Brace yourselves, food fans, because we’re about to take your taste buds on an absolute EXPLOSION of flavor! I’m Chef Maxine “Max” Delarue from Maxivore.com, and today I’m sharing my Cheesy Pumpkin Queso Dip with Savory Bacon Crumbles. This dish is the ultimate party-starter, a real game-changer that’s gonna have your guests begging for more. So let’s dive in and transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pumpkin Queso Dip with Savory Bacon Crumbles
This Cheesy Pumpkin Queso Dip with Savory Bacon Crumbles is an absolute EPIC flavor bomb that’s gonna rock your world! It’s got all the irresistible cheesy goodness you crave, plus the smooth, creamy pumpkin that adds an amazing twist. And let’s not forget the savory, crunchy bacon crumbles that take this dip to a whole new level of INSANE deliciousness. Trust me, your taste buds are about to be completely SMASHED by this revolutionary recipe. This is the kind of dish that’ll have everyone at the party begging for the recipe – and maybe even fighting over the last bite!
Ingredients
For this Cheesy Pumpkin Queso Dip, you’ll need a mouthwatering lineup of ingredients that are about to come together in the most epic flavor explosion imaginable. We’re talking cream cheese, shredded cheddar, pumpkin puree, spices, and of course, that crispy, savory bacon that’s gonna take this dip to new heights of LEGENDARY status.
- 16 oz. – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Pumpkin puree
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp. – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp. – Onion powder
- 1 tsp. – Chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices – Crispy bacon, crumbled
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Feel free to swap in different cheeses, like pepper jack or Monterey jack, for a little extra kick.
- Bacon: If you’re not a bacon fan (though I can’t imagine why), you can always sub in some crispy chorizo or even roasted veggies for that delicious crunch.
How to Make Cheesy Pumpkin Queso Dip with Savory Bacon Crumbles
Alright, let’s get this party started! First up, we’re gonna fry up that EPIC bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. Then we’ll crumble that bad boy up and set it aside, because we’re about to take this dip to the next level. Next, we’ll mix together the cream cheese, pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar, and a killer blend of spices. Now, here’s where the MAGIC happens – we’re gonna throw that mixture into the oven until it’s hot, bubbly, and INSANELY delicious. Finally, we’ll top it all off with those savory bacon crumbles, and voila! You’ve got yourself a dip that’s gonna have your guests going absolutely WILD.
Step 1: Prep Work
– Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside – Preheat your oven to 350°F – Gather all your ingredients and get ready to EXPLODE some taste buds!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
– In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper – Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy – Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and smooth the top
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
– Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and INSANELY delicious – Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle the crispy bacon crumbles on top – Serve this EPIC creation immediately with your favorite tortilla chips or veggies for dipping
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheese Blend: You can switch up the cheese and use a blend of cheddar, pepper jack, and Monterey jack for an extra EXPLOSIVE flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you’re feeling spicy, try adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Veggie Swap: For all my veggie-loving friends out there, you can absolutely swap the bacon for some crispy roasted Brussels sprouts or even caramelized onions.
- Get Creative: The possibilities are ENDLESS, my friends, so get creative and let your taste buds go on the ride of their lives!
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Your favorite tortilla chips, pita bread, or even some fresh, crunchy veggies.
Storage: This dip will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, but I doubt it’ll last that long – it’s just too IRRESISTIBLE!
Reheat: Simply reheat the dip in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: This Cheesy Pumpkin Queso Dip is the perfect make-ahead appetizer. Just prepare the dip, bake it, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Let’s be real, this Cheesy Pumpkin Queso Dip with Savory Bacon Crumbles isn’t exactly a health food, but it’s definitely a FEAST for your taste buds. Each serving packs a MASSIVE amount of creamy, cheesy goodness, along with a delicious dose of pumpkin and that EPIC bacon crumble topping. So go ahead and indulge, my friends – your taste buds will thank you!
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 11 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Pumpkin Queso Dip is the perfect make-ahead appetizer. Just prepare the dip, bake it, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to dig in, simply reheat it in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly, then top with the bacon crumbles and enjoy!
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
You bet! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to grab the plain, unsweetened kind – no pumpkin pie filling allowed!
Can I freeze this dip?
You know it! This Cheesy Pumpkin Queso Dip freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly.
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use your favorite plant-based protein instead, like crispy tofu or roasted veggies. The possibilities are ENDLESS, so get creative and make this dip your own!
How spicy is this dip?
This Cheesy Pumpkin Queso Dip has a nice little kick from the chili powder, but it’s not too overpowering. If you’re looking to turn up the heat, feel free to add a sprinkle of cayenne or some diced jalapeños. But if you prefer a milder flavor, you can always reduce the chili powder or leave it out altogether.
Try These Next
- Creamy Pumpkin Mac And Cheese With Savory Herb Crumble
- Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins With Smoky Ranch Dip
- Spicy Chili Garlic Sauce Pumpkin Cheesecake With Candied Pecans
Cheesy Pumpkin Queso Dip with Savory Bacon Crumbles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🧀 CHEESE AVALANCHE
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Pumpkin Queso Dip is the perfect blend of creamy cheese, savory pumpkin, and crispy bacon, making it an irresistible appetizer for any gathering!
Ingredients
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cream cheese and milk until smooth.
2. 2. Stir in the pumpkin purée, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until heated through.
4. 4. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
5. 5. Fold in the crumbled bacon.
6. 6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro, with tortilla chips or bread for dipping.
Notes
– For a spicier dip, add diced jalapeños.
– This dip can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: queso, dip, cheese, pumpkin, bacon