Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Hey, have you ever had savory pumpkin spice donut holes? Oh my gosh, they’re so good! I tried them, and I couldn’t stop eating.

The mix of pumpkin spice and a little bit of saltiness is just perfect. They’re soft, fluffy, and totally different from regular sweet ones. I’m telling you, it’s a fun surprise for your taste buds.

I keep thinking, “Why didn’t I try this sooner?” They’re so easy and perfect for snacks. I love making them for family and friends.

You’ve gotta try these! Let’s get in the kitchen and make some magic with these savory bites. It’s going to be so tasty!

Why You’ll Love These Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

• A Savory Twist on a Classic: Pumpkin spice is usually associated with sweetness, but the blend of spices and the addition of Parmesan cheese bring a savory element that’s completely irresistible.
• Perfect for Fall Gatherings: These little donut holes are perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or even just cozy nights at home. They’re bite-sized and packed with flavor!
• Easy to Make: If you love simple, straightforward recipes, these savory donut holes will be right up your alley. A few mixing steps, fry them up, and voila! Deliciousness in every bite.
• Customizable: Feel free to play around with the spices and seasonings to make it your own. Add extra garlic for a savory kick or swap out the sage for thyme.
• Great for Meal Prep: You can make these ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave. The best part? They taste just as good the next day!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes. Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen, and the best part is they’re all simple tools that don’t require anything fancy!

Essential Tools for the Donut Holes:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two bowls—one for mixing your dry ingredients and another for combining your wet ingredients.
• Whisk or Spoon: A whisk will help combine your dry ingredients evenly, while a spoon is ideal for mixing the wet ingredients.
• Frying Pan or Deep Fryer: You can use a deep fryer, but a simple frying pan works just as well for these donut holes. A thermometer would be helpful to maintain the right oil temperature.
• Spoon or Small Scoop: A small cookie scoop or spoon is perfect for portioning out the donut dough and making sure they are uniform in size.
• Paper Towels: For draining the excess oil once the donut holes are fried.

Ingredients

To make these pumpkin spice donut holes, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with some of the ingredients – most of them are easily found in your local grocery store.

For the Donut Holes:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the donut dough. It helps give structure to the donut holes, making them soft and light.
• Baking powder: This is what makes the donut holes puff up when fried.
• Ground cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that brings a sweet, cozy flavor to the donut holes.
• Ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin well.
• Ground ginger: A bit of ginger adds a subtle heat and spiciness that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
• Ground cloves: Just a pinch of ground cloves enhances the depth of the spices and adds complexity.
• Garlic powder (or onion powder): This is the secret ingredient that gives these donut holes their savory flavor, balancing out the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
• Salt: Don’t skip the salt! It enhances all the flavors and brings out the best in the savory spices.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a deliciously sharp and savory element, making the donut holes irresistible.
• Pumpkin puree: Pure pumpkin adds richness and moisture to the donut holes, giving them their signature flavor and texture.
• Milk (or buttermilk): Adds moisture to the dough. If you use buttermilk, you’ll get a slightly tangier flavor, which complements the savory elements even more.
• Large egg: This helps bind everything together and adds richness to the dough.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Butter adds richness and flavor, creating that deliciously tender texture.
• Fresh chopped sage (optional): Fresh sage brings a herby flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and adds a festive touch.

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):

• Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a little tang, perfect to balance out the savory donut holes.
• Dijon mustard: A small spoonful of Dijon mustard brings a nice kick to the dipping sauce.
• Maple syrup: The sweetness of maple syrup pairs wonderfully with the savory donut holes, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Fresh chives for garnish: For a pop of freshness and color!

Variations for Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

One of the best parts about making these savory donut holes is how customizable they are! Here are a few variations you can try to make the recipe your own:

• Add Bacon: If you’re a bacon lover, crumbled bacon bits are an excellent addition to the dough. They’ll add a smoky, savory crunch that makes these donut holes even more irresistible.
• Spicy Kick: If you like things on the spicier side, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small amount of finely chopped fresh jalapeños into the dough. It will give the donut holes a fiery kick!
• Cheese Lovers: For even more cheesy flavor, swap out Parmesan for other cheeses like sharp cheddar or Gruyère.
• Herb Variations: Instead of sage, you can experiment with other herbs like rosemary or thyme for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Sweet & Savory: If you like a balance between sweet and savory, drizzle a little bit of honey over the donut holes after frying them. It adds a nice, sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
• Vegan Version: For a vegan version of these donut holes, swap the egg with a flax egg, use plant-based butter, and choose a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Making these Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes is a fun and simple process that results in a tasty snack or appetizer everyone will love. Follow these straightforward steps for perfectly tender, flavorful donut holes.

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, start by whisking together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, garlic powder (or onion powder), and salt. This is an essential step to ensure the spices and baking powder are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Tip: Don’t skip this step! Mixing the dry ingredients first helps prevent clumps of spices in your donut holes and guarantees an even flavor throughout.

2. Add the Grated Parmesan Cheese

After you’ve mixed the dry ingredients, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Use a fine grater to get the cheese as finely shredded as possible, as it will mix more evenly into the dough. The Parmesan cheese brings a savory sharpness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin. Stir the cheese into the dry ingredients until fully combined.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, milk (or buttermilk), egg, and melted butter. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a rich texture, while the egg and butter help bind the dough together.

Tip: If you’re using buttermilk, the tanginess will enhance the flavor, making the donut holes even more savory. If you prefer a milder taste, regular milk will do just fine.

4. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir everything together gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense donut holes. The dough should be thick, but still slightly sticky to the touch.

Tip: If the dough seems too wet, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Heat the Oil

To fry the donut holes, you’ll need a deep pan or skillet with enough oil to submerge the donut holes. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). A thermometer is the best way to check the temperature, but if you don’t have one, drop a small amount of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is hot enough.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Frying too many donut holes at once will lower the temperature of the oil and result in greasy donut holes. Fry in batches for the best results.

6. Form the Donut Holes

Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil. The dough will puff up as it fries, so don’t worry if they look a bit rough when they first go in. They’ll round out as they cook. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of dough per donut hole to get that perfect bite-sized shape.

Tip: You can also lightly grease your hands and roll the dough into balls if you want perfectly round donut holes. But don’t stress if they’re a little rustic!

7. Fry the Donut Holes

Fry the donut holes for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to turn them occasionally, ensuring they cook evenly on all sides. Once they’re golden brown, carefully remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.

Tip: Keep the heat steady while frying. If the oil is too hot, the donut holes may cook too quickly on the outside but remain raw on the inside. If the oil is too cool, they may absorb too much oil and become greasy.

8. Serve with Dipping Sauce

Once all the donut holes are fried and drained, it’s time to serve! These savory little bites are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a creamy dipping sauce.

For the dipping sauce, mix together sour cream, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth. The sour cream adds a tangy creaminess, while the Dijon mustard gives it a slight kick. The maple syrup brings just the right amount of sweetness to complement the savory donut holes.

Tip: For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top of the sauce to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.

9. Garnish and Serve

For a festive touch, garnish the donut holes with a sprinkle of fresh sage or thyme. These herbs not only look beautiful, but they also add an aromatic, earthy note that enhances the savory flavors of the donut holes.

Serve these donut holes warm and watch as they disappear in no time!

How to Serve Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

These donut holes are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways, depending on your occasion. Here are some creative serving ideas that will take your Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes to the next level:

As an Appetizer:

Serve these donut holes as an appetizer at your next gathering. They’re perfect for dipping into sauces, and they’ll definitely be the star of the show! Pair them with a fresh green salad or a warm soup for a cozy, comforting meal.

As a Snack:

Perfect for munching on throughout the day! Whether you’re enjoying them with your afternoon coffee or serving them at a family get-together, these donut holes are a delicious snack option that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

On a Holiday Table:

Looking for something new to add to your holiday spread? These savory donut holes make an excellent addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other fall-themed gatherings. The rich pumpkin flavor combined with warm spices makes them a perfect holiday treat.

In a Party Platter:

Serve the donut holes as part of a savory party platter with other finger foods like stuffed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or mini sliders. They’ll be the perfect bite-sized snack that your guests will love.

Storing Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

While these Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are best enjoyed fresh, they can be stored and reheated for later use. If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them properly to maintain their flavor and texture.

Storing the Donut Holes

Once you’ve enjoyed your donut holes (if there are any leftovers!), you can store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

• Room Temperature: Store the donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will still taste great, but they may lose a little bit of their crispness.
• Refrigeration: If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate the donut holes for up to 4 days. Simply place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Tip: If you’re planning to store them for longer, freezing is a great option!

Freezing Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

To freeze the donut holes, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Tip: Label the bag or container with the date so you can keep track of when you made them.

Reheating the Donut Holes

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover donut holes, here are a couple of ways to reheat them so they stay crispy and delicious:

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy on the outside.
• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little bit of butter or oil. Once hot, add the donut holes and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are crispy and warmed through.
• Microwave Method: If you’re in a rush, you can microwave the donut holes for 20-30 seconds, but keep in mind that they may lose some of their crispy texture.

Nutrition Information

To give you a better idea of the nutritional content, here’s an approximate breakdown of one serving of Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes. Keep in mind that the exact nutrition values may vary depending on the ingredients used and portion sizes.

Nutrition per Serving (1 donut hole):

• Calories: 100-120 calories
• Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional Benefits:

• Pumpkin Puree: Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like Vitamin A, pumpkin puree is a nutritious addition to this savory snack.
• Parmesan Cheese: Not only does Parmesan cheese add flavor, but it also provides calcium and protein.
• Eggs and Butter: These ingredients offer a good source of protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied.

Remember, these donut holes are an indulgent treat that can easily fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation!

Conclusion

These Savory Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are the perfect way to embrace fall with a savory twist. They’re soft, flavorful, and full of warm spices, making them ideal for any fall gathering, casual snacking, or as a fun new addition to your holiday table. Whether you enjoy them with the tangy dipping sauce or as-is, they’re sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves a savory snack with a hint of seasonal flair. So, why not whip up a batch today? Your taste buds will thank you!

If you’re a fan of pumpkin and looking for something different from your usual pumpkin pie, these donut holes are a great option. Plus, they’re easy to make, freeze well, and are always a hit with family and friends!