Holidays

Alternative Thanksgiving Meals

Last updated on Oct 10, 2022
Angalena Malavenda

Thanksgiving is about togetherness, and the food and wine you serve at Thanksgiving dinner should be as well. Whether you’re preparing an entire menu or a few simple side dishes, creating foods that all guests can enjoy is important. Since many traditional Thanksgiving dishes aren’t suitable for guests with alternative diets, consider cooking one of the dishes listed below to create an all-inclusive meal that everyone will be able to enjoy.

Click the links below to explore alternatives for thanksgiving dinner:

Thanksgiving Alternatives

family clinking glasses over table with turkish cuisine of lamb chops beans vegetable salad and babganush

When preparing Thanksgiving dinner for a crowd, consider the following types of diet restrictions guests may abide by and prepare one of these alternative Thanksgiving dinners.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu

Stuffed mushrooms on a white platter

A vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat, as well as some additional animal products. While some vegetarian diets allow for eating eggs and varieties of butter, many others don’t. If you are unable to confirm your guest’s exact restrictions, simply stick with menu selections full of grains, dairy, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Check out the following vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes to create the perfect vegetarian Thanksgiving menu!

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Appetizers

  • Stuffed mushroom caps
  • Pumpkin soup
  • Spinach and artichoke dip

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Side Dishes

pear cake in cast iron pan drizzled with caramel and course sea salt

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Entrees

  • Pumpkin gnocchi
  • Pumpkin ravioli
  • Stuffed acorn squash

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Desserts

Vegan Thanksgiving Menu

roasted squash slices with red onions

Vegans refrain from consuming any food products produced by an animal. This means that along with meat, vegans avoid foods like eggs, honey, dairy, and any other animal byproducts. If you plan on preparing vegan Thanksgiving meals, it’s important to stick to dishes rich in plants and grains. Additionally, you’ll have to find alternative sources of plant-based protein, such as nuts, legumes, and beans for your vegan Thanksgiving recipes.

Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers

  • Apple chips
  • Olive tapenade
  • Corn fritters

Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dish

Squash stuffed with Israeli couscous and vegetables
  • Vegan shepherd’s pie
  • Cauliflower steak
  • Mushroom and lentil loaf

Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts

  • Chocolate dipped pear
  • Sweet potato casserole
  • Pumpkin mousse
Back to Top

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving

potatoes al gratin topped with cheddar cheese and jalapanos

Some people choose to adopt a gluten-free diet to reduce their intake of grains and carbs, while others must refrain from eating gluten due to gluten intolerance or Celiac disease. Because gluten is not as obvious to detect as meat or dairy, it’s important to be on the lookout for the potential allergen. Sources of gluten that are commonly found during the holidays include pasta, gravy, pie crusts, biscuits, stuffing, cream sauces, beer, salad dressing, and some meat substitutes.

To embrace gluten-free cooking and baking methods, consider preparing the following gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes:

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Appetizers

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Side Dishes

  • Burrata salad
  • Swiss chard with bacon
  • Twice-baked potatoes topped with sour cream and bacon

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Entrees

Spinach and artichoke dip with pita bread
  • Pumpkin risotto
  • Grilled leeks with brown butter and spiced hazelnuts
  • Spinach and artichoke dip

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Desserts

Dairy-Free Thanksgiving

sweet potato casserole topped with crispy marshmallows

Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and ice cream. If someone is lactose intolerant, it means that their body has difficulty digesting lactose. Because of this, many lactose-intolerant people must adopt dairy-free diets, or at the very least limit their consumption of dairy by using dairy-free alternatives.

Traditional Thanksgiving dishes that may be an issue for lactose-intolerant guests include mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, frosting, and vegetables cooked in butter. Below are great dairy-free recipe ideas for a dairy-free Thanksgiving:

Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Appetizers

  • Pumpkin cornbread
  • Squash and apple salad
  • Pumpkin tarte

Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Side Dishes

  • Sweet potato casserole
  • Maple-glazed winter vegetables
  • Pumpkin pasta

Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Entrees

Whole ham with five slices cut

Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Desserts

  • Pumpkin spice pudding
  • Chocolate orange torte
  • Apple pie bars

Low-Carb Thanksgiving

sliced turkey on white oval platter

An emerging trend in recent years has been low-carb and keto diets. Because you could be serving guests who are looking to stick to their diet over the holidays, it’s important to identify what foods to avoid when creating your Thanksgiving meal alternatives.

Common carbohydrate culprits include dinner rolls, cornbread, macaroni and cheese or other kinds of pasta, anything breaded, gravy, cranberry sauce, and desserts which should be avoided when preparing keto Thanksgiving recipes. When cooking low-carb Thanksgiving recipes, try to create dishes that are high in fat and protein. There may be some differences for guests who are looking for keto Thanksgiving meals versus those who are just following a low-carb diet, so be sure to label all of your alternative Thanksgiving dishes.

Low-Carb Thanksgiving Appetizers

  • Pumpkin soup
  • Goat cheese and herb spread
  • Parmesan-crusted fried green beans

Low-Carb Thanksgiving Sides

  • Stuffing made with riced cauliflower
  • Almond flour biscuits with compound butter
  • Creamed collard greens

Low-Carb Thanksgiving Entrees

Biscuit cut in half with jam
  • Cauliflower onion mash with cheddar
  • Brussels sprouts gratin
  • Applewood smoked turkey

Low-Carb Thanksgiving Desserts

  • Sugar-free pumpkin pie
  • Cranberry cheesecake with an almond flour crust
  • Cranberry parfait
Back to Top

Whether you're making a Thanksgiving catering menu or hosting a meal at your restaurant, creating dishes around your guests’ dietary restrictions provides an excellent opportunity to reevaluate old traditions for new Thanksgiving dinner alternatives. Use this time to play around with your favorite recipes and make some new and creative substitutions with these Thanksgiving food alternatives. Your guests will appreciate the added care that went into making their meals, and you may discover a new favorite holiday dish.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.
External Link

You are about to leave the security of WebstaurantStore.com.

We are not responsible for the privacy policy or any content, links or software, or any consequences from your access to or use of the technologies, websites, information and programs made available on this new site.

Do you want to proceed?

Related Resources

  • Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

    Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, spending time with loved ones, and indulging in a delicious holiday feast. But not everyone has the time or desire to cook. If that sounds like your family, you may be wondering, “Do restaurants close on Thanksgiving?” Luckily, many restaurants across the country are open on Thanksgiving, offering a variety of dining options to suit every palate. Whether you're craving a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings or something a little more unique, we created a list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day 2023 to help you celebrate the holiday season. What Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving? So, are restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day? Yes! Many restaurant chains stay open on Thanksgiving to serve customers on the holiday. We compiled a list of the major restaurant chains that are open on Thanksgiving 2023. Food Open on Thanksgiving If you're looking to dine out on Thanksgiving, be sure to call your restaurant of choice to check their hours, as hours and availability may vary by location. It is also a good idea to see if they require Thanksgiving reservations. Alternatively, you may want to inquire about their Thanksgiving day delivery options, as some may have delivery available even if their dining rooms are closed. Here is the list of restaurant chains open on Thanksgiving: Applebee's Black Angus Steakhouse Bob Evans Boston Market Buca di Beppo Capital Grille Chart House Cracker Barrel Denny's Fleming's Prime Steakhouse Fogo de Chao Golden Corral Hooters IHOP Legal Sea Foods Maggiano's Marie Callender's McCormick and Schmick's Morton's The Steakhouse P.F. Chang's Ponderosa Romano's Macaroni Grill Ruby Tuesday Ruth's Chris Steak House Sizzler Smith and Wollensky Ted's Montana Grill TGI Fridays Waffle House Pizza Places Open on Thanksgiving Discover the pizza chains open on Thanksgiving below: Domino's Pizza Little Caesars Pizza Papa John's Pizza MOD Pizza Pizza Hut Fast Food Open on Thanksgiving Some fast food chains are also open on Thanksgiving if you're just looking for a quick bite instead of a full meal: Burger King Dunkin' El Pollo Loco Hardee's Krispy Kreme McDonald's Panda Express Qdoba Sonic Starbucks Steak 'n Shake Wendy's White Castle Many of these restaurants operate with special holiday hours and not all of their locations may be open, so be sure to check your local chain's website before you head out. Restaurants with Thanksgiving Dinner In addition to staying open on Thanksgiving Day, some restaurants and grocery store chains offer premade holiday meals so customers can eat with their families at home without stressing about cooking. Being able to purchase a prepared Thanksgiving dinner will save a lot of time. Here's a list of restaurants and grocery stores that sell take-out holiday meals: Albertson's Boston Market Bob Evans Buca di Beppo Cracker Barrel Marie Callender's Publix Safeway Sprouts Ted's Montana Grill The Fresh Market Wegmans Whole Foods Williams Sonoma Fewer and fewer people are cooking for themselves on Thanksgiving and choosing to go out to eat instead. As a result, some restaurants are choosing to stay open. If you're looking for an alternative option for your Thanksgiving meal, use the list above to determine what chain restaurants are open on Thanksgiving in your area.

  • Vegan Menu Ideas for Your Restaurant

    The interest in plant-based foods continues to grow, and it’s not just vegans and vegetarians who are responsible for the push. Many consumers, omnivores included, want to add more vegetable-based dishes to their diet. Updating your menu with vegan options is a way to increase your customer base and stay current with foodservice trends. If you have concerns about how to execute this successfully, we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn how to make a vegan-friendly menu that all your customers will love. Shop All Plant-Based Foods What Is Veganuary? Veganuary, as the name suggests, is a combination of "vegan" and "January." This month-long pledge originated in the UK in 2014 and has since grown into a global phenomenon. The concept is simple: participants commit to following a vegan diet for the entire month of January. This means avoiding all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. So why should restaurant owners pay attention to Veganuary? The number of people adopting a vegan diet is on the rise. By offering vegan options on your menu, you can tap into this growing market and attract a whole new customer base. Keep reading for simple meal ideas you can incorporate into a Veganuary menu! How to Become a Vegan-Friendly Restaurant Adding one veggie burger option to your menu won't transform your business into a vegan-friendly paradise. To be inclusive of plant-based diets, you need to examine some different aspects of your operations. Check out our 5 tips for vegan-friendly restaurants below: 1. Education and Training Education is the first step to truly becoming a vegan-friendly restaurant. It starts at the top! Familiarize yourself with alternative diets so you understand how to appeal to plant-based customers. Then train your entire staff so they can answer questions and provide recommendations. What’s the Difference Between Vegan and Vegetarian? Understanding the meaning of the terms vegan and vegetarian is the first hurdle. Your staff members should know how to serve a customer who walks in the door and says, "I'm vegan. What menu options do you have for me?" Vegans have the most restrictive diet and abstain from eating any animal products, like meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. Vegetarians don’t eat meat, but they do eat eggs and dairy. If this is too hard to remember, just focus on making vegan options. Anything vegan will also be suitable for a vegetarian diet. Just make sure it tastes good! Allergies vs Dietary Restrictions One of the first questions your servers should ask their guests is, “Does anyone at the table have a dietary restriction or allergy?” Food allergies are a major health issue because a customer could experience a dangerous allergic reaction when exposed to a certain food. A dietary restriction, on the other hand, is a life choice or preference. It may be a preference based on health, but the guest will not face a life-threatening reaction. Your staff should be trained to handle food allergies and dietary restrictions. If a customer asks for no dairy in their meal, the follow-up to that request should be “Are you allergic to dairy?” Always confirm whether the customer has an allergy or just a dietary restriction. 2. Build Dishes Around Protein (Not Meat) Contrary to popular belief, vegans don’t just eat lettuce and broccoli. Plant-based proteins are the key to making a dish that is satisfying for everyone, meat-eaters included. A dish that’s made entirely of vegetables won’t be appealing or filling for anyone. Start to embrace the idea of building dishes around proteins instead of meat. Choose a few different plant-based proteins to be the stars of your new menu: Tofu - Don’t be afraid of cooking with tofu. It’s one of the most versatile plant-based proteins you can use because it absorbs flavors and marinades. Tempeh - If you need more texture in your dish, tempeh is a great alternative to tofu. Lentils, Beans, or Chickpeas - You probably already have these plant-based proteins in your dry storage! Meat Substitutes - The quality and taste of faux meats have improved dramatically over the last few years. There’s a convincing substitute for just about any type of meat you can think of, whether it’s pork, chicken, or beef. Meat substitutes like frozen veggie burgers are convenient, but don’t rely on fake meats alone to build your menu. Diners are looking for dishes they can’t make at home. Your menu will be the most successful if you offer a variety of different plant-based proteins. 3. Vegan Menu Ideas You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to make a vegan menu. Stick with what you know and make some slight adjustments. Swap in vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, or use olive oil in place of butter. Canned coconut milk is a useful staple to keep on hand for savory and sweet dishes. Many replacements are items that you have on hand already. Vegan Breakfast Options Many breakfast and brunch menus are heavily reliant on eggs and meats. You can broaden your appeal by including a few easy vegan breakfast options for your guests: Tofu Scramble - A proper tofu scramble is the classic breakfast option for vegans. Just don’t forget to press the tofu! No one wants a watery, mushy scramble. Add some kala namak salt for an eggy taste. Once you nail the recipe for tofu scramble, you can use it in sandwiches, breakfast bowls, and burritos! Avocado Toast - It’s still in demand! Add extra toppings like arugula, sliced tomato, or pickled red onions. Yogurt Parfaits - Simple and effective. Keep a vegan yogurt on hand and layer it with fruit and granola. Vegan Pancakes - Did you know that you don’t need milk or eggs to make a fluffy pancake? Find a vegan pancake recipe and make that your standard across the board. You’ll always have a vegan option available for breakfast. Serve with coconut whipped cream, strawberries, and maple syrup. Vegan Appetizers Many appetizer options can be made vegan simply by omitting meat or cheese-based toppings. Try these easy plant-based appetizers: Roasted Shishito Peppers - These mild green peppers are a popular appetizer that's already vegan. Charred Brussel Sprouts - Top charred brussel sprouts with pine nuts instead of bacon for a smokey taste. Warm Marinated Olives - Something happens to olives when you heat them. They become even more delicious and savory! Serve with crusty vegan bread. Vegan Hot Wings - Try our recipe for easy plant-based hot wings. Serve with vegan ranch! Vegan Entrees Vegetable-based entrees have become more popular, even with omnivores. Check out our ideas for delicious plant-based mains: Fried Oyster Mushroom Po’Boy - Get acquainted with the oyster mushroom. This amazing fungus tastes eerily similar to chicken when it's breaded and fried. Lentil Loaf - Meatloaf made with protein-packed lentils is a comfort-food dish you can serve with vegan gravy and mashed potatoes. Tempeh Bolognese - A savory, meaty bolognese sauce is still achievable with plant-based proteins. Mapo Tofu - A spicy dish from the Sichuan Province, this tofu recipe gets its umami flavor from a Chinese bean paste called doubanjiang. BBQ Bowl - Offer a buildable bowl with different types of BBQ sauce, barbecue jackfruit, vegan mac and cheese, or vegan cole slaw. Cornbread on the side! Vegan Desserts You don't have to master the art of dairy-free baking to provide a tempting dessert menu. Try these options for desserts that contain no animal products: Rice Pudding with Coconut Milk - This is a simple dessert that only requires a few staple ingredients - cooked rice, coconut milk, sweetener, and cinnamon. You can even use leftover cooked rice to cut down on food waste! Fruit Crisp - Fruit crisps or crumbles make an appealing dessert, especially if you use local, seasonal produce. You can also get away with canned fruit or pie filling! Vegan Ice Cream - Keep vegan vanilla ice cream in the freezer and you can use it to whip up milkshakes, sundaes, or pie a la mode. 4. Menu Labeling Providing thorough menu descriptions is a good practice in general, but you can go above and beyond by adding icons that identify vegan and vegetarian items. Apply this to your physical menus as well as your online menu. Many diners review your online menu before they decide to dine with you. By clearly labeling plant-based dishes, you are more likely to attract vegan and vegetarian customers. You could also provide a separate menu that only lists your vegan dishes. This makes it easy for guests and servers to identify your plant-based items. 5. Update Your POS System It’s easy for wires to get crossed when a server has trouble entering special requests in your POS system. Update your POS to account for substitutions and changes, so that requests are clear when they reach the kitchen. A “make it vegan” button should automatically provide instructions to omit any dairy-based sauces and cheese from a dish. The easier it is for the kitchen staff to understand vegan requests, the better your food will be. Becoming a vegan-friendly restaurant isn't just about the menu. It's important to provide tasty plant-based alternatives, but you also need to lay some groundwork. Training your staff, labeling your menu, and updating your POS system will make it easier to accommodate alternative diets in your restaurant.

  • Types of Edible Pumpkins

    Pumpkins are not only a classic symbol of autumn, but they also offer a wide range of culinary possibilities. From comforting soups to delectable pies, these versatile winter squashes have been a favorite ingredient in many dishes for centuries. If you're a chef looking to create a new fall-inspired menu, understanding the different types of edible pumpkins is essential. From the trendy kabocha pumpkin to the timeless Cinderella pumpkin, each type brings a unique flavor profile and texture to the table. Dive into the world of edible pumpkins and create a special seasonal menu full of fall flavors. Skip to the edible pumpkin that interests you: Kabocha Squash Honeynut Squash Cinderella Pumpkin Hubbard Squash Calabaza Squash Red Kuri Squash Jarrahdale Pumpkin Buttercup Squash Carnival Squash Fairytale Pumpkin Sugar Pie Pumpkin Long Island Cheese Pumpkin What Is a Pumpkin? A pumpkin is a type of winter squash that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It typically has a round shape, a thick rind, and a fleshy interior. Pumpkins come in various sizes, ranging from small to massive. While we often associate pumpkins with bright orange colors, edible pumpkins come in hues ranging from white to orange to green to blue. Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America over 7,500 years ago and were an important crop for Native American tribes. The early settlers in America quickly recognized the value of pumpkins and began cultivating them for both their nutritional and medicinal properties. Today, pumpkins are grown worldwide, with the United States being the leading producer. Types of Pumpkins with Pictures Pumpkins are incredibly versatile in the culinary world. From sweet to savory dishes, there are countless ways to incorporate these flavorful fruits into your commercial kitchen. The flesh of a pumpkin is often pureed and used in soups, sauces, and pies, providing a rich and creamy texture. Additionally, pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are a popular snack and can be used in baking or as a garnish for salads. We provide a list of edible pumpkins with photos so you can easily identify them and find the variety that is best for your cooking application. 1. Kabocha Squash Kabocha squash is a unique variety of pumpkin that is gaining popularity in commercial kitchens for its distinct appearance, delicious flavor, and versatile uses. Its vibrant green skin, bumpy texture, and squat, round shape make it instantly recognizable. When you cut it open, kabocha squash’s deep orange flesh is dense and firm, perfect for holding its shape when cooked. Its rich, sweet flavor is often compared to a combination of butternut squash and sweet potato. This unique taste adds depth and complexity to any dish it's incorporated into. Kabocha Squash Flavor: Sweet, nutty, with a hint of malt Kabocha Squash Texture: Light and fluffy Kabocha Squash Uses: Soups, casseroles, curries, sauces, pies, muffins, quick bread 2. Honeynut Squash The honeynut squash is a small pumpkin, typically measuring around 4 to 6 inches in length. Despite its small size, the honeynut squash packs a big flavor punch. It offers a sweet and nutty taste laced with malty flavor notes. It has a distinct oblong shape. The skin is pale orange, and its flesh is vibrant and dense. Consider using honeynut squash puree to make a flavorful pumpkin milkshake. Honeynut Squash Flavor: Sweet, nutty, hint of malt Honeynut Squash Texture: Velvety, soft, and smooth Honeynut Squash Uses: Vegetable roasts, stuffed honeynut squash, creamy soups, desserts 3. Cinderella Pumpkin The Cinderella pumpkin is aptly named because its distinct shape resembles the iconic carriage from the beloved fairytale. With its deep orange hue and smooth, ribbed skin, this pumpkin catches the eye, but it’s also an incredible recipe ingredient. Known for its mild, sweet flavor, it can lend itself to either sweet or savory recipes. Its creamy and smooth flesh makes it ideal for purees, soups, pies, and pasta sauces. Cinderella Pumpkin Flavor: Mild, sweet pumpkin flavor Cinderella Pumpkin Texture: Moist Cinderella Pumpkin Uses: Pasta sauce, risotto, soup, pies, quick bread, muffins 4. Hubbard Squash The Hubbard squash is a winter squash variety that originated in South America. Typically weighing between 10 and 20 pounds, this squash can grow to be quite large, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. Its skin is thick and rough, often displaying a vibrant orange or green color, and its bumpy texture adds to its rustic charm. When it comes to texture, the Hubbard squash has dense and firm flesh that holds its shape well during cooking, making it ideal for roasting, baking, or steaming. Its flavor profile can be described as sweet and nutty, with subtle earthy undertones. This unique combination makes it a versatile ingredient that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. Hubbard Squash Flavor: Sweet, hazelnut essences Hubbard Squash Texture: Dense and firm Hubbard Squash Uses: Roasted side dish, pies, muffins, tempura, curry, mashed 5. Calabaza Squash Calabaza squash, also known as West Indian pumpkin, is a popular variety of winter squash that originated in the Caribbean. This large, round pumpkin typically grows to about 10-20 pounds and has thick, pale orange skin. When it comes to taste, Calabaza squash has a mildly sweet and nutty flavor. The skin is thick and hard, providing excellent protection and a long shelf life. Inside, the flesh is a vibrant orange, dense, and firm, but it easily breaks down when cooked, resulting in a smooth consistency. This makes Calabaza squash a great choice for creating velvety soups or creamy pumpkin pies. Calabaza Squash Flavor: Nutty, mild sweetness Calabaza Squash Texture: Firm Calabaza Squash Uses: Tempura, stew, pies, enchilada filling, roasted side dish 6. Red Kuri Squash Also known as Japanese squash or Hokkaido squash, red kuri squash is a type of winter squash that originated in Japan but has gained popularity worldwide for its exceptional taste and beautiful appearance. It typically has a tear-drop shape and vibrant red-orange skin. Red kuri squash offers a smooth and sweet flavor profile that is often likened to chestnuts. When cooked, the flesh of this type of pumpkin becomes tender and velvety, making it a dream ingredient for purees, bisques, and creamy sauces. Its soft texture also lends itself well to being roasted or baked, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Red Kuri Squash Flavor: Mild, sweet, earthy chestnut flavor Red Kuri Squash Texture: Tender, velvety Red Kuri Squash Uses: Bisques, pasta sauces, curries, risotto Back to Top 7. Jarrahdale Pumpkin Named after the small town of Jarrahdale in Western Australia, the Jarrahdale pumpkin is a unique Australian heirloom variety of edible pumpkin. With its blue-grey skin and flattened shape, the Jarrahdale pumpkin is a true showstopper. One of the standout features of the Jarrahdale pumpkin is its smooth and creamy consistency. Pair its melt-in-your-mouth texture with its sweet, nutty flavor profile, and the Jarrahdale pumpkin is a dream ingredient for creating silky-smooth dishes. Jarrahdale Pumpkin Flavor: Sweet pumpkin flavor Jarrahdale Pumpkin Texture: Velvety Jarrahdale Pumpkin Uses: Bisques, pies, muffins, quick bread, cookies, cheesecake, scones 8. Buttercup Squash Buttercup squash is a winter squash known for its sweet flavor and creamy mouthfeel which intensifies when roasted. Its flesh is dense, mildly sweet, and has nutty undertones that add depth to both savory and sweet recipes. This makes it a great choice for soups, stews, casseroles, and even desserts. You can roast it, steam it, bake it, or puree it to use as a base for sauces and soups. Its natural sweetness pairs well with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, making it a perfect ingredient for comforting fall recipes. The squash is characterized by its dark green skin and distinctive turban shape, making it a visually appealing addition to any farmer's market stand. Buttercup Squash Flavor: Sweet and creamy Buttercup Squash Texture: Dense, firm, and non-fibrous Buttercup Squash Uses: Pies, muffins, soups, casseroles, curry, risotto, pasta sauce, salads 9. Carnival Squash Carnival squash is a small- to medium-sized winter squash. Its name comes from its beautiful, carnival-like appearance, featuring a blend of colors that can include orange, yellow, green, and cream. This eye-catching exterior makes it a popular choice for decorative purposes during the fall season. However, carnival squash is not just aesthetically pleasing. It also offers a delicious flavor that is often described as sweet, nutty, and buttery. Its soft texture easily absorbs flavors from herbs and spices, resulting in flavorsome dishes. Carnival Squash Flavor: Maple, butter, and nut undertones Carnival Squash Texture: Creamy and buttery Carnival Squash Uses: Vegetable roasts, stuffed carnival squash, cheesecake, cupcakes, custard 10. Fairytale Pumpkin Fairytale pumpkins are a variety of winter squash that originated in France and are also known as Rouge Vif d’Etampes. They are vibrant orange, round, and deeply ribbed, just like the pumpkin carriage from the classic fairy tale. In terms of taste, fairytale pumpkins offer a sweet and nutty flavor. When roasted, their natural starches caramelize and turn to sugar, producing a scrumptious base for fall desserts. Additionally, their dense and creamy flesh is fine-grained, making them one of the best types of edible pumpkins for baking applications like our pumpkin creme brulee recipe. Fairytale Pumpkin Flavor: Rich, very sweet, buttery Fairytale Pumpkin Texture: Smooth and dense Fairytale Pumpkin Uses: Creme brulee, cupcakes, cheesecake, mousse, pie, frosting, ice cream 11. Sugar Pie Pumpkin The sugar pie pumpkin, also known as sugar pumpkin, is a small pumpkin that is prized for its sweet and smooth flesh. This variety is specifically cultivated for its culinary uses, making it the go-to choice for homemade pumpkin pies, custards, and other delectable treats. What sets the sugar pie pumpkin apart from other varieties is its ideal balance of sweetness and texture. Its flesh is fine-grained and dense, offering a creamy smooth, consistency. It’s packed with natural sugars, giving it a rich and indulgent flavor. When cooked, the sugar pie pumpkin transforms into a velvety puree that adds depth and sweetness to any dish it graces. But the sugar pie pumpkin isn't just limited to desserts. Its mild and slightly nutty flavor makes it a great addition to soups, stews, and roasted vegetable medleys. Sugar Pie Pumpkin Flavor: Rich, buttery, sweet Sugar Pie Pumpkin Texture: Creamy, tender, smooth Sugar Pie Pumpkin Uses: Pies, quick bread, vegetable roasts, salads, casseroles, soups 12. Long Island Cheese Pumpkin The Long Island cheese pumpkin is known for its distinct shape and pale orange color. It has a flattened appearance, similar to a wheel of cheese, hence its name. Its smooth skin and deep ridges give it an attractive and rustic look, but this pumpkin isn't just for show. It's also highly regarded for its culinary uses. The Long Island Cheese Pumpkin has a sweet and nutty flavor, making it perfect for baking, roasting, or pureeing. Its flesh is dense and creamy, making it ideal for pies, soups, and other pumpkin-based dishes. Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Flavor: Mild, pairs sweet with earthy Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Texture: Tender, creamy Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Uses: Curries, sauces, soups, stir-fries, tarts, quick bread, pies Back to Top The edible pumpkin possibilities are endless. Whether you're looking to make a delicious pumpkin pie, a pumpkin tempura appetizer, or a creamy bisque, there's a type of edible pumpkin that's perfect for your dish. Reference this guide as you update your fall menu to find the perfect edible pumpkin for every application.