When you need to know what to do with leftover pumpkins, you’re in luck. Whether you have your own pumpkin patch with a large bounty this year, or if you get pumpkins for decoration or seasonal reasons and then don’t know what to do with them after, I have some tips for you.
Every year, millions of Americans buy pumpkins to carve into jack-o-lanterns. However, many of these pumpkins end up going to waste. If you find yourself with leftover pumpkins, there are a few ways to put them to good use.
What to Do with Leftover Pumpkins
This cookbook has lots of pumpkin recipes, but first, check out these 10 ideas on what to do with those leftover pumpkins.
1. Make pumpkin pie
Making pumpkin pie is a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree. This deliciously sweet and savory treat is perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. Plus, it's easy to make!
Simply combine pumpkin puree with eggs, sugar, cream, and spices, and pour it into a pre-baked pie crust. Bake until the filling is set and enjoy!
Whether you're using fresh pumpkin or leftover puree, making pumpkin pie is a delicious and easy way to enjoy all that fall has to offer. Here's my favorite pumpkin pie.
2. Make pumpkin puree
One of the easiest uses for leftover pumpkins is pumpkin puree. While it is not recommended to can pumpkin puree, because of its density, you can easily freeze it in 1 cup-sized freezer bags for later use. Then you can make pumpkin soups, muffins, breads, and even pumpkin cookies throughout the year.
3. Make pumpkin soup
Pumpkin soup is so easy to make, and such a great comfort food for the cold weather season! Add some crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds to garnish it, and cuddle up your soup, a blanket, and a good book.
This Indian pumpkin soup is a must try!
4. Make roasted pumpkin seeds
Leftover pumpkins from decorating your front porch can be used to make roasted pumpkin seeds.
First, preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, clean the pumpkin seeds and remove any strings or pulp. Rinse the seeds twice with cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the seeds are roasted, allow them to cool before eating. Store leftover seeds in an airtight container.
5. Compost them
One thing you can do with leftover pumpkins that can’t be eaten is to use them for compost. You can throw them directly in your compost pile, or in some cases, you can use them in the garden itself.
Pumpkins are a great source of nutrients for your compost pile, and they help to break down other organic matter. Simply add your leftover pumpkin to your compost bin, and let nature do its work. You'll soon have rich, nutritious compost that's perfect for your garden.
And who knows, you might even attract some extra guests to your compost pile - hedgehogs love pumpkins!
6. Give them away
If you have more than you can handle, it’s a great time to share the wealth with others around you. Especially in the fall, people want pumpkins for décor, carving, and so much more.
You can sell them if they are still fresh and it’s in season. You can give them to friends and family. Or, you can literally just set up a free table or box and place it by your driveway with a sign to let people know they can help themselves!
7. Feed the birds
Most people think of pumpkins as being strictly for decoration or carving, but did you know that your leftover pumpkin can also be used to feed wild birds? Birds love pumpkin, and it provides them with a nutritious source of food.
You can simply place your leftover pumpkin on a birdfeeder, or you can cut it into small pieces and scatter it around your yard. Either way, you're sure to attract a wide variety of feathered friends to your home! So next time you have a leftover pumpkin, don't let it go to waste - put it to good use and give the birds a treat!
8. Let squirrels eat them
If you’re wondering whether squirrels eat pumpkins, the answer is yes! In fact, they’re quite fond of pumpkin flesh and seeds. However, they generally only eat pumpkins that have already been carved and are starting to rot.
Pumpkin is a good source of nutrients for squirrels, so they’ll also eat leftover pumpkin flesh from your carving project. The seeds are particularly nutritious, so don’t be surprised if you see a squirrel nibbling on a seed or two.
9. Feed for rescue animals
Fall may be the best season for pumpkin spice lattes, but did you know that pumpkins can also be a savory treat for rescue animals? Most dogs and cats love the taste of pumpkin, and it's a great way to use up leftover Halloween pumpkins.
Pumpkin is packed with nutrients like fiber and beta-carotene, which can help pets maintain a healthy digestive system. It's also a low-calorie treat, making it a good choice for overweight animals.
If you're looking for a fun way to spoil your pet this autumn, try giving them a little bit of pumpkin next time you bake a pie.
10. Donate to a zoo
Another way to use the leftover pumpkins is to donate them to a local zoo or wildlife rescue. Always call first before you just show up with a truckload of pumpkins, but many of them will accept donations. Many zoos have special programs for leftover pumpkins. The animals love them because they are a tasty and nutritious treat. Some zoos even use pumpkin seeds for enrichment activities.
Do you have pumpkins that you’ve already carved? What can you do with those?
What to Do with Leftover Pumpkins After Carving
You've carved the perfect jack-o-lantern and now you're left with a big bowl of pumpkin guts. What should you do with all that leftover pumpkin? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- One tasty way to use up leftover pumpkin is to make a batch of pumpkin bread. This delicious quick bread is perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Another idea is to roast the seeds for a healthy and tasty treat. Just clean the seeds and coat them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Then bake them in the oven until they're crispy.
- Or, make some Indian pumpkin soup: YUM!
So don't let your leftover pumpkins go to waste. With a little creativity, you can turn them into something delicious or even fun.
What to Do with Leftover Pumpkins FAQ
Here are some common questions you might have about leftover pumpkins. If you don't see your question on the list, feel free to leave it in the comments.
Uncarved pumpkins can last for an average of 12 weeks before they start to decay and there are a lot of things you can do with them. Some people use them as decoration and display them in and around their homes in the fall. You can also eat them, use them for compost, or feed local wildlife. Just be cautious of feeding wildlife once they start to decompose because it can make some animals sick.
When fall arrives, farmers across the country begin to harvest their pumpkins. After the big ones have been carved into jack-o-lanterns and the smaller ones have been turned into pies, what do farmers do with all the leftover pumpkins?
One option is to simply let the leftover pumpkins rot. The pumpkin flesh can be used as compost, and the pumpkin seeds can be saved for next year's crop. However, this isn't the most efficient use of leftover pumpkins.
Instead, many farmers choose to donate their leftover pumpkins to food banks or other charities. This ensures that the pumpkins are put to good use and helps to feed those in need. Other farmers might sell their leftover pumpkins at a discount, allowing people to enjoy some cheap fall fun.
There are so many things you can do with leftover pumpkins, as you can see from this post. You can recycle them, reuse them, compost them, feed them to wildlife, and much more. There’s no reason to let any pumpkin go to waste when you have this list to reference and help you.
What’s your favorite thing to do with leftover pumpkins?
Kathy acquired the blog, Recipe Idea Shop in 2024. She was raised on a farm in Arkansas where having a big garden and good food to eat was the norm. She shares recipes for homemade comfort food and new trending dishes.
Kathy began her blogging journey in 2011 when she founded PetticoatJunktion.com, a home décor blog focused on repurposing and upcycling furniture, and thrift store finds.