Cheesy Pumpkin Patch Delights
Transform your fall gatherings with these Cheesy Pumpkin Patch Delights, adorable mini pumpkins that invite you to indulge in a creamy and savory experience. Each tender pastry is lovingly stuffed with a decadent tri-cheese filling featuring smooth ricotta, zesty parmesan, and stretchy mozzarella, coupled with the heartiness of Italian sausage and the warm, inviting essence of pumpkin puree. These delightful bites not only make for a delicious appetizer, but they also provide a stunning visual appeal that will surely mesmerize your guests. Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving feasts, or any autumn celebration, these stuffed parcels are sure to get you and your loved ones into the festive spirit.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
2 (tablespoons)
Pumpkin Puree
1 (cup)
Italian Sausage
1 (cup, cooked and crumbled)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 (cup)
Ricotta Cheese
1/2 (cup)
Garlic Powder
1/2 (teaspoon)
Pizza Dough
1 (lb (or 14-ounce canned pizza crust))
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 (cup)
Canola Oil
as needed (for twine coating)
Egg Yolk
1
Orange Gel Food Coloring
as needed (3-4 drops)
Parsley
1 (bunch, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the pumpkin puree, crumbled Italian sausage, grated parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and garlic powder. Heat until the mixture is well-blended, creamy, and gooey. Set aside to cool slightly.
2
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Using a large cookie or biscuit cutter, cut out circles that are 4 inches wide.
3
On each circle, place a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese at the center, followed by a tablespoon of the prepared pumpkin alfredo filling. Carefully fold the edges of the dough toward the center and pinch to seal tightly, ensuring no filling escapes.
4
Take four 12-inch pieces of kitchen twine and dip each into canola oil until fully coated. Create a star shape with two pieces of twine in a plus-sign formation and the other two pieces diagonally across. Place the sealed pumpkin parcel on the center of the star and loosely tie the twine at the center without pulling too tightly. The dough will expand during baking, creating a beautiful pumpkin shape. Trim any excess twine from around the knots and carefully flip the pumpkin over, placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet greased with nonstick spray or additional canola oil. Repeat for the remaining parcels.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, a teaspoon of water, and 3-4 drops of orange gel food coloring. Brush each pumpkin with the tinted egg wash until fully coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown and shiny.
6
Once baked, allow the pumpkin-shaped delights to cool for about 5 minutes. Use kitchen shears to carefully cut the twine knots and gently peel them away, revealing the charming pumpkin indentations. To finish, create a small hole at the top of each pumpkin with a toothpick or knife and insert a long sprig of parsley for a delightful vine effect.
7
Serve these cheesy pumpkin delights warm, or reheat them in the oven as desired. They are perfect for sharing and sure to delight your guests!
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
24g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Pumpkin Patch Delights?
They are savory mini pastries shaped like pumpkins, filled with a blend of three cheeses, Italian sausage, and pumpkin puree.
What kind of dough is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of pizza dough, which can be fresh or a 14-ounce canned version.
Which cheeses are included in the filling?
The filling features a decadent tri-cheese blend of ricotta, parmesan, and shredded mozzarella.
How do I achieve the pumpkin shape?
The shape is created by tying oiled kitchen twine around the dough parcels in a star pattern before baking.
Why do I need to oil the kitchen twine?
Oiling the twine prevents it from sticking to the dough as it expands and bakes, making it easier to remove.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the best results.
How long do these take to bake?
They should bake for 13 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown and shiny.
How do I get the vibrant orange color on the pastry?
Whisk together an egg yolk, a teaspoon of water, and 3-4 drops of orange gel food coloring to brush over the dough.
What should I use for the pumpkin stem?
A long sprig of parsley inserted into the top of the baked pastry creates a realistic vine effect.
Does the Italian sausage need to be cooked before filling?
Yes, the Italian sausage should be cooked and crumbled before being mixed into the filling.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the Italian sausage or replace it with a plant-based meat alternative.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content of this appetizer?
There are 16 grams of protein per serving.
How large should I cut the dough circles?
Use a cookie or biscuit cutter to create circles that are 4 inches wide.
How thick should the pizza dough be rolled?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
What is the purpose of the garlic powder in the recipe?
It adds a savory depth of flavor to the pumpkin and cheese alfredo-style filling.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Fold the edges of the dough toward the center and pinch them very tightly to create a secure seal.
How long should they cool before removing the twine?
Let them cool for about 5 minutes so the shape sets before carefully cutting and peeling away the twine.
What is the best way to remove the twine?
Use kitchen shears to snip the knots and gently pull the strings away from the indentations.
Can these be prepared for Thanksgiving?
Yes, their festive pumpkin appearance makes them a perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving or any fall celebration.
Should I use pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie filling?
You must use unsweetened pumpkin puree; pumpkin pie filling contains spices and sugar that do not fit this savory recipe.
Is it okay to use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter to control the saltiness, especially since the parmesan and sausage are already salty.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 22 grams of fat per serving.
How much mozzarella goes in each pumpkin?
Place one tablespoon of shredded mozzarella at the center of each dough circle before adding the pumpkin mixture.
Can I reheat these after they have cooled?
Yes, they can be reheated in the oven until warm and the cheese is melty again.
What tools do I need for the twine star pattern?
You will need four 12-inch pieces of kitchen twine per pumpkin parcel.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 24 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is recommended for a more intense color without thinning the egg wash, but liquid can be used if necessary.
What should I grease the baking sheet with?
Use nonstick spray or a light coating of canola oil on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Are these served as a main course or an appetizer?
They are primarily intended as a savory appetizer or a festive side dish.