Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? This Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites recipe is about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise! We’re talking an epic fusion of comfort and chaos – savory pumpkin, spicy chili, and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden-brown bite. This is the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s sure to have your taste buds absolutely exploding with excitement. Get ready for a thrilling food adventure that’s so insane, you won’t even be sorry about it!
Why You’ll Love This Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites
These Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites are the ultimate in comfort food indulgence. The combination of velvety pumpkin, bold chili spices, and melty, gooey cheese is a mouth-watering flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more. Plus, the crispy, golden-brown exterior adds an incredible textural contrast that will leave you craving every last bite. This recipe is a revolutionary take on classic comfort foods, transforming ordinary ingredients into a truly legendary dish. Prepare to experience a food adventure that’s so epic, it’ll have your friends and family begging for the recipe. These Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites are a must-try for anyone who loves bold, crave-worthy flavors and a fun, playful twist on traditional comfort fare.
Ingredients
To make these Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites, you’ll need a delicious lineup of ingredients that are about to become your new best friends in the kitchen. We’re talking canned pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Get ready to smash these flavors together into an insane, irresistible bite that’s sure to be the star of any meal or gathering.
- 1 cup (240 g) – Canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup (100 g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) – Diced jalapeños
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) – Chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) – Cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) – Garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) – Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Try swapping out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Monterey jack for an extra flavor boost.
- Chili peppers: Experiment with different types of chili peppers, like Anaheim or serrano, to adjust the heat level to your liking.
How to Make Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites
Let’s get this flavor adventure started, shall we? Here’s how to make these insanely delicious Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites from scratch.
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a mini muffin tin. In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well-incorporated, creating a delectable pumpkin chili cheese filling.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, scoop the pumpkin chili cheese mixture into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake the Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden-brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the bites are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve these Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites warm, garnished with a sprinkle of extra chili powder or chopped green onions for a truly epic flavor experience.
Step 4: Finishing Touches (if needed)
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, try topping the Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce just before serving. This will take your comfort chaos to the next level and have your guests begging for the recipe.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Crispy Exterior: Try rolling the bites in panko breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips before baking for an extra crispy exterior.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends, like a mix of cheddar and Monterey jack, or even try adding in some crumbled bacon or diced bell peppers for a flavor-packed twist.
- Party-Ready Presentation: Bake these bites in a standard-sized muffin tin and serve them as individual appetizers or side dishes. Just be warned, they’re so incredibly delicious and addictive, your guests might have a hard time stopping at just one!
- Mix and Match Flavors: No matter how you make them, these Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites are guaranteed to be a serious crowd-pleaser. They’re the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s sure to have your taste buds doing a happy dance. So get ready to smash some flavor boundaries and transform your kitchen into a legendary food paradise!
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch, sour cream, or even a spicy chipotle aioli, for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is doubtful, because these bites are seriously irresistible), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy once again.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pumpkin chili cheese filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the filling into the muffin tin and pop it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
These Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites are a delicious and indulgent comfort food treat, but they also pack a nutritional punch. The pumpkin puree provides a boost of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while the cheese offers a source of protein and calcium. The chili spices not only add bold flavor, but they also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 65 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Sodium: 145 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pumpkin chili cheese filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the filling into the muffin tin and pop it in the oven. This makes for a super easy and convenient appetizer or side dish that you can have ready to go in no time.
Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Of course! If you have access to fresh pumpkin, feel free to roast and puree it yourself. Just be sure to measure out the same amount as the canned pumpkin called for in the recipe. The homemade puree may have a slightly different texture, but it will still result in an incredibly delicious and flavor-packed Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bite.
How spicy are these bites?
The level of spice in these Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites can be adjusted to your personal preference. The recipe calls for diced jalapeños, which provide a moderate level of heat. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or swap them out for a less spicy chili pepper. For an extra kick, feel free to add in a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I make these bites vegan or gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites vegan, simply swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite plant-based cheese alternative. For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of the regular breadcrumbs or tortilla chips. With a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy this epic comfort food recipe in a way that fits your dietary needs.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Any leftover Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy once again. This will help revive the bites and ensure they’re just as delicious as when they were freshly baked.
Try These Next
- Loaded Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites
- Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
- Loaded Pumpkin Chili Cheese Fries
Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: 🍟 COMFORT CHAOS
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Bites are the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Packed with flavor and cheesy goodness, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into small bite-sized balls.
4. Roll the balls in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
5. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
6. Fry the pumpkin bites in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
7. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
These bites can be made ahead of time and frozen before frying. Just thaw and fry when ready to serve!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pumpkin, chili, cheese, bites, comfort food