Stuffed Mini Pumpkins: A Show-Stopping Halloween Dinner Dish
Stuffed Mini Pumpkins are the perfect blend of festive charm and wholesome goodness, making them an ideal centerpiece for your Halloween dinner or any autumn gathering. These adorable little pumpkins are filled with a savory stuffing made from healthy grains, proteins, and greens, offering a delightful taste and eye-catching presentation. The roasted pumpkins not only provide a cozy warmth but also serve as an interactive dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy their own individual pumpkin bowls. With endless filling possibilities and easy preparation steps, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 mini pumpkins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked grains (quinoa or rice)
- 1 cup cooked protein (chickpeas or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup chopped kale or spinach
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or chopped apple (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (cheddar or parmesan)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme or sage (dried or fresh)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the mini pumpkins and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle olive oil on the pumpkins and roast cut-side down on a baking sheet for 20–30 minutes until fork-tender.
- In a skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil until soft. Add cooked grains, protein, greens, salt, pepper, and herbs; mix well and heat through.
- Flip the roasted pumpkins upright, season with salt, fill with stuffing mixture, and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake again for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed mini pumpkin
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg