Pumpkin carving is possibly the most quintessential activity of autumn.

Although the Halloween party invite list might be trimmed down to roommates only this year (thanks, COVID-19), carving jack-o-lanterns is still a fun and cheap way to celebrate the season. If you’re looking to reduce waste and get a little more bang for your buck, we’ve got some tips on how to stretch your pumpkin’s usefulness even further.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

This was a family tradition for me growing up, so I may be partial, but I think this is the tastiest way to get the most out of your pumpkin. Instead of trashing the pumpkin seeds when carving, simply put those seeds onto a pan, throw on some olive oil and herbs (think rosemary, thyme, or even paprika—whatever you’re feeling), and bake. I would recommend baking them at 300° F for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Pumpkin Bread

This is another fall favorite of mine. There’s nothing like a warm loaf of pumpkin bread fresh out of the over. If you’re carving pumpkins with your roommates or friends, it could be fun to finish off the night by baking some pumpkin pie using fresh pumpkin from the ones you just carved. Follow this recipe for a tasty treat to end the night.

Pumpkin Pie

Though a bit fancier and more advanced, this recipe breaks the process down nicely into easy-to-follow steps. Share a fresh pumpkin pie with your roomies for your Halloween or Friendsgiving festivities, and you’re sure to be a hit.

We hope you try out some of these ideas for reducing pumpkin waste while making tasty, festive treats. Let us know how your carved pumpkins and treats turn out by tagging us in your social media posts @AuburnCampusRec. Stay spooky, and as always,

Be well, Auburn.

Photography: Zoe L.