18 festive fall pumpkin recipes you haven’t tried yet

‘Tis season when it's finally acceptable — and even encouraged — to sip your pumpkin spice latte, wear your best leaf-crunching boots, and burn scented candles. Far be it from us to ever deny you the simple pleasures of fall, though we'd like to point you in the direction of a few fun fall foods you may be missing.

Try 17 unexpected recipes to make the most of pumpkin season

As we've discovered, there's more than one way to cook a pumpkin:

1. Cheddar and pumpkin mac & cheese

It's easy, it's vegetarian, and, believe it or not, the combination of sharp cheddar and pumpkin purée pairs perfectly.

2. Clean-eating pumpkin Oreos

Healthy homemade pumpkin Oreos sound too good to be true. In reality, they're delicious.

3. Disney World's pumpkin spice soft serve sundae

It's a make-at-home Disney recipe straight from Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which is unfortunately canceled this year. This seasonal sundae is a close second.

4. Harry Potter pumpkin juice

Kid (and grown-up) Harry Potter fans will go crazy for this magical apple-pumpkin brew inspired by the series.

5. Healthy pumpkin pie smoothie

Scratch that pumpkin-y itch with a healthy snack made from pumpkin purée, vanilla yogurt, and banana.

6. No-bake pumpkin oatmeal energy bites

Behold, another healthy alternative to balance out all the pumpkin pies and cookies you're going to eat.

7. Pumpkin alfredo

A lesson we learned from the pumpkin mac & cheese above — pumpkin makes pasta better.

8. Pumpkin apple dog treats

Don't leave your furry friend out when you start your fall baking. These dog treats made with oatmeal, apple, and pumpkin are tasty and easy.

9. Pumpkin chili

Hearty, healthy, and heavenly on a cold afternoon — this chili is made with beef or turkey, beans, pumpkin, and Rotel for an extra kick.

10. Pumpkin hummus

Packed with pumpkin and protein, the vegans in your life will thank you for making this versatile (as in, you can eat it with almost anything) recipe.

11. Pumpkin pie twists

Foregoing the traditional piecrust cuts down on prep time and makes for easier eating.

12. Pumpkin Russian

We like to think this is what The Dude drinks on Thanksgiving.

13. Pumpkin spice coffee creamer

If your pumpkin spice latte addiction has gotten out of control, try making this.

14. Pumpkin spice freezer fudge

Psst — here's exactly what to do with those leftover bananas and that extra can of pumpkin purée you bought "just in case."

15. Pumpkin spice honey butter

In under five minutes, you can whip up decadent pumpkin spice butter to keep for yourself or give as a gift.

16. Pumpkin spice pretzels

Dipping pretzels in pumpkin spice chocolate melts is almost too easy.

17. Pumpkin spice tempeh breakfast sausage

As the recipe states, these sweet and spicy sausages are "anything but basic." They're also totally meat-free.

18. Pumpkin whoopie pies

Just when you thought the whoopie pie couldn't get any better, they went and did this.