Pumpkin and breakfast, you’re probably thinking pumpkin bread, right? We’re big fans of pumpkin bread, especially a served warm with a coffee, but that only one way pumpkin can be used for breakfast.
The creative ways in which you can incorporate pumpkin into breakfast, from smoothies to eggs, are numerous. We’ve grabbed the best, and more creative, ways to use pumpkin for breakfast. Plus, how you can also get creative with your own recipes.
How Pumpkin Became A Breakfast Food
The most popular way to experience pumpkin is definitely pumpkin pie, which is a dessert steeped in warm spices making it perfect for fall. This works because a lot of the pumpkin varieties that are commercially available have a very subtle sweetness that lends itself to desserts.
The sweetness aspect made a transition into breakfast ,through pumpkin muffins and pumpkin bread, very easy. Once people began experimenting, pumpkin recipes and creative uses started popping up everywhere.
Savory pumpkin recipes are rising in popularity along with the commercialization of ‘Pumpkin Season’, making incorporating pumpkin in unexpected ways more popular as well.
What Works With Pumpkin?
There are several sweet and savory breakfast foods that work well with pumpkin because of the subtle flavor. If you prefer sweeter breakfast recipes, spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger work well.
While pumpkin is very subtly sweet, some varieties have very little distinct flavor at all, making them go well with almost any ingredient, including traditional savory breakfast recipes. Consider combining your pumpkin with peppers, chili, garlic, or onion.
If you are more of the recipe user instead of recipe maker, check out the 8 pumpkin breakfast recipes below.
Pumpkin Breakfast Recipes
1. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Smoothies are an easy go-to for breakfast because it’s essentially tossing everything into a blender and going. This one is just as easy but instead of the usual summery and tropical fruits, it’s a fun seasonal option. The addition of pumpkin puree makes for a creamy texture and some hidden benefits.
2. Pumpkin French Toast
Any time French Toast is an option, it should be chosen, we don’t make the rules. Actually, in this case there are no rules, which is why while you’re at it, you should make that French toast pumpkin French toast! This delicious recipe tastes like a decadent, easy morning.
3. Pumpkin Shakshuka
This might be the most adventurous on the list, but don’t count it out. The pumpkin puree blends seamlessly into the savory dish and goes well with toast or breakfast potatoes.
4. Pumpkin Oatmeal
A crisp autumn morning sometimes calls for a nice, warm bowl of oatmeal. Maybe it’s nostalgia? Either way, this recipe takes that cozy and warm feeling you’re looking for and takes it up a notch. Full of pumpkin flavor and pumpkin spice, this is a treat to start your day.
5. Pumpkin Pancakes
What’s a breakfast list without pancakes? Super fluffy and full of warm, autumn spices, these taste like a dream come true.
6. Pumpkin Ricotta Toast
This ricotta toast is a simple but beautiful gem. While it does not take a lot of effort, the flavors you get in return are so bold and complex. If you prefer a more savory start to your day, this is a good choice.
7. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
These muffins are amazing for people who are on-the-go, but don’t want to miss out on those fun fall recipes. You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them how you want. The subtle pumpkin flavor combined with the tang of the cream cheese swirl offer up a balanced bite.
8. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
There are few wrong ways to do cinnamon rolls. There are lots of ways to do them right, and this one is at the top of the list. The cinnamon rolls have pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice so all the flavors to play well with the cinnamon. Not to mention the maple cream cheese icing!
Need more recipes that are perfect for fall? Check out these posts we think you’ll enjoy!
