When you think of pumpkin spice, your mind probably goes straight to sweet treats, but what if I told you there’s a savory twist you absolutely have to try? Introducing Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes—a delightful blend of fall flavors with a savory edge. These bite-sized treats are perfect for breakfast, an appetizer, or even as a snack for cozy fall gatherings. They’re light, fluffy, and have just the right amount of warmth from pumpkin spice without being sweet.
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Why You’ll Love These Donut Holes
- Unique Flavor: The savory take on pumpkin spice gives these donut holes a complex and exciting flavor.
- Bite-Sized Perfection: They’re perfectly poppable and great for sharing (or not!).
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, they’re a quick snack or side dish.
- Versatile: Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces for added flavor.
The Taste of Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
These savory donut holes are light and tender, with a subtle pumpkin flavor and a perfectly balanced blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of garlic or sage. The savory notes are enhanced by a touch of salty Parmesan cheese, making these treats warm and comforting without being overly sweet. They’re perfect for fall, especially when paired with a dip like herbed cream cheese or a warm maple mustard sauce.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Quick to Make: You can whip these up in about 25 minutes.
- Savory Pumpkin Spice Twist: A fresh take on the classic pumpkin spice trend.
- Great for Entertaining: Perfect for sharing at a fall gathering or party.
- Customizable: Add your favorite spices or herbs to suit your tastes!
Ingredients
For the donut holes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or onion powder)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp fresh chopped sage (optional)
For the dipping sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Fresh chives for garnish
Necessary Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Donut hole pan or mini muffin pan (or for frying, a deep skillet and slotted spoon)
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Add herbs: Sage or rosemary would be excellent additions to bring out the savory flavors.
- Use cheddar: Swap out Parmesan for sharp cheddar for a more robust cheesy flavor.
- Make them gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Fry instead of bake: You can fry these donut holes instead of baking them for a crispier texture—just be sure to heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
How to Make Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut hole pan or mini muffin tin, or line with parchment if using a baking sheet.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, garlic powder, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, egg, melted butter, and chopped sage (if using).
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter—you want it to stay light and fluffy.
5. Fill the Pan
Spoon the batter into your prepared donut hole or mini muffin pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 of the way full.
6. Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donut holes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the donut holes to cool for a few minutes on a cooling rack before serving. If you’re frying them, drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Optional Dipping Sauce
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Garnish with freshly chopped chives.
2. Serve
Serve the savory donut holes warm with the dipping sauce on the side. They’re also delicious on their own, but a tangy dip really elevates the flavor!
What to Serve with Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
These savory donut holes pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes or dips. Here are a few ideas:
- Herbed Cream Cheese: A creamy dip with herbs like thyme or rosemary complements the warm spices.
- Roasted Garlic Aioli: The rich, garlicky flavor is a great match for these savory bites.
- Maple Mustard Sauce: The combination of sweet and tangy adds another layer of flavor to the donut holes.
- Soup: Serve alongside a bowl of butternut squash soup or tomato bisque for a hearty fall meal.
Tips for Making the Best Donut Holes
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in dense donut holes. Stir until the ingredients are just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Use Fresh Pumpkin: For the best flavor, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is sweetened and spiced.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary add depth to the savory flavor.
- Frying Tip: If you’re frying, make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F) to avoid soggy donut holes. They should cook quickly and become golden brown.
Storage Instructions
- At Room Temperature: Store the donut holes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the Fridge: Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days, but warm them slightly before serving for the best texture.
- In the Freezer: Freeze the baked donut holes for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them up before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the baked donut holes and reheat them when ready to serve.
Can I fry these donut holes instead of baking them?
Absolutely! Fry the donut holes in oil heated to 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden brown.
Do I have to use pumpkin puree?
Pumpkin puree is key to giving these donut holes their seasonal flavor and moist texture, but you can also use butternut squash or sweet potato puree as a substitute.
Conclusion
These Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are the perfect blend of fall flavors with a savory twist. They’re quick, easy, and versatile—great for breakfast, snacking, or even as a side dish for a cozy fall meal. Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm bowl of soup or just on their own with a tasty dip, these savory bites are sure to become a new autumn favorite!
Have you tried this recipe? Leave a review and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest—I’d love to see your savory creations! 🍂🎃
Nutritional Information (per donut hole)
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
More Fall-Inspired Recipes to Try
If you loved these savory donut holes, check out these other fall-inspired recipes:
- Pumpkin Sage Biscuits
- Butternut Squash Fritters
- Savory Sweet Potato Muffins
Happy fall baking! 🍁
