Smoky Bacon & Creamy Pumpkin Cheese Dip

Elevate your appetizer game this season with our irresistible Savory Pumpkin Dip with Bacon! This creamy, cheesy delight, infused with the warm spices of paprika and garlic, combined with crispy bacon and fresh green onion, promises to be an instant crowd-pleaser. Prepare for your tastebuds to sing as you scoop up this delectable dip with crackers, veggie sticks, or even our homemade sweet potato chips. It’s the ultimate fall comfort food, perfect for any gathering!

For years, my passion for pumpkin has been an open secret, but I’ll admit, my culinary repertoire has leaned heavily towards sweet pumpkin creations. From pumpkin pies to spiced lattes, the sweet side of pumpkin always seemed to dominate. However, this Savory Pumpkin Dip with Bacon has been a complete revelation, truly a game-changer for me and for anyone who tastes it. It challenged my preconceived notions of how pumpkin should be enjoyed, proving that its earthy sweetness can also be the perfect foundation for a rich, savory experience.

It’s almost baffling why I hadn’t thought to combine these incredible ingredients much sooner. When you look at what’s in this bowl – the creamy texture, the sharp cheese, the smoky bacon, the subtle kick of spices, and the freshness of green onion – it’s clear that everything just *belongs* together. The flavors marry in such a harmonious way that it feels like they were always destined to be united in this delightful dip. This recipe isn’t just a snack; it’s an experience, transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

My kitchen is a testament to my love for food, filled with stacks of cookbooks, countless recipe magazines, and an overflowing collection of culinary clippings. Many of these clippings are meticulously organized by season, and as you can imagine, the fall stack is nothing short of ginormous. Every summer, my thoughts inevitably turn to the upcoming autumn season, planning what delightful recipes I can share with you. Yes, we food bloggers are always a few steps, seasons, and holidays ahead, ensuring you have the perfect recipe for that fall party, game-day tailgate, or cozy evening in, exactly when you need it.

During one of these planning sessions, I stumbled upon several pumpkin dip recipes. However, most leaned towards the sweet side, or featured unexpected Asian-inspired flavors, which weren’t quite what I envisioned. I was dreaming of something robust and savory, a dip that would perfectly complement the homemade Sweet Potato Chips I was perfecting, while also pairing beautifully with a variety of crackers and fresh vegetables. After some experimentation, I can confidently say that I absolutely nailed it with this particular combination. This dip strikes the ideal balance, offering a sophisticated yet comforting flavor profile that captures the essence of autumn.

Contents

Crafting Your Own Savory Pumpkin Cheese Dip with Bacon

Creating this incredibly flavorful Savory Pumpkin Cheese Dip with Bacon is surprisingly simple, requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients. You’ll need softened cream cheese for that essential creamy base, rich pumpkin puree, a dash of garlic powder for aromatic depth, and a sprinkle of paprika for a gentle smoky warmth. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy, cheesy punch, while crispy bacon and fresh green onions introduce delightful texture and vibrant flavor. No fancy, obscure ingredients here – just wholesome staples coming together to create something truly special. Let’s walk through the easy steps to bring this autumnal masterpiece to life in your kitchen.

The process begins by combining your softened cream cheese and pumpkin puree in a bowl. For the best results, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this makes it much easier to achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture. To this creamy base, add the garlic powder and paprika, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is uniformly blended. Next, gently fold in the shredded medium cheddar cheese, distributing it evenly throughout the pumpkin mixture. Finally, incorporate the chopped green onions and crispy bacon. Remember to set aside a small amount of both the green onion and bacon bits to use as a beautiful and flavorful garnish when serving. This layering of textures and flavors ensures every bite is a delightful experience.

Pro Tip: Ever find yourself with just a small amount of leftover pumpkin puree after making a recipe? Don’t let it go to waste! Many recipes don’t use a full can, leaving you with a small, but often inconvenient, amount. My solution? Spoon the leftover puree into a freezer-safe zip-top bag, flatten it to save space, and pop it in the freezer. It thaws quickly and is perfect for adding to your next savory dish like this dip, or even a batch of pancakes or a smoothie! This simple trick ensures you maximize your ingredients and always have pumpkin on hand.

Loved This Recipe? Save It for Later!

Don’t let this incredible savory pumpkin dip recipe slip away! Make sure to pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes or you’re planning your next gathering. And while you’re there, be sure to follow along with me on Pinterest for even more delicious inspiration, seasonal recipes, and entertaining ideas. This dip, with its comforting fall flavors and easy preparation, would make an absolutely fantastic and memorable addition to your Thanksgiving feasts this year, offering a unique savory counterpoint to the traditional sweet dishes.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with This Savory Pumpkin Appetizer

When I first whipped up this delightful savory dip, I served it alongside a classic spread of crisp celery and carrot sticks, as well as an assortment of my favorite crackers and crunchy bagel chips. The variety offered something for everyone, and the dip was an immediate hit. The creamy texture and robust flavors made it a perfect companion for these traditional dippers.

However, a moment of culinary inspiration struck me: what if I paired this autumn-inspired dip with homemade Baked Sweet Potato Chips? The idea felt so right, a natural complement to the earthy pumpkin. So, I set about making a fresh batch of those wonderfully crispy, slightly sweet chips. And oh, was I right! The combination was an absolute match made in fall dip heaven. The subtle sweetness of the sweet potato chips beautifully enhances the savory notes of the pumpkin and bacon, creating a truly unforgettable flavor experience. Beyond these, consider serving it with apple slices for a sweet-tart contrast, pretzel crisps for an extra salty crunch, or even warm pita bread for a heartier option. For a low-carb alternative, cucumber slices or bell pepper strips work wonderfully.

So many Dip Recipes!!

My Reign as the Queen of Dip Recipes

It’s become a running joke among my friends that I’ve earned the playful title of “Queen of the Dips!” (Thankfully, they always clarify that it refers to my recipes, not my dancing!). And I must say, over the years, I’ve poured my heart into crafting some truly spectacular dip recipes. Whether you’re seeking something creamy, spicy, cheesy, sweet, or savory, my blog is a treasure trove of dip inspiration, with something to satisfy every palate and occasion. I’ve even gone the extra mile to compile all these fantastic creations into one convenient location for you to explore: check out my collection of 20+ Dang Delicious Dip Recipes. From game day favorites to elegant party appetizers, you’re sure to find your next go-to dip!

Embracing the World of Savory Pumpkin Recipes

While my website boasts a wide array of pumpkin recipes, historically, almost all of them have celebrated the sweet side of this versatile gourd. With the delightful exception of my beloved Pumpkin Curry Soup, desserts and sweet treats have long held the spotlight. However, after experiencing the sheer joy and incredible flavor of this Savory Pumpkin Dip with Bacon, I realized I needed to delve deeper into the vast and exciting world of savory pumpkin dishes. This dip ignited a new passion within me, inspiring a desire to explore all things savory pumpkin!

To kickstart this delicious adventure, I’ve curated a list of must-make savory pumpkin recipes from some of my talented blogger friends. These diverse creations showcase just how incredibly adaptable pumpkin can be, moving beyond pies and lattes to savory main courses and unique appetizers. Prepare to be inspired by these innovative ways to enjoy pumpkin:

Pumpkin Pull-Apart Puff Pastry with Goat Cheese & Garlic: A flaky, cheesy delight perfect for entertaining.
Pumpkin and Caramelized Onion Risotto: A sophisticated and comforting dish, ideal for a cozy dinner.
Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sauce: A unique twist on a Tex-Mex classic, brimming with flavor.
Pumpkin Yeast Bread: A warm, aromatic bread perfect for sandwiches or alongside a hearty meal.
Pumpkin Lasagna with Roasted Butternut Squash: A rich and creamy pasta dish, ideal for fall gatherings.
Sage Pumpkin Hummus: A vibrant and flavorful dip that’s both healthy and delicious.

Now that we’ve explored the delightful world of savory pumpkin and the irresistible charm of this dip, it’s time to get the full recipe. You won’t regret adding this fantastic appetizer to your fall rotation!

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Savory Pumpkin Cheese Dip Bacon white bowl

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Print Recipe

Savory Pumpkin Cheese Dip with Bacon

Savory cheesy pumpkin dip with bacon will have you coming back for more! Creamy with a zip of garlic, green onion and paprika, serve on crackers or on a cheeseboard!

Prep Time
10 mins

Total Time
10 mins

Course: Dips

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bacon, cheddar, cheese, green onion, how to make a savory dip with pumpkin, pumpkin dip, savory pumpkin dip

Servings: 2.5 cups

Calories: 161 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

1/2 cup pumpkin canned pumpkin puree
8 ounces cream cheese softened
3/4 cup medium cheddar cheese shredded
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 large green onions sliced (reserve some for topping)
6 slices thick cut bacon cooked and chopped (reserve some for topping)

Instructions

Cream together cream cheese, pumpkin, paprika and garlic powder.
Stir in shredded cheese.
Fold in bacon and green onion. Sprinkle with reserved bacon and green onion for garnish.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Serve with crackers or veggies.

Nutrition