Creamy Harvest Pumpkin Dip
This delightful Creamy Harvest Pumpkin Dip is a crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of seasonal warmth to any gathering. Originally crafted for a Halloween-themed party, its rich flavors and creamy texture have made it a cherished recipe among friends. Packed with wholesome pumpkin, a blend of savory Mexican spices, and colorful bell peppers, this dip strikes the perfect balance between creamy and zesty. Serve it inside a colorful round loaf of bread shaped like a pumpkin for a festive presentation, and accompany it with a variety of dippers like fresh vegetables, chips, and crackers. This dip not only makes for an impressive appetizer but is also a conversation starter, evoking memories and stories among your guests. Whether for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any autumn gathering, this dip is sure to spark joy and satisfaction.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole round loaf of bread
1 lb (Uncut, can be dyed orange for a festive look.)
Cooked pumpkin (mashed, unseasoned)
3/4 cup (Canned is acceptable.)
Light cream cheese (at room temperature)
12 ounces (Neufchatel or regular cream cheese.)
Mexican seasoning blend
2 tablespoons (Use your favorite blend or homemade.)
Garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (Use more to taste if desired.)
Pumpkin pie spice
1/8 teaspoon (Adjust to taste.)
Deli ham (thinly sliced)
1/3 cup (Cut into small pieces.)
Red bell pepper
1/3 cup (Diced.)
Green bell pepper
1/3 cup (Diced.)
Black olives
1 can (2 1/4 ounces) (Sliced and drained.)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed pumpkin and softened cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat the two together until smooth and well blended.
2
Add in the Mexican seasoning blend, garlic powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until everything is fully incorporated, and taste to adjust the seasoning as desired. If the spice blend needs more salt or heat, add a touch of salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
3
Gently fold in the diced red and green bell peppers, chopped deli ham, and sliced black olives. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4
Cover the dip with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
5
When ready to serve, take your round loaf of bread and carefully cut off the top to create a lid. Hollow out the bread to form a bowl, leaving enough of the crust to hold the dip.
6
Spoon the chilled pumpkin dip into the bread bowl. Arrange the scooped-out bread pieces and any additional fresh veggies, chips, or crackers around the dip for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Harvest Pumpkin Dip?
It is a seasonal appetizer made with mashed pumpkin, cream cheese, Mexican seasonings, bell peppers, and ham, typically served in a bread bowl.
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, canned pumpkin is acceptable as long as it is cooked, mashed, and unseasoned.
What kind of cream cheese is recommended?
You can use light cream cheese, Neufchatel, or regular cream cheese, provided it is at room temperature for easy mixing.
How do I prepare the bread bowl?
Take a whole round loaf of bread, cut off the top to create a lid, and hollow out the center to form a bowl.
Can I make the bread bowl look like a pumpkin?
Yes, you can dye the uncut bread loaf orange for a festive look and shape it to resemble a pumpkin.
How long should the dip be refrigerated?
The dip should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the best dippers for this pumpkin dip?
It is excellent with fresh vegetables, chips, crackers, and the pieces of bread scooped out from the loaf.
Is this dip spicy?
The dip uses Mexican seasoning and garlic powder; you can adjust the heat by adding more pepper or cayenne if desired.
What vegetables are inside the dip?
The recipe includes diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and sliced black olives.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the chopped deli ham.
What seasonings are used in the dip?
The recipe calls for Mexican seasoning blend, garlic powder, and a touch of pumpkin pie spice.
How much pumpkin is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin.
What is the purpose of the pumpkin pie spice in a savory dip?
A small amount (1/8 teaspoon) adds a subtle seasonal warmth that complements the pumpkin without making it sweet.
Should the bell peppers be cooked before adding?
No, the red and green bell peppers should be diced and folded in raw to provide a fresh crunch.
What size bread loaf is required?
A 1 lb whole round loaf of bread is recommended for the bread bowl.
Can I use a hand mixer for the base?
Yes, a hand mixer is recommended to beat the pumpkin and cream cheese together until smooth.
How should I prep the black olives?
Use one 2 1/4 ounce can of black olives, sliced and drained.
Can I substitute the deli ham?
Yes, you can omit it or substitute it with cooked bacon bits or finely chopped smoked turkey.
Is this dip served warm or cold?
This is a chilled dip that is refrigerated before serving.
How much cream cheese do I need?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of cream cheese.
Can I add more garlic to the recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon but encourages adding more to taste if desired.
What occasions is this dip best for?
It is ideal for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or any autumn-themed events.
How do I ensure the dip isn't lumpy?
Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the pumpkin.
How much deli ham is included?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of thinly sliced and chopped deli ham.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Absolutely, as long as it is mashed well and remains unseasoned.
What do I do with the bread lid?
You can use the top of the loaf as a lid for presentation or cut it into pieces for dipping.
Can I prepare this a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead allows even more time for the flavors to develop in the refrigerator.
What is the texture of the dip?
It has a rich and creamy base with a zesty crunch from the peppers and olives.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Does the recipe require salt?
The Mexican seasoning usually provides salt, but you can add more salt or pepper to suit your taste after mixing.