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The Yummy Bowl » Recipes » Dinner

Bacon Pumpkin Casserole

Aug 23, 2021 · Last updated: Feb 2, 2025 by Julia · 5 Comments · this post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe
Bacon Pumpkin Bake with olives, feta and thyme in coconut sauce

This Bacon Pumpkin Casserole is a cozy, savory dish featuring creamy coconut milk, crispy bacon, and warm spices. It’s a flavorful side perfect for dinner or special gatherings, combining comforting fall ingredients with a hint of fresh thyme.

Bacon Pumpkin Bake with olives, feta and thyme in coconut sauce

Bacon Pumpkin Casserole

As a home cook who loves creating wholesome meals from scratch, I’m excited to share this pumpkin bake with you!

While it’s a bit on the indulgent side, its rich, creamy flavors make it a perfect comfort dish for special occasions or cozy family dinners.

For more comforting fall recipes, check out my Roasted Pumpkin Hummus, Pumpkin Pancakes, or Pumpkin Caramel.

Visit my About Me page to learn how I can help you create simple, wholesome meals your family will love!

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Why It's Yummy

  • If you love something different, then this pumpkin recipe is for you! A simple combination of creamy coconut pumpkin, spices, fresh thyme, and bacon is truly irresistible. If you love coconut milk as we do over here then you should definitely not miss this Creamy Butternut Squash Pumpkin Casserole.
  • An easy roasted pumpkin recipe to be enjoyed as a side dish or as well as as a lighter main course served along with fresh salad such as Marinated Vegetable Salad or Cucumber and Onion Salad.
  • Like your bacon crispy? Cook it beforehand and throw it into the casserole; either way, I hope you enjoy it!
Pumpkin Bake ingredients flat lay shot

Ingredients

  • Pumpkin – choose your favorite, I like to use a pumpkin that has deep orange color inside and tastes sweeter. The best choice I found so far is Muscade de Provence Pumpkin. Similar to this gratin, butternut squash would work here too.
  • Seasonings - the star of this dish after pumpkin of course are the spices. Add a little pinch of chili flakes, or chili powder, chipotle if you like it hot! Careful on the salt though as this pumpkin bake has feta, bacon, and olives that are all high in salt.
  • Olives - a mix of both, black green, and purple would be great here, add more than the recipe instructed if you're a fan!
  • Feta cheese - creamy salty feta baked along with the pumpkin and creamy sauce is delicious on its own but does have a strong flavor to it. For a milder version, use grated mozzarella or lighter grated white cheddar. I haven't tried goat cheese with this pumpkin recipe but I believe it tasted great when baked and would work great in this recipe too.
Side view angle of a bacon pumpkin casserole

How To Make Pumpkin Casserole

In a larger bowl or baking dish toss pumpkin strips with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste (or mix olive oil with salt and pepper separately and brush each pumpkin layer with it).

Pumpkin strips in a white bowl on a marble table.

Arrange the pumpkin in one layer in a baking dish 9x13 or slightly smaller (I used a 12 x 7 inches dish).

Pumpkin strips in a white casserole dish on a marble table.

Follow with a layer of bacon covering the pumpkin layer.

Pumpkin and bacon strips in a white casserole dish on a marble table.

Repeat 1 time and finish with one more layer of pumpkin strips. Set aside.

Bacon and Pumpkin layers mixed in a white casserole dish.

In a medium-sized saucepot add coconut milk and spices.

Coconut milk with spices simmering in a white pot.

Simmer for 5 minutes over low-medium heat, enough for the spices to open and be fragrant.

Pour over the pumpkin and bacon layers.

Pumpkin and Bacon layers covered with coconut milk and spices sauce and olives.

Add feta cheese all over the sauce and a few sprigs of fresh thyme.

  • Related: Fried cabbage with bacon
Pumpkin and Bacon layers covered with coconut milk and spices sauce and olives. and feta cheese before baking

Bake at 425 F for 25-35 minutes.

Once the pumpkin bake is done, remove the thyme sprigs and add a fresh one instead for serving. Enjoy as a side dish or a main course with fresh salad on the side.

Tips

  • Feta cheese, feel free to increase to ¾ cup if you love the flavor. Alternatively, you can use other types of cheese such as grated Mozzarella.
  • Bacon - you can use either slightly cooked and crisped bacon strips or raw as I used. The flavor and texture will be different but it is a personal preference how you’d like this.
  • Pumpkin - the strips shouldn’t be too thin otherwise you’ll end up with a very mushy texture. Aim for no less than ½ inch thick slices, can be more too but the baking time will need to be adjusted. Make sure to check the pumpkin along the way until it's fork-tender.
  • Seasonings - Be careful with salt and pepper when seasoning pumpkin as the feta cheese, bacon, and olives contain salt already. If in doubt, add less and season later when serving.
  • Coconut milk - heavy cream (36%) can be used instead if you prefer it over coconut milk.
  • Casserole size - I used a casserole dish 12 x 7 inches but can be done in a larger 9 x 13 dish. In this case, may need a few more strips of pumpkin and bacon.
  • Easy roasted pumpkin - This pumpkin bake can be done without the sauce too, although it will be different texture and slightly drier. Simply skip the sauce but brush the pumpkin with olive oil, spices, salt and pepper. Proceed as instructed in the recipe. While roasting check the pumpkin for doneness towards the end of the baking time.
Bacon and roasted Pumpkin casserole bite shot on a fork

FAQ

Which pumpkin is best for roasting?

Almost any type of pumpkin will work here although the best option is Butternut Pumpkin as it holds its shape well.

I actually like to choose darker orange pumpkin types that are deep orange color inside and have the best flavor. What is essential is to check your pumpkin while roasting to avoid it becoming too soft.

How long should pumpkin be cooked for?

Usually it is around 25-35 minutes but it greatly depends on type of oven and size of pumpkin chunks or strips are prepared for baking.

Easy Pumpkin Recipes

Check out ALL PUMPKIN recipes.

  • pumpkin curry.
    Under 30 Minute Pumpkin Curry (Vegan)
  • pumpkin and chickpea hummus in a white bowl on a marble table with white linen
    Roasted Pumpkin Hummus
  • vegan pumpkin soup with cilantro and sour cream in a bowl
    Vegan Pumpkin Soup Recipe (Without Cream)
  • Vegan Pumpkin Chili with sour cream cheese jalapeno toppings
    Pumpkin Chili (30-Minutes!)

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Recipe Card

Bacon Pumpkin Bake with olives, feta and thyme in coconut sauce

Pumpkin Casserole Recipe

Julia
An easy pumpkin casserole with creamy coconut milk and bacon in one dish. Seasoned with spices and fresh thyme is easy and quick to make and best to be served as a side dish for dinner.
5 from 4 votes
Print SaveSaved! Pin
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 side portions
Calories 371 kcal

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INGREDIENTS
  

  • 1 pound pumpkin, cut into not less than ½ inch strips
  • 8 strips bacon
  • ½ cup feta cheese
  • 10 or more green or black olives, pitted, cut in half
  • 4-6 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ cup coconut milk

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • In a larger bowl or baking dish toss pumpkin strips with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste (or mix olive oil with salt and pepper separately and brush each pumpkin layer with it).
  • Arrange the pumpkin in one layer in a baking dish 9x13 or slightly smaller (I used 12 x 7 inches dish). Follow with a layer of bacon covering the pumpkin layer. Repeat 1 time and finish with a one more layer of pumpkin strips. Set aside.
  • In a medium-sized saucepot add coconut milk and spices. Simmer for 5 minutes over low-medium heat, enough for the spices to open and be fragrant.
  • Pour over the pumpkin and bacon layers.
  • Add feta cheese and olives all over the sauce and a few sprigs of fresh thyme.
  • Bake at 425 F for 25-35 minutes.
  • Once pumpkin bake is done, remove the thyme sprigs and add a fresh one instead when serving.
  • Enjoy as a side dish or as a main course along with a fresh salad.

VIDEO

NOTES

  • Feta cheese, feel free to increase to ¾ cup if you love the flavor. Alternatively, you can use other ypes of cheese such as grated Mozzarella.
  • Bacon - you can use either slightly cooked and crisped bacon strips or raw as I used. The flavor and texture will be different but it is a personal preference how you’d like this.
  • Pumpkin - the strips shouldn’t be too thin otherwise you’ll end up with a very mushy texture. Aim for no less than ½ inch thick slices, can be more too but the baking time will need to be adjusted. Make sure to check the pumpkin along the way until it's fork-tender.
  • Seasonings - Be careful with salt and pepper when seasoning pumpkin as the feta cheese, bacon, and olives contain salt already. If in doubt, add less and season later when serving.
  • Coconut milk - heavy cream (36%) can be used instead if you prefer it over coconut milk.
  • Casserole size - I used a casserole dish 12 x 7 inches but can be done in a larger 9 x 13 dish. In this case, may need a few more strips of pumpkin and bacon.

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NUTRITION

Calories: 371kcal
Tried this recipe?@theyummy_bowl and tag #theyummy_bowl! Thank you!

Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.

Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.

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« Pumpkin Caramel Sauce
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole With Bacon (and Homemade Fried Onions) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Margo

    November 01, 2021 at 5:49 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious!Will definitely make this again and again!

    Reply
    • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

      November 02, 2021 at 2:27 pm

      Thank you so much Margo, glad to hear you liked it!

      Reply
    • Caitlin

      November 16, 2022 at 2:01 am

      5 stars
      I randomly found this recipe by Googling ingredients we needed to use up, and I am FLOORED. SO DELICIOUS. A great way to use little pumpkins we'd been using as decoration. Highly recommend using thick cut, high quality bacon. Seriously, one of my fave dishes I've made in a long time. Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        November 16, 2022 at 9:51 am

        Oh so yummy we loved it so much! Its different from traditional pumpkin recipes but wins your heart once you try it. Thanks for commenting!

  2. Julia

    September 04, 2021 at 9:51 am

    5 stars
    A delicious new way of enjoying pumpkin dishes this season!

    Reply
5 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)

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the yummy bowl julia author

I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthier recipes for busy people. Whether you're craving something deliciously healthy or a bit indulgent, you'll discover a variety of satisfying and comforting dishes here.

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