Now that it’s October, everyone is officially in pumpkin mode. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin muffins, pumping picking, pumpkin pie…whew! 

It’s easy for the cheese lover to feel excluded in the rush of pumpkin season. Believe it or not, though, there are some delicious pumpkin and cheese combinations out there. The two pair surprisingly well, creating several deliciously cheesy autumn dishes. Here are some of our favorites!

In the fall, everybody loves fondue, and everybody loves pumpkin. Get the best of both worlds with this Roast Pumpkin and Cheese Fondue recipe.

Perhaps you’re looking for a simple starter to an autumn meal. In that case, try our Gingered Pumpkin Soup with Cotija, which combines the delicious flavors of Italian, Mexican, and Latin cuisine.

Another delectable, seasonal appetizer option is Pan Roasted Wild Mushrooms over Grafton Cheddar Polenta with Toasted Pumpkin Seed Oil. Pair with a glass of Pinot Noir to get the full effect!

Pumpkin and classic comfort food meet again in this addictive Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese recipe. A bonus: the pumpkin adds fiber and an extra dose of creaminess to the dish.

No meal is ever complete without a dessert. These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars are just begging to be baked in your oven.

Of course, if you just don’t like the taste of pumpkin, you can still get in the autumnal spirit with a pumpkin cheese ball. Happy fall!

Featured photo credit: Frenchtowner

Amanda Doughty

Amanda Doughty considers cheese to be an essential part of her upbringing, as her family owns Anthony's Italian Kitchen, an Italian restaurant in Portland, Maine. She studied creative writing at Emerson, where she was considered an outcast for refusing to touch the disgusting pizza in the Dining Hall. She admits that is a bit of a food snob, especially when it comes to pizza and cheese.