Quick, Easy and Light Savory Pumpkin Flans

Is it a side dish or an appetizer? Savory Pumpkin Flan doesn’t care about labels. This creamy, savory delight is here to charm anyone looking for a mouth-watering appetizer. Packed with roasted pumpkin, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of nutmeg, this dish suitable for any event.

After baking, drizzle with melted cheese, and you’ve got yourself an easy yet impressive creation perfect for any meal of the day.

The Tale of Pumpkin Flan

Pumpkin flan might sound like a modern foodie’s experiment, but it’s rooted in centuries of culinary creativity. While flan traditionally brings to mind sweet, caramel-coated desserts, this recipe borrows techniques from Italian and French cuisines. Pumpkins were once called “pepons” by the Greeks, meaning “large melons.” Imagine serving a “large melon flan” at dinner, talk about a conversation starter.

The Parmesan gives it a delightful umami kick, while the roasted pumpkin’s natural sweetness makes it delicious.

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Flan

• Use sugar pumpkins or butternut squash for a naturally sweet and creamy base.
• Don’t skip the roasting process. It intensifies the pumpkin’s flavor and makes the skin easier to remove.
• Mind the nutmeg as a little goes a long way. Too much can overpower the dish.
• When baking in a water bath, ensure the water doesn’t touch the flan mixture.

Can I Use Canned Pumpkin?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works well if you’re short on time. Just ensure it’s 100% pumpkin without added spices or sugar.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Prepare and bake the flan a day in advance, then refrigerate. Warm it up in the oven before serving.

Can I Skip the Water Bath?

The water bath ensures even cooking and prevents the flan from cracking. While you can skip it, the texture may not be as creamy.

What Can I Serve It With?

Pumpkin flan pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty baguette.

Can I Add Other Spices?

Of course! Cinnamon, sage, or even paprika can complement the pumpkin’s flavor.

Can Savory Pumpkin Flan Be Frozen?

Yes, but with a few considerations. Let the flans cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a low oven or microwave until heated through. Add the melted cheese just before serving for the best texture.

How to Store Any Leftovers

Store leftover flan in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the flan in a preheated oven at 180°C until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may alter the texture.

How to Make Pumpkin Flan

Step 1

Step 1

Cut the pumpkin into four parts and remove the seeds.

Cut the pumpkin into four parts and remove the seeds.

Step 2

Step 2

Season with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and rosemary, and bake at 200°C for 30 minutes. Once roasted, the skin will peel off effortlessly.

Season with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and rosemary, and bake at 200°C for 30 minutes. Once roasted, the skin will peel off effortlessly.

Step 3

Step 3

Scoop the roasted pumpkin into a large bowl. Add eggs, cream, nutmeg, salt, and Parmesan. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.

Scoop the roasted pumpkin into a large bowl. Add eggs, cream, nutmeg, salt, and Parmesan. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.

Step 4

Step 4

Grease six aluminum or silicone molds lightly. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the molds. Place the molds in a high-sided baking tray. Fill the tray with water until it reaches halfway up the molds. This helps cook the flan gently and evenly.

Grease six aluminum or silicone molds lightly. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the molds. Place the molds in a high-sided baking tray. Fill the tray with water until it reaches halfway up the molds. This helps cook the flan gently and evenly.

Step 5

Step 5

You can bake in the oven by placing the tray on another tray or on the grill. Bake at 200°C for about 1 hour. If the tops start to darken too much, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.

You can bake in the oven by placing the tray on another tray or on the grill. Bake at 200°C for about 1 hour. If the tops start to darken too much, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 6

Step 6

Let the flan cool for at least 20 minutes before carefully unmolding onto plates. Drizzle your favorite melted cheese on top for a luxurious finish.

Let the flan cool for at least 20 minutes before carefully unmolding onto plates. Drizzle your favorite melted cheese on top for a luxurious finish.