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Creamy Loaded Fall Veggie Dip in Pumpkin Bread Bowl

Creamy Loaded Fall Veggie Dip in Pumpkin Bread Bowl - featured image

A savory and elegant appetizer featuring a cool, herbed cream cheese and cheddar dip served inside roasted sugar pumpkin shells, accompanied by fresh crisp vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium sugar pumpkin (23 lbs)
  • Unsalted butter (for greasing)
  • Pumpkin seeds (pepitas), optional for garnish
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Celery sticks
  • Carrot sticks
  • Cucumber slices
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash the pumpkin and cut off the top to create a lid. Scoop out seeds and pulp.
  3. Grease the inside of the pumpkin with butter and place on a baking sheet.
  4. Roast the pumpkin for 30-40 minutes until tender, then let cool slightly.
  5. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.
  6. Add the grated cheddar, green onions, chives, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
  7. If the mixture is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Spoon the dip into the roasted pumpkin shells.
  9. Arrange fresh vegetables around the pumpkins on a platter.
  10. Garnish with extra chives or roasted pumpkin seeds and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure the pumpkin is fully roasted but not collapsed. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth dip. Avoid decorative pumpkins as they may be treated with chemicals. The dip can be made a day ahead, but assemble with the pumpkin on the day of serving to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall recipe, pumpkin dip, veggie platter, appetizer, cream cheese dip, pumpkin bread bowl, easy entertaining, vegetarian snack