Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2

Prepare the crust. Press the pie dough into the bottom and the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges to make a pattern. Freeze it for 1 hour.

Step 3

Line the pie dough with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Fill up the pan with 2 pounds of pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the weights and lining and bake for 10 minutes more, or until the crust has turned golden brown.

Step 4

Prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the pumpkin puree until well-combined.

Step 5

Beat in the sugar and salt. Add the eggs and extra egg yolk, half-and-half, and melted butter. Beat until well-combined. Mix in the vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger (if using).

Step 6

Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and bake for 50 minutes or until the middle is set. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. Slice and serve with whipped cream on top. Enjoy!