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10 best pumpkin recipes

Not just for carving at Halloween, pumpkins have beautifully sweet orange flesh that works wonderfully in all kinds of recipes, from comforting soups to hearty mains and moist cakes. Make the most of this versatile vegetable with our top 10 pumpkin recipes, including fluffy pumpkin gnocchi and an indulgent, sweet pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin fondue nachos
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Pumpkin fondue nachos

A delicious blend of Cheddar, Emmental and white wine makes this a melty (yet suitably spooky) delight for your Halloween party – or any autumn gathering. Serve with cherry tomato-topped nachos for a real crowdpleaser.

  1. Preheat the oven to gas 4, 180 ̊C, fan 160 ̊C. Cut the top off the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp, reserving the seeds. Rub 1 tbsp oil over the pumpkin and inside the hollow, place on a baking sheet and top with the pumpkin lid. Roast for 1 hr or until tender.
  2. Mix the cheeses in a bowl with the cornflour. In a separate bowl, mix the crème fraîche, wine, garlic and chipotle sauce. Stir everything together, then tip into the pumpkin. Put the lid on and roast for 15 mins, then remove the lid and cook for another 15 mins or until bubbling and the cheese is fully melted.
  3. Meanwhile, mix the pumpkin seeds with the smoked paprika and remaining oil and tip onto the baking sheet next to the pumpkin for the last 5 mins of the cooking time to toast.
  4. Serve the pumpkin fondue with the tortilla chips for dipping, garnished with the toasted pumpkin seeds, spring onion, jalapeños and tomatoes.

Cook's tip: This recipe also works well with butternut squash: cut off the long neck and hollow out the base.

See more Halloween recipes

View full recipe details
  • Ingredients
  • 2-3kg round edible pumpkin
  • 1½ tbsp olive oil
  • 250g Emmental, finely grated
  • 200g mature Cheddar, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp (20g) cornflour
  • 125ml crème fraîche
  • 100ml white wine
  • ½ garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp chipotle paste
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 400g pack lightly salted tortilla chips
  • 2 spring onions, sliced
  • 12 jalapeño slices, chopped
  • 100g cherry tomatoes, chopped