There’s something special about aperitivo in autumn. The light fades earlier, the air cools just enough to make a warm gathering with friends feel just right — and, well, autumn marks the beginning of many holiday celebrations. So, at Vegaliano, we love nothing more than sharing ideas on how to make your gatherings memorable with plant-based food!

This time of year, there’s one ingredient that truly captures the moment: pumpkin. Versatile, naturally sweet, and beautifully earthy, pumpkin brings both color and new flavors to the table. And no — it doesn’t need to be reserved for soups and desserts. With a little creativity, pumpkin becomes the unexpected star of your next vegan aperitivo spread.

Here’s how you can add a touch of pumpkin magic, without turning your aperitivo into a full dinner — just a few small bites, warm plates, and thoughtful pairings that speak to the season.

Pumpkin Cream & Vegan Mozzarella Bruschetta

Let’s start with our favourite go-to for aperitivo: bruschetta! We love a quick, easy bruschetta — and there’s nothing like a warm version for colder autumn nights.

Take your classic toasted bread and level it up with a generous smear of roasted pumpkin cream — smooth, a little garlicky, maybe with a hint of rosemary or sage. Then top it with slices of vegan mozzarella and finish it in the oven until melted and bubbly.

The result? Crunchy, creamy, and undeniably cozy. A perfect mix of texture and warmth — ideal with a glass of non-alcoholic spritz.

Tip: Want to get ahead? Make the pumpkin cream in advance and keep it in a jar for impromptu aperitivo moments.

Pumpkin Hummus with Vegan Blue Cheese & Vegan Honey

Sometimes, a dip is all you need to bring the table together. Enter: pumpkin hummus, with a sweet twist.

Blend roasted pumpkin with chickpeas, a touch of lemon, olive oil, and smoked paprika for depth. The texture should be creamy, but not too smooth — we like a little rustic feel here. Add a good amount of vegan honey to give it that outburst of sweetness.

Spoon it into a shallow bowl and now comes our favourite part: crumbled vegan blue cheese, scattered generously over the top.

Serve with toasted bread sticks, grissini, or raw veggie sticks. It’s unexpected but incredibly balanced — smoky, sweet, sharp, and silky all at once.

Why we love it:
This dish feels generous but takes minimal effort.

Polenta Bites with Pumpkin & Chive Cream Cheese

If you’ve never paired pumpkin with polenta, now’s the time.

Picture this: small rounds of crispy, baked polenta as your base. On top, a swirl of vegan cream cheese with chives, and a roasted piece of pumpkin drizzled in a vegan honey glaze. Sprinkle with thyme or toasted seeds, and you’ve got a bite that’s savory, herby, and layered.

It’s the kind of combination that catches people by surprise — in the best way.

Remember, aperitivo is never about perfection. It’s about setting a tone. With just a few thoughtful bites, a warm drink, and a little seasonal creativity, you can turn a quiet evening into something magical.

Pumpkin might be everywhere this time of year, but when used well, it feels anything but basic. It’s grounding. It’s versatile.

Hosting an aperitivo night soon?
Tag us and share your #VegalianoAperitivo with a pumpkin twist — we love seeing your creations!