We're obsessed with this adorable fall appetizer.
How to Make the Pizza Pumpkins We Can’t Get Enough Of
Now that it’s October, we finally have a reason to whip up all of our fall favorites. (I mean, we went to pick up a PSL when the Starbucks fall menu dropped in August, but still). And there are two things that perfectly define fall—pumpkins and a warm, cozy meal. Luckily, we’ve come across a TikTok sensation that combines them both: pizza pumpkins!
Trust us when we say this pumpkin-shaped dish will be a major hit at any fall potluck. Here’s how to make ’em.
What are pumpkin pizza bombs?
The pizza pumpkins are pizza bombs shaped like pumpkins. Full of marinara, mozzarella and pepperoni, pizza pumpkins are the perfect appetizer. Especially for fall, thanks to their adorable autumn-themed shape! Plus, who doesn’t adore a gooey pizza cheese pull? Bring a tray to a Halloween party, Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or any fall gathering, really.
How to Make Pizza Pumpkins
This recipe for pizza pumpkins comes to us courtesy of chef and TikTok creator Genevieve LaMonaca, aka @chefgenevieve. Genevieve walks us through how to create her popular kid-friendly pumpkin-shaped pizza bombs, so you can make them, too:
@chefgenevieve Pumpkin Pizza Bombs Follow for 30 Halloween inspired recipes Serves 6 Ingredients: 1 can pizza dough sheet (I used Pillsbury) 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup chopped ham 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni 1/8 cup sliced black olives (optional) 1/4 cup melted Butter 2 cups marinara sauce 1 baby pumpkin (if making pumpkin bowl) In a bowl, combine mozzarella, ham, peperoni, and optional sliced olives. Mix together and set aside Roll out a sheet of pizza dough Cut into 6 portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten . Scoop your filling into the center. Pull up the sides of your dough and pinch at the top creating a tight seal. Make sure there are no holes or the cheese will seep through. Cut 3 pieces of butchers twine. Lay it down in a star shape then place your pizza bomb in the center, seam side down. Bring up your twine and double knot at the top. Snip off any excess twine then place your pizza bombs on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush on some butter and bake in 400°F oven for 16 minutes. Carve a baby pumpkin and add in a bowl to hold the sauce. Once pizza bombs are slightly cooled, snip off the twine and discard. Use twisted pretzels cut in half for the stems. If makingahead of time, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Enjoy #halloweenfood #halloweeninspo ♬ Fall October Halloween horror classic(177261) – rareNote
Ingredients
- 1 can Pillsbury pizza dough sheet
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped ham
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1/8 cup sliced black olives, optional
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven and prep ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, add mozzarella, ham, pepperoni and olives (if using) in a bowl and mix. Place the bowl to the side for now.
Step 2: Roll out pizza dough
Next, roll out that sheet of Pillsbury pizza dough with a rolling pin or your hands and slice the dough into 6 to 8 pieces. Do this by rolling each portion into a ball and flattening, or skip the hassle and use a round biscuit cutter to separate the dough.
Do you know? You can freeze pizza dough. Try the best way to store pizza dough for future pizza nights or last-minute cravings!
Step 3:Â Assemble the pizza bombs
Now, place a dollop of marinara sauce and a spoonful of toppings into the center of the flattened dough. Then, pinch the sides of your dough to the top so the ingredients are completely sealed. You’ll need some kitchen twine to wrap up your pizza pumpkins into 6-8 sections. Genevieve advises doing this by placing three pieces of twine in a star shape, seam side down, bringing it up and double knotting it. Snip off any extra twine.
Step 4: Butter and bake the bites
Use a brush to apply some butter to the bites before popping them in the oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 13-16 minutes.
Step 5: Remove twine
Once the bites are crispy and brown, remove all the twine. For a cute touch, use halved pretzel sticks to add some stems to these pumpkin bites. And voila! The adorable bites are ready to steal the show at your next fall party.
Next Up: Try this pumpkin-shaped baked Brie.
Warm and Cozy Recipes for Fall
1 / 37
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
This melt-in-your-mouth pot roast is the sort of dinner you dream about coming home to all day. Start this recipe in the slow cooker before you head out to work in the morning and it will braise away to fall-apart tenderness as you go about your day. Then make a pot of egg noodles, or whip up a quick potato recipe, and dinner is served.
Classic French Onion SoupThis rich and comforting French onion soup recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home. And it rivals the soup you’ll find at any restaurant.
Nothing says fall like a warm, savory, extra-cheesy bowl of French onion soup. Though yellow onions are commonly used in this recipe, you can also make it with other types of onions, like Vidalias, Walla Wallas or Mauis.
For more ideas, check out these cozy fall soup recipes.
Pepper-Stuffed Pork TenderloinSpicy stuffing balances the delicate flavor of pork in this dish that looks great on the plate—and tastes even better! —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
In this dish, the delicate taste of pork is balanced with a lightly spicy stuffing featuring red bell peppers and a touch of cayenne. For an extra layer of flavor, brush the tenderloin with a mustard barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking, and serve extra sauce on the side.
Pumpkin Bisque with Smoked GoudaWhen the weather turns cold, this rich, silky-smooth pumpkin bisque will warm you from the inside out. It's quick and easy to make, and filled with flavor.
Your house will start to smell like autumn as this rich, cheesy soup bubbles on the stove. The Gouda cheese adds a delightful smokiness that makes this pumpkin soup taste nice and cozy for sweater weather.
My Brazilian FeijoadaFeijoada is a delicious black bean stew that's Brazil's national dish. We make our feijoada recipe in the slow cooker with four kinds of meat and lots of tender black beans.
A stick-to-your-ribs supper by way of Brazil, feijoada is stew made with chunks of pork shoulder and beef short ribs, simmered in the slow cooker until the meat is fall-apart tender. Serve this with a basket full of pão de queijo, a Brazilian cheese bread made with tapioca flour.
Slow-Simmered Burgundy Beef StewDon't be intimidated at the idea of making Beef Bourguignon, it's just a farmhouse stew with an accent. This recipe simplifies the process by streamlining a few steps, making it an elevated option for those comfort-food days.
This hearty beef and Burgundy wine stew is a staple dish at every French bistro. It's so simple to make, this recipe should be a staple dish at your house, too! When choosing a wine to cook with, buy something that won't break the bank but is still good enough to drink. Start with our picks for the best boxed wines.
Meatball Submarine CasseroleWe were hosting a bunch of friends, and after a comedy of errors, I had to come up with a plan B for dinner. I realized that much-loved meatball subs are even better as a hearty casserole—so delicious! —Rick Friedman, Palm Springs, California
Saucy meatball subs are just as delicious (and a lot less messy!) when baked into a hearty casserole. This recipe uses frozen meatballs as a time saver, but you can also make these quick and simple meatballs if you'd prefer something more homemade.
For more ideas, check out these comforting fall casserole recipes.
Spicy ChiliBring out your largest saucepan, because this spicy chili packs some big flavors. One pot is all you need, though, to spoon ample servings of a thick, meaty stew that will make your guests’ eyes water for all the right reasons.
Quick Golden Squash SoupThis delectable soup feels like fall! Its golden color and rich, satisfying flavor have made it a favorite of mine—which is really amazing because I was convinced I didn't like squash until I tried this recipe. —Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa
This delectable soup will make your whole house smell like fall, and it takes only about 30 minutes to get it on the table. It can be difficult to cut up a winter squash, so if time is an issue—or if you're not confident in your knife skills—paying a little extra for precut butternut squash is worth it.
Italian Hot DishMy husband had a poor perception of healthy food until he tried this beefy casserole. The combination of pasta, oregano, mushrooms and green peppers makes it a favorite healthy pasta recipe in our house. —Theresa Smith, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
This easy baked pasta dish tastes like a glorious mash-up of baked ziti and Philly cheesesteaks. It's also easy to adjust the recipe to accommodate your personal tastes or picky eaters. Not much for mushrooms or green peppers? Swap them out for other vegetables you like (try eggplant). Mix up the meat with some crumbled Italian sausage, or use ground chicken or turkey instead.
Apple Cider Pork ChopsThis apple cider pork chops recipe makes a 15-minute weeknight dinner with deep, rich apple flavors that everyone will love.
These pork chops are a must for fall dinners, no matter the size of the crowd! The recipe is easy to double when company pops in. Try serving the pork chops with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up more of that delicious sauce.
Stuffed Pepper SoupStuffed pepper soup is quicker and easier to make than regular stuffed peppers—yet it is just as delicious! If you love the classic comfort food, you'll love this variation.
There's no doubt that stuffed pepper recipes are amazing but they can take more time than you have to spare on a busy weeknight. This easy soup recipe, which is a one-pot wonder, fixes that problem—bringing you all the flavors you're craving with fewer dishes to wash.
Caribbean Curried ChickenHaving grown up in the Virgin Islands, I've eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It's delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina
If you can't find a bottled version of the mojo criollo marinade this chicken recipe calls for (it's a Cuban marinade made with garlic, sour orange juice and cumin), use our guide to making marinades to help you come up with your own special recipe.
BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread PuddingTo me, bread pudding is the epitome of comfort food and it's simply too good to reserve only for dessert. This sweet-and-savory twist on the classic is a delicious new way to enjoy an old favorite. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Bread pudding is the epitome of comfort food and is simply too good to reserve only for dessert. This sweet and savory twist on the classic—featuring boxed cornbread mix, chopped barbecue chicken, tart green apples and gooey Monterey Jack cheese—is a delicious way to enjoy an old favorite.
Carrot Soup with Orange & TarragonA pretty orange color, a delicious hint of citrus and a garden-fresh flavor make this soup a requested dish at my many celebrations. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
A pretty orange color, a delicious hint of citrus and a garden-fresh flavor make this soup feel like something truly special, yet still simple enough to enjoy any night of the week. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving.
Sausage-Stuffed Acorn SquashSweet acorn squash with sausage stuffing is surprisingly quick when you use the microwave to do the heavy lifting.
Acorn squash gets the sweet-and-savory treatment when it's stuffed with sausage, onion, spinach and cranberries. Cooking the squash in the microwave makes this pretty fall dinner quick enough to make on a busy weeknight.
Moroccan Braised BeefCurry powder is a blend of up to 20 spices, herbs and seeds. Add a pinch of curry to your favorite soups, stews, salads and even rice for an exotic flavor. In this Moroccan stew, begin with 2 teaspoons of curry, then add more to your taste. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Curry powder is a blend of up to 20 spices, herbs and seeds. Add a pinch of curry to your favorite soups, stews, salads and even rice for an exotic flavor. In this Moroccan stew, begin with 2 teaspoons of curry, then add more to your taste.
Kentucky Hot BrownThis recipe for a traditional Kentucky Hot Brown will keep you dancing all night long!
Saucy Italian RoastThis tender roast is one of my favorite set-and-forget meals. I thicken the juices with a little flour and add ketchup, then serve the sauce and beef slices over pasta. —Jan Roat, Red Lodge, Montana
This easy slow-cooker dinner relies on a few store-bought shortcuts to make setting-and-forgetting even easier, including using canned mushrooms and spaghetti sauce. Use this simple hack to make store-bought pasta sauce taste homemade!
Beef Roast DinnerBecause this healthy dish is slow-cooked, you can use less expensive roasts with results as mouthwatering as the more costly cuts. Change up the veggies for variety, nutrition or to suit your tastes!—Sandra Dudley, Bemidji, Minnesota
Because this healthy dish is slow-cooked, you can use less expensive roasts with results as mouthwatering as the more costly cuts. Change up the veggies for variety, nutrition or to suit your tastes! For starters, swap out some of the potatoes for sweet potatoes, or another root vegetable like celeriac.
Firehouse ChiliWhen a recipe intended to serve a group of hungry people passes the firehouse test, you know it's worth making. Hearty, zesty, spicy and downright delicious, this firehouse chili will be your go-to when you need something simmering on the stove for friends and family to fill bowls at their leisure.
This recipe was written by a real firehouse chef that used to prepare meals for 10 men, so if you're looking for a recipe that will keep a crowd good and full, this authentic firehouse chili may very well be the one!
Blue Cheese-Mushroom Stuffed TenderloinHere’s my go-to entree for just about any special occasion. Filled with a savory stuffing, the sliced tenderloin looks and tastes like a specialty from an upscale restaurant. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
This recipe is a great choice for a special occasion—or any night when you find yourself in the mood to be fancy. Filled with a savory stuffing, the sliced tenderloin looks and tastes like a specialty dish from an upscale restaurant.
Stuffing Crust Turkey PotpieHere's a wonderful, stick-to-the-ribs dish that slices well since the filling is thicker than that of traditional potpies. Prebaking the crust makes it crunchy.—Tamara Furda, Naperville, Illinois
For a faster, more flavor-packed way to get potpie to the table, skip the standard rolled double pie crust and follow this recipe instead. Boxed stuffing mix and broth make a press-in crust that's easy as, well, potpie!
Stout & Honey Beef RoastHere's a heartwarming meal that's ideal for chilly days and hectic nights. Honey, beer and seasonings make the sauce different and oh, so good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Here's a heartwarming slow cooker meal that's ideal for chilly days and hectic nights. Honey, beer and seasonings make the sauce different and oh so good. If you have leftover stout after making this roast, use it in one of these recipes to make with Guinness, which will work with any brand of stout beer.
Braised Herb Pork ChopsNever serve a dry pork chop again! These pork loin chops are braised low and slow in a heavy Dutch oven with vegetables for a simple and nourishing dinner.
These herb-packed braised pork chops are great for entertaining; the recipe comes together quickly and then spends 2 hours in the oven, giving you plenty of time to relax with your guests.
Best Ever Mac & CheeseTo make this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it's gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that...don't get me started! —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This mac and cheese has a sauce loaded with three different cheeses that bubble and ooze as it bakes in the oven. A crispy, buttery bread crumb topping provides textural contrast; for a more flavorful "oomph," replace the bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds, crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers.
PozoleA traditional Mexican soup, pozole is usually enjoyed around the holidays, but it makes a comforting, slightly spicy, slightly smoky dish throughout the year, topped with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream.
Pumpkin Harvest Beef StewBy the time the stew is done simmering and a batch of bread finishes baking, the house smells absolutely wonderful. —Marcia O'Neil, Cedar Crest, New Mexico
Comfort food manages to get even more comforting in this pumpkin-spiced riff on hearty beef stew. This recipe is written for a slow cooker, but if you'd prefer your stew to spend the day simmering on the stove and filling your house with aromas, make this recipe in a Dutch oven instead.
Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Acorn SquashFinding healthy recipes the family will eat is a challenge. This elegant squash is one we love, and it works with pork or chicken sausage, too. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
This couldn't-be-simpler dinner is so stunning, it makes any night of the week feel like something special. Each stuffed acorn squash is a full meal in itself, so side dishes aren't really necessary. If you'd like to put something else on the table, it's hard to go wrong with garlic bread.
Hominy Beef ChiliHunker down for the night and get cozy with this filling chili. Loaded with beef chuck roast and convenient staples, such as diced tomatoes, green chiles and seasonings, it’s a satisfying supper that would be yummy served with a side of warm tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Hunker down for the night and get cozy with this filling chili. Loaded with beef chuck roast and convenient staples, such as diced tomatoes, green chilies and seasonings, it's a satisfying supper that would be yummy served with a side of warm homemade tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.
Spicy Pork & Green Chili Verde
By using quick-cooking pork tenderloin instead of a braising cut like pork shoulder, this pork chili is ready to eat in less than an hour. Brimming with poblano and sweet red peppers for a hearty kick, serve this chili with some cooling sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese and tortilla chips.
North African Chicken and RiceI'm always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Moroccan food is heavily spiced with a mixture of interesting ingredients and exciting flavor combinations that may be new to you. This simple slow-cooker chicken dish mixes bold spices like cinnamon, chili powder and turmeric with salty olives and tart lemons.
Veggie Mac and CheeseTake a decadent family fave, add in a variety of vegetables, and you've got a dinner worth being excited about: veggie mac and cheese.
Mom’s White LasagnaWho says lasagna has to be made with red sauce? This white lasagna recipe proves that rich and creamy is the way to go.
Instead of the classic lasagna combo of pasta, cheese and marinara sauce, this white lasagna layers its pasta with sausage, a velvety wine-based cream sauce, and four types of cheese: cheddar, cottage cheese, Gouda and cream cheese. Serve alongside something acidic that can cut through all the cream, like a simple, vinegary Italian salad.
Apple-Roasted Pork with Cherry Balsamic GlazeI added roasted apples, cherries and onions to turn ordinary pork into an impressive dish. There is a short time span between caramelized onions and burned ones, so pay close attention once they start cooking. —Josh Downey, McHenry, Illinois
Turn an ordinary pork loin into an impressive dinner party-worthy dish by adding roasted apples, caramelized onions, bright balsamic vinegar and whole pitted cherries. If you have fresh cherries, then by all means use them, but flash frozen cherries work just as well!
Baked Pumpkin Goat Cheese Alfredo with BaconThis is a unique and delicious pasta, perfect for fall. I made this for my girlfriends, and everyone asked for the recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
In this recipe, curly cellentani pasta gets tossed with a quick and easy pumpkin cream sauce that's been mixed with creamy goat cheese, then baked with a topping of additional cheese and crispy bacon. Could this be the most craveable fall pasta dish ever? Possibly.
Turkey Curry with RiceWhen I have leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
If you've got lots of leftover turkey but are tired of Thanksgiving-inspired riffs on leftovers, try this easy curry recipe with carrots, cauliflower, creamy coconut milk and mango chutney. Serve this on top of a big bowl of rice or with a side of homemade naan bread.
After these dinner recipes, you'll want to enjoy a fall dessert with any of these fall baking recipes.
