Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins
Imagine a warm, rustic kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of baking treats, a cozy space where nostalgia meets modern flavors. Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins are not just any appetizer; they embody comfort food in the most whimsical form. Perfect for any gathering, these charming little bites evoke memories of fond family dinners and carefree childhood days when pizza was a weekend staple.
Making these golden-brown pumpkins is a breeze, combining all the beloved flavors of pizza into gooey, cheese-filled centers tucked inside crispy biscuit shells. It’s the perfect recipe for those nights when you want to impress guests or enjoy a fun family activity while cooking together. So why not gather everyone around and craft these delightful culinary creations? They’re fast, kid-friendly, and oh so crave-worthy!
What’s Your Favorite Pizza Topping?
What’s better than the comforting aroma of pizza wafting through your home? Just think about it! What’s a pizza topping you crave the most, the kind that makes your mouth water just at the thought of it? Whether you are a pepperoni enthusiast, a veggie lover, or someone who can’t get enough of ooey-gooey cheese, imagine these flavors distilled into adorable, pumpkin-shaped bites.
Don’t you just want to dig in and savor every melty moment? Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins not only look adorable but also promise a burst of flavors that transport you back to happy moments spent around the table with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Prep
This recipe requires minimal effort for maximum taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Healthy Options Available
Using rich ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, you can create a guilt-free delight that feels indulgent without the bloat.
Crowd-Pleaser
Perfect for parties, these Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins will have everyone oohing and aahing over their cute shape and tantalizing flavors.
Minimal Ingredients
With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe keeps your grocery list short and your cooking simple.
Ingredients
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2 cups ricotta
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
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1 tsp kosher salt
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1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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1 (16.3 oz) tube Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Biscuits
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1 cup unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
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1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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1 tsp paprika
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16 thin pretzel sticks
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Marinara sauce (for serving)
These simple yet luxurious ingredients come together to create something truly special. Picture the creamy ricotta mingling with the gooey mozzarella, forming a heavenly filling that will make your taste buds sing. Add in the salty crunch of the pretzel stick and the rich, fragrant garlic butter brushed over the golden-brown pumpkin shapes, and you have a dish that tantalizes all your senses.
Timing
Whether you opt for a quick snack or gather around for a leisurely evening, the preparation of these Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins is versatile.
Fast and Indulgent: You can whip these puppies up in about 40 minutes, making them perfect for a spontaneous get-together.
Slow and Luxurious: If you prefer to savor the experience, take your time—enjoy preparing the filling, rolling out the dough, and marvel at your beautiful creations coming to life.
Step-by-Step
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Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the rich ricotta, creamy mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a touch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.
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Prep the biscuits: Cut the biscuits into 16 pieces, forming each into a small ball. Roll out each piece into a round shape about 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter.
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Stuff and seal: Place 1 tablespoon of the ricotta mixture in the center of each round. Gather the sides of the dough and pinch to seal, then press down gently to create a flat bottom.
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Cool before baking: Transfer stuffed dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
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Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F.
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Tie them up: Cut 16 pieces of kitchen twine. Lay one piece of stuffed dough in the center and tie it up like a pumpkin. Repeat for the remaining pieces.
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Bake to golden perfection: Arrange the pumpkins on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown, approximately 15 minutes.
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Prepare garlic butter: Meanwhile, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a small pot over medium-low heat. Add in finely chopped garlic, parsley, and paprika, cooking until fragrant.
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Finish and serve: Brush the baked pumpkins with the garlic butter. Cool them on a wire rack, gently removing the twine. Insert a pretzel stick into the top of each pumpkin, and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
You will be entranced by the vibrant colors, mouthwatering aromas, and the joyful crunch that beckons you for each bite!
Nutritional Information
Each delicious Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkin packs a flavorful punch with a generous helping of cheese and buttery goodness. However, it’s important to savor them in moderation. You can expect roughly 250-300 calories per pumpkin, depending on the size, so indulge thoughtfully!
Healthier Alternatives
While these Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins are delectable, there are always healthier alternatives for the conscious eater.
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Low-sugar options: Opt for lower-fat cheeses to cut down on calories.
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Dairy-free swaps: Use vegan cheese alternatives along with dairy-free butter for a delicious non-dairy option.
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Whole grain biscuits: Switch to whole-grain biscuit dough for a fiber boost.
Serving Suggestions
Are you thinking it’s a perfect dessert treat? Serve these alongside a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors, especially during the warmer months.
Or how about during the holidays? These charming pumpkins make a festive addition to your Thanksgiving spread, or pair them with a hearty soup on a chilly winter evening.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls while preparing Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins:
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Overbaking: Watch them closely to avoid drying out; golden is good, burnt is bad!
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Texture issues: If the buns are too hard, light handling during the rolling and stuffing process is essential.
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Messes: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking, and cover the workspace to minimize cleanup.
Storing Tips
Don’t eat them all in one sitting! Here’s how to save them for later:
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Freezing portions: These little goodies freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic and store them in an airtight container for up to three months.
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Reheating: For a quick snack, just heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Tempted to Bake?
Deciding whether to make these Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins yet? You should be! They are not only a visual feast but also a delicious treat that brings laughter and love to any gathering! Flaky, cheesy, and expertly seasoned, they promise comfort and joy with every bite.
So what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves and create this comforting, crave-worthy dish that the whole family will enjoy. You’ll be glad you did!
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the stuffing and dough ahead, then assemble and bake them just before serving.
2. What if I don’t have kitchen twine?
No problem! You can simply omit the twine and bake them as-is; they’ll still be delicious.
3. Can I change the cheese?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add in meat, veggies, or spices to customize to your taste.
4. Are these spicy?
You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of paprika.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Now, take that jump into creativity and give this whimsical recipe a try! You won’t regret it!
Print
Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and whimsical pumpkin-shaped appetizers filled with gooey cheese and pizza flavors, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ricotta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (16.3 oz) tube Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Biscuits
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp paprika
- 16 thin pretzel sticks
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, grated Parmesan, kosher salt, and black pepper for the filling.
- Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cut the biscuits into 16 pieces and form each into a small ball. Roll out each piece into a round shape about 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter.
- Place 1 tablespoon of the ricotta mixture in the center of each round. Pinch the sides to seal and press down gently to create a flat bottom.
- Transfer the stuffed dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cut 16 pieces of kitchen twine, lay a piece of stuffed dough in the center, and tie it up like a pumpkin. Repeat for the remaining pieces.
- Arrange the pumpkins on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a small pot over medium-low heat, add garlic, parsley, and paprika, cooking until fragrant.
- Brush the baked pumpkins with garlic butter. Cool on a wire rack, gently removing the twine, and insert a pretzel stick into the top of each pumpkin. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Watch closely while baking to avoid overbaking. You can freeze leftovers for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pumpkin
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
