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    Oh My Veggies » Holiday Recipes » Halloween Recipes

    Bite-Sized Pumpkin Puffs

    Published: Oct 25, 2018 · by Nicole · Updated: Aug 22, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    These bite-sized Pumpkin Puffs are infused with Mexican flavor from tangy cotija cheese and rich Crema Mexicana. Plus, they’re easy to make in just 15 minutes!

    pumpkin puffs being served as an appetizer

    Thank you Cacique® for sponsoring this post. Visit your local grocery store to pick up your fave Cacique® product for a delicious dinner tonight!

    It’s that time of year again – when the weather starts to cool off, the leaves start to change colors, and we start seeing pumpkins everywhere we go.

    And I’m just as guilty when it comes to the pumpkin-flavored craze.

    So when I had the chance to create a new recipe using Mexican products from Cacique®, I couldn’t help but infuse a little pumpkin flavor.

    pumpkin puffs being served for a holiday celebration

    The result was pretty delicious. These little bite-sized pumpkin puffs are the perfect shareable snack for your Halloween or Fall parties. I think they would even make a great appetizer for Thanksgiving.

    And the infusion of Mexican flavors from the Cotija cheese and Crema Mexicana takes this dish to a whole other level!

    A Little Mexican Flavor for your Pumpkin Puffs

    I had so much fun adding a bit of Mexican flavor to this recipe with Cacique® Cotija Cheese and Crema Mexicana.

    crema mexicana, cotija cheese, and pumpkins

    In fact, Cacique® has an entire line of Mexican cheeses and sour creams. Now I’m busy dreaming up all kinds of Mexican-inspired recipes, so I can try out all their products.

    The cotija cheese was so fresh and flavorful! And the Crema Mexicana was rich and silky. These Cacique® products made it easy to add incredible Mexican flavors to this dish, without spending the whole day in the kitchen.

    In fact – you can make these pumpkin puffs in just 15 minutes!

    And if you're looking for another simple, cheesy recipe - be sure to check out this Manchego Grilled Cheese - also made with Cacique products.

    pumpkin puffs being served

    I love quick recipes like this for entertaining. They let me spend more time with my family and friends, and less time in the kitchen. But I still get to serve incredible food. Win, win.

    How to Make Pumpkin Puffs

    infographic showing ingredients for pumpkin puffs recipe

    You won’t believe how quick and easy these pumpkin puffs are to prepare.

    Like I said, you can pull the whole thing together in just 15 minutes. And that includes the baking time.

    Start off by preheating your oven to 375 degrees (F).

    Then, prepare your filling. Start off with a bit of pumpkin puree. You’ll find this in the baking or canned goods section at any grocery store.

    mixing filling for pumpkin puffs

    Just make sure you pick up the pure pumpkin kind – without added sugars or flavorings. The ingredients label should only list pumpkin!  

    Next, stir in the Cotija Cheese and Crema Mexicana. The cotija cheese adds so much flavor to the filling and the Crema Mexicana gives it a nice, creamy consistency.

    Add a bit of salt and pepper to taste, and stir the filling until it’s well combined.

    Now it’s time to stuff your pastry shells. I used the pre-formed phyllo cups – you’ll find them in the frozen aisle at the grocery store.

    filling phyllo cups with pumpkin filling

    Alternative: If you have any trouble finding the phyllo cups, you can also just use regular sheets of phyllo dough. Just layer a few sheets of the flaky dough together, cut into squares, and press it down into a muffin tin to form the cups. Then just fill them, and bake in the muffin tray.

    baking pumpkin puffs

    Then, bake your pumpkin puffs in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are slightly golden.

    When they’re finished baking, let them cool a bit before serving. For a fancy garnish, you can top each one with a little sprig of thyme.

    pumpkin puffs topped with thyme sprigs

    More Recipes

    If you love these pumpkin puffs, be sure to check out these other tasty ideas:

    • Pumpkin Harissa Rolls
    • Easy Pumpkin Chili
    • Best Vegetarian Pumpkin Recipes for Fall

    If you're here planning your holiday menu, don't miss our new Vegan Christmas and Vegan Thanksgiving cookbooks. They're packed with all my favorite holiday-worthy recipes for a plant-based feast.

    Recipe

    Pumpkin Puffs

    These bite-sized Pumpkin Puffs are infused with Mexican flavor from tangy cotija cheese and rich Crema Mexicana. Plus, they’re easy to make in just 15 minutes!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Email Recipe
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Course: Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Delicious Everyday, how to make pumpkin puffs, pumpkin appetizers
    Servings: 12 pumpkin puffs
    Calories: 30kcal
    Author: Oh My Veggies

    Ingredients

    • ⅓ cup Cotija Cheese crumbled
    • 2 tbsp Crema Mexicana
    • ⅓ cup pumpkin puree Canned
    • 12, Phyllo Cup Shells frozen
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • fresh thyme optional for garnish
    • olive oil spray
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin, cotija cheese, and Crema Mexicana.
    • Add salt and pepper, to taste, and stir until well combined.
    • Spray a baking sheet lightly with olive oil.
    • Spread phyllo cups out on prepared baking sheet.
    • Fill each phyllo cup with a spoonful of pumpkin-cotija filling. Each cup should be completely full.
    • Bake for 10 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is a light golden color.
    • If desired, garnish each pumpkin puff with a sprig of thyme.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 30kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 65mgPotassium: 17mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 1088IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 0.1mg
    Craving more veg-friendly recipes? Shop our collection of vegetarian and vegan cookbooks, including our new Vegan Thanksgiving and Vegan Christmas cookbooks!
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    Nicole is a life long vegetarian and the author of the popular vegan cookbook, Weeknight One Pot Vegan Cooking. She loves sharing her recipes and showing the world just how easy and delicious meatless meals can be!
    Learn more here.

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