How to Roast Pumpkin on the Grill
On October 04, 2023 (Updated May 07, 2024)
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This recipe for roast pumpkin on your grill is great for a pie puree. It’s also great as a veggie if you want to add some sweet, savory, nutty goodness to your fall menu. So good it’ll knock the buckles right off your pilgrim boots!
Why to Grill Your Own Pumpkin
Did you know that many canned pumpkin purees may not even be pumpkin? Many of them are actually some variety of squash. You know who loves squash pie? Nobody, that’s who. Not a massive deal breaker, but I like to know what is in my food, and I like to have control over what goes into the cooking process.
You can rest assured knowing you are getting 100% pumpkin with some amazing additional flavors that come from roasting that bad boy over a fire! If you want to know what you’re eating and control your flavors, roasting your own pumpkin on the grill is the way to go!
What Type of Pumpkin to Grill
In order to roast a whole pumpkin, you have to start with the correct type. Walk right on past the jack-o’-lantern style pumpkin display in front of your grocery store, and head inside. Most grocery stores sell smaller “pumpkin pie” varieties during the fall, and this is exactly what you want!
This style is sweeter and less stringy than the carving pumpkins you use for jack-o’-lanterns. They will grill great and have a delicious pumpkin flavor that you can make into pumpkin puree for pie, or eat right after it’s cooked.
How to Grill Pumpkin
Once you’ve got your perfect pumpkin for grilling, it’s time to get started!
- Preheat the grill. Begin by preheating your grill to 375 degrees. I roast my pumpkin over indirect wood fire in my pellet grill. This same method works for grilling on charcoal if you set up your coals in one half of the grill and leave the other half empty. This way the heat will cook the pumpkin through without burning the bottom from direct heat.
- Half it. Use a super sharp chef’s knife to cut the pumpkin into two halves. You want a nice, flat surface so your pumpkins can rest on your grill.
- Gut it. Once you’ve got your pumpkin in halves, it is time to remove all of the seeds and strings from the inside. I like to use a large metal spoon for the task, but there are some pumpkin gut scrapers on the market if you are into that! Whatever you do when scraping the insides out, reserve the seeds! Set them aside in a food safe strainer for rinsing. I’ve got an unbelievable recipe for smokey BBQ pumpkin seeds!
- Lightly season. All you really need is a little bit of good quality olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. If I am planning to use the pumpkin for something savory (in a chili, ravioli, or just cubing and eating as a side) then I will use a little more salt and add in some fresh cracked pepper. If I am going to use the puree for sweets (think pies, cheesecakes, cookies, etc), then I go light on the salt.
- Grill it up! If you are cooking over indirect heat, you can put the pumpkin halves directly on the grill grates flesh side down. A 4-5 lb pumpkin usually takes around 45 minutes at 375 degrees F.
How Long to Grill Pumpkin
How long you want to cook your pumpkin really depends on what you’re making. If you want to slice the pumpkin and eat it as a veggie, you’re looking for fork tender (usually done around 40 minutes). If you are wanting to puree the pumpkin, you want the whole thing to be quite soft, and that can take almost an hour.
Once you know how to grill pumpkin, it is up to you how to use it! I like to puree my pumpkin in the blender with 2-3 tablespoons of water until nice and smooth. At that point you can use immediately or store in the fridge for up to a week. If you put it in a freezer safe zip top bag, it can last 2-3 months!
Roast Pumpkin on the Grill Recipe
Watch the video below and I’ll show you how you can roast your own pumpkin on the grill at home. I’m here to help you make better BBQ, feed the people you love, and become a backyard BBQ hero. Check out more of my smoking and grilling recipe videos on YouTube, Instagram, or our Facebook Page.
Roast Pumpkin on the Grill
Video
Ingredients
- 1 3-pound sugar (AKA pie) pumpkin
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 375 degrees F.
- Cut the pumpkin in half with a sharp knife and scrape out all the guts (I like to save the seeds to roast them later).1 3-pound sugar (AKA pie) pumpkin
- Drizzle the pumpkin with olive oil.1 Tablespoon olive oil
- Place each pumpkin half cut side down on the grill grates. Close the lid and grill for one of the following: If you plan to eat the pumpkin like you would squash (slice and serve), cook for 35-40 minutes. If you want to puree your pumpkin for use in other recipes, cook for 45-55 minutes. Use a fork to test for doneness.
- Remove the pumpkin from the grill and either serve it hot with butter, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, or scrape out the meat and puree it in a blender for 1-2 minutes until the pumpkin is totally smooth. You can now use the puree in any recipe that calls for pumpkin puree!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
**This post was originally published October 2016. It has since been updated with more information and helpful tips. The recipe remains the same.
I just want to go and try this now! it looks amazing!
What flavor of wood is best or do i just use charcoal?
You can just use charcoal if you’d like. As far as wood goes, I’d stick to a fruit wood for these (apple, cherry etc.)
Great Idea. I hope you can send the pie recipe.
Roger
I love grilled pumpkin! I’ve never made puree from it, but that’s a great idea!
Yes! I love to eat it simply grilled, but making your own purée will change the way you make any of your canned pumpkin goods.
That is some beautiful pumpkin puree. It would have never occurred to me to grill a pumpkin. I’m going to try it!
Thanks Jill!! I have the hardest time buying pumpkin purée from a can now! Grilling and making my own has spoiled me.