprika.
- Use the Pillsbury Grands Biscuits to make a dough. Flatten each biscuit and line the inside of the pumpkins with it.
- Fill the pumpkins with the cheese mixture.
- Melt the butter in a pan, then add the chopped garlic. Cook until fragrant.
- Brush the tops of the pumpkins with the garlic butter.
- Place pretzel sticks into the top of the pumpkins to create “stems.”
- Bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the pumpkins are tender.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side.
How to Serve Easy Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins
Serve these pizza-stuffed pumpkins warm straight from the oven. They look fantastic on the table and are sure to impress your guests. Pair them with some fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. The marinara sauce is perfect for dipping, making this a fun and interactive meal for everyone.
How to Store Easy Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins
If you have leftovers, allow the pumpkins to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Easy Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins
- Choose small pumpkins that are firm and heavy for the best results.
- Experiment with your favorite pizza toppings in the filling.
- Don’t worry if the pumpkins collapse slightly during baking; they will still taste delicious!
Variation
You can easily switch out the cheese blends or add toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, or spinach to customize these pumpkins further. For a vegetarian option, add more veggies instead of meat.
FAQs
Can I use larger pumpkins for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Larger pumpkins may take longer to bake.
What if I can’t find small pumpkins?
You can use other squash varieties like acorn squash or even bell peppers as a tasty alternative.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the pumpkins a day in advance. Just bake them right before serving!
Discover a variety of clean eating ideas on Pinterest and enjoy natural ways to support your diet and healthy lifestyle!
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Easy Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins
Delightful pizza-stuffed pumpkins, perfect for Halloween dinner with a spooky touch and cheesy goodness.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups (16 oz.) ricotta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (16.3-oz. tube) Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Biscuits
- 1 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 16 (1″-long) thin pretzel sticks
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the tops off of small pumpkins and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
- In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, parsley, and paprika.
- Flatten each biscuit and line the inside of the pumpkins with it.
- Fill the pumpkins with the cheese mixture.
- Melt the butter in a pan, then add the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Brush the tops of the pumpkins with the garlic butter.
- Insert pretzel sticks into the tops of the pumpkins to create ‘stems.’
- Bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the pumpkins are tender.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side.
Notes
Choose small, firm pumpkins for the best results. You can customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pumpkin
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pizza stuffed pumpkins, Halloween recipe, stuffed pumpkins, vegetarian appetizer
