Homemade Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins became a surprise hit at my fall dinner party last year and I originally made them just as a fun side dish to go along with a pumpkin-themed night and once they hit the table they stole the spotlight instantly. Everyone was amazed by how the pumpkins acted like mini edible bowls filled with bubbling cheese and saucy goodness and it made the whole evening feel extra cozy and festive.

I’ve always loved experimenting with seasonal twists on classic comfort food and this one brought such a playful and satisfying vibe to the meal that I knew I had to keep making it every autumn. The best part is you can get really creative with the fillings and toppings and whether I go traditional with pepperoni or keep it veggie-forward it’s always a cheesy crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

Mini pumpkins – Hollowed out to serve as cute, edible pizza bowls.
Pizza sauce – Brings all the savory, herby flavor we love.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that bubbly, golden topping.
Toppings of choice – I love adding mini pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, or olives.
Olive oil – Helps soften the pumpkin and enhances flavor while roasting.
Salt and pepper – A simple seasoning step to elevate the roasted pumpkin flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

Sharp knife – For safely cutting the tops off the pumpkins and removing the seeds.
Spoon or melon baller – Helps scoop out the inside of each pumpkin.
Baking sheet – Where I roast the pumpkins to get them tender before stuffing.
Mixing bowl – For tossing or mixing toppings if you like to prep them first.
Oven – Essential for baking the pumpkins and melting the cheese until bubbly.
Aluminum foil – Great for tenting over the pumpkins if they brown too fast.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pumpkins

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F and then I carefully slice off the tops of each mini pumpkin and scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits. I like to save the tops to place back on during baking for a cute touch!

Step 2: Season and Roast

I drizzle the hollowed pumpkins with olive oil and sprinkle a little salt and pepper inside. Then I roast them on a baking sheet for about 25–30 minutes until just tender but still holding their shape.

Step 3: Fill with Pizza Goodness

Once the pumpkins are roasted, I fill each one with a couple spoonfuls of pizza sauce followed by a generous layer of cheese and any toppings I have on hand like mini pepperoni or sautéed veggies.

Step 4: Final Bake

I return the filled pumpkins to the oven for about 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to brown on top. If I want it extra bubbly, I turn on the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Serve Warm

I serve the pizza-stuffed pumpkins straight from the oven while the cheese is still gooey and delicious. I always let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.

Tips

I recommend choosing pumpkins that are about the size of a large orange so they bake evenly and portion perfectly.

If you want a crispier cheese top, broil for a couple of minutes at the end while watching closely.

I like to prep the pumpkins and fillings ahead of time and assemble just before the final bake—it saves time when hosting!

Ways to Serve

These make an impressive starter or side dish for a fall-themed dinner.

I sometimes serve them as individual main courses alongside a green salad.

They’re also perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving gatherings as a festive surprise!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat the pumpkin in Homemade Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins?

Yes! Once roasted, the pumpkin becomes tender and slightly sweet—it’s delicious with the cheesy pizza filling.

Can I use larger pumpkins instead?

You can, but mini pumpkins work best for individual portions and bake more evenly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the texture nice.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these Homemade Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins a try! They’re such a fun, cozy way to celebrate the season and I’d love to hear how you make them your own. Feel free to share photos or your favorite filling ideas in the comments!

Happy Cooking!