How to Cook a Pumpkin in the Oven

5 from 1 vote

How to cook a pumpkin in the oven and make pumpkin puree for recipes.

Author: Joy at Artful Homemaking

Use as many pumpkins as will fit in your oven on the center rack. Wash and dry the pumpkins and remove stems if necessary to help them fit in the oven better.
Move the oven rack to the center of the oven and put down aluminum foil or a cookie sheet to catch any drips (mine didn't require this, but it may still be a good idea).
Bake at 200 degrees (F) for a few hours. The time depends on how big your pumpkins are. My pumpkins were about 3.5-4 lbs, and they took 4 hours. A larger pumpkin will take longer.
Check your pumpkins periodically to see if they're getting soft. You'll know they're ready when the outside feels soft.
When they're soft, remove from the oven, place on a cookie sheet or cutting board, and cut the pumpkins in half.
Remove the seeds and the stringy flesh in the pumpkin cavity.
Using a large spoon, scoop out the cooked pumpkin and put into a food processor.
Process the pumpkin in the food processor until you have a nice smooth puree.
Store in jars or another container. The puree will stay good in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for months.