trouble said:
Pie pumpkins should be on sale everywhere now. I wouldn't cook one you carved and set out.
Yep not worth it. Jack O Lantern pumpkins have less flesh compared to pie pumpkins (proportionate to their size) and are less sweet.
Additionally, when you carve the pumpkin and expose the watery flesh, its shelf life goes downhill immediately. Within hours, you have flies, other bugs, squirrels, etc. all over it. Not something I want to roast and eat.
Roast the pieces you cut immediately if you must, but discard the rest after the holiday. Or if you're like me, procrastinate until it's rotting and gross and then wish you had a hazmat suit to dispose of it.
Anyway, I love roasting pie pumpkins, but practically speaking, butternut squash looks and tastes very similar and gives you more edible squash for your money.