When the first cool breeze hits and the leaves start to crunch underfoot, our kitchens call for a seasonal makeover. Fall isn’t just about sweaters and pumpkin spice—it’s about slowing down, gathering together, and savoring food in its simplest, most natural form. At Kitchen Switchen®, we love switching things up (pun totally intended), and when autumn arrives, we put away our ceramic serving bowls and bring out one of nature’s best vessels: the pumpkin.

Yes, you heard that right. Pumpkins aren’t just for pies, porch décor, or carving contests. They’re built to be the coziest, most charming “bowl” you’ll ever use. And when you serve up a meal pilgrim style—straight from a pumpkin—you’re not just filling stomachs, you’re filling hearts with tradition, nostalgia, and a little bit of rebellion against the ordinary.

Let’s be honest: we only get so many autumns in our lifetime. Don’t let this one pass you by. This season, grab that pumpkin, hollow it out, and make it the centerpiece of your next meal—whether it’s a party for friends or simply a Tuesday night dinner for one.

 

Why Pumpkins? A Nod to Nature and Nostalgia

The pilgrims didn’t have Crate & Barrel or Williams Sonoma; they had what the earth gave them. Cooking and serving in pumpkins or gourds wasn’t just rustic chic, it was necessity. And there’s something deeply grounding about going back to those roots.

Using pumpkins as your serving bowls is sustainable, beautiful, and wildly fun. You’re literally eating from the season itself. Plus, once dinner’s done, your pumpkin composts back into the earth—zero waste, maximum charm.

At Kitchen Switchen®, we’re all about sustainability with a side of sass, so pilgrim-style pumpkins feel like the perfect fall upgrade.

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Three Cozy Pumpkin Recipes

Here are three of our favorite dishes to ladle right into your pumpkin bowls. These aren’t complicated recipes; they’re cozy, crowd-pleasing, and full of fall flavor.

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1. 🍚 Harvest Rice Pilaf with Squash, Raisins, Cranberries & Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked wild rice blend

• 1 cup roasted butternut squash cubes

• ½ cup golden raisins

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ⅓ cup toasted pumpkin seeds

• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Directions:

1. Roast your butternut squash at 400°F for about 20 minutes until tender.

2. In a big bowl, toss together the rice, squash, raisins, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds.

3. Drizzle with olive oil or butter, sprinkle with cinnamon, and season with salt and pepper.

4. Spoon the pilaf into your hollowed-out pumpkin and serve warm.

Pilgrim vibe: This dish is all about natural sweetness and textures. It’s earthy, a little chewy, and perfect for scooping family-style from the pumpkin at the center of the table.

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2. 🥣 Squash & Bacon Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 medium squash (butternut or acorn), peeled & diced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken or veggie broth

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• ½ cup cream (optional, for extra richness)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

2. Add diced squash and broth. Simmer until the squash is fork-tender (about 20 minutes).

3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy.

4. Stir in cream if desired. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Ladle the soup into a pumpkin “tureen” and sprinkle bacon crumbles over the top.

Pilgrim vibe: Imagine dipping a ladle into a warm pumpkin filled with golden soup while everyone passes around rustic bread. It’s simple, hearty, and oh-so-comforting.

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3. 🧀 Kitchen Switchen® Mac & Cheese with Gooey Cheese & Crouton Topping

Ingredients:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni

• 4 tbsp butter

• 4 tbsp flour

• 4 cups milk

• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar (plus extra for topping)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• 2 cups garlic croutons, crushed

• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth.

3. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until creamy and melted.

4. Toss the pasta with the sauce.

5. Transfer into a large pumpkin (or several mini pumpkins). Sprinkle with more cheese and crushed croutons.

6. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Pilgrim vibe: This one’s all about indulgence. Gooey, crunchy, and comforting—it’s the modern pilgrim’s ultimate comfort food.

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Making It Pilgrim Style

Okay, so what exactly do we mean by “pilgrim style”? Think rustic, natural, and beautifully imperfect. Here are some tips:

• Ditch the dishes: Use hollowed-out pumpkins or gourds instead of bowls or casserole dishes. Line smaller pumpkins with parchment if you want to make cleanup easier.

• Go family-style: Place the pumpkin right in the middle of the table and let everyone scoop for themselves. It’s communal, cozy, and sparks conversation.

• Add foraged touches: Decorate your table with branches, leaves, pinecones, and seasonal fruits. Forget fancy table runners—nature has you covered.

• Keep it simple: The pilgrims didn’t have 10-step garnishes. Let the food shine in its natural beauty.

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More Than Food: Why This Tradition Matters

In a world that moves too fast, serving food pilgrim style is a reminder to slow down. It’s not just about the recipes—it’s about connection.

• Connection to Nature: Eating from a pumpkin feels like eating from the earth itself.

• Connection to Family: Sharing from one vessel invites closeness and conversation.

• Connection to Time: We’re reminded that we only have so many autumns. Each one is worth celebrating fully.

When you carve out that pumpkin and fill it with soup, rice, or mac & cheese, you’re doing more than making dinner—you’re making a memory.

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This fall, skip the serving bowls and embrace the pumpkin. Whether you’re scooping creamy mac & cheese with your kids, savoring rice pilaf with friends, or ladling squash soup for yourself on a quiet night, pilgrim style dining transforms any meal into a celebration of the season.

At Kitchen Switchen®, we believe in switching up traditions, savoring the small things, and stirring up joy wherever we can. So go ahead—grab that pumpkin, dish it up, and taste fall in every bite.

Because the truth is, autumn doesn’t last forever. But the memories you make around a pumpkin? Those will stick with you for a lifetime.