Name: Pumpkin Queso
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat); 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 cup pepper jack cheese (shredded); 1/2 cup milk (more if needed to adjust consistency); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 1-2 jalapeños (optional, finely chopped for extra heat); Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Short Description

Pumpkin Queso is a deliciously creamy, slightly spicy dip that combines the richness of pumpkin with the indulgent, cheesy goodness of queso. Perfect for fall, it’s the ultimate game-day treat or cozy snack for any gathering. The earthy flavor of pumpkin paired with melted cheese and a little heat will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for something unique to spice up your fall menu, this Pumpkin Queso is a game-changer. It’s smooth, creamy, and has the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness with a hint of pumpkin flavor. Whether you serve it with tortilla chips, veggies, or even poured over nachos, this dip will be the star of the show. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!

Ingredients

You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Pumpkin puree
Cream cheese
Cheddar cheese
Pepper jack cheese
Milk
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Chili powder
Jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and pepper

Full ingredient details are at the bottom of this post!

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Base

In a medium saucepan, melt the cream cheese over medium heat. Stir it often to prevent burning. Once the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth, add the pumpkin puree and mix everything together until you have a creamy base.

Step 2: Add the Spices

Next, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. These spices bring out the warmth of the pumpkin and add depth to the dip. If you like a little heat, now’s the time to add some finely chopped jalapeños.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

Now, add the cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese to the saucepan. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Heat and Serve

Once the cheese has melted and everything is well combined, taste the queso and adjust the seasoning if needed—more salt, pepper, or chili powder can make all the difference! Keep the queso on low heat to maintain the warm, gooey consistency. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping snacks.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Adjust the heat: If you prefer a mild queso, skip the jalapeños. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to bring the spice to the next level.
Use full-fat cream cheese: This helps achieve that perfect creamy texture. Lower-fat versions may not give you the same indulgent result.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the pumpkin queso ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Cheese variety: If you don’t have pepper jack or cheddar, any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or a blend of Mexican cheese will work perfectly.
Non-dairy option: For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream cheese and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Look for dairy-free cheese that melts well, like cashew cheese or a coconut-based cream cheese.
Add ground meat: For a heartier dip, add cooked ground turkey or beef for a pumpkin queso that’s more like a taco dip!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Pumpkin Queso pairs beautifully with all sorts of crunchy snacks and more! Here are a few ideas:

Tortilla chips are a classic and crunchy choice that will hold up well to the creamy dip.
Vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a lighter, healthier dipper.
Soft pretzels for a twist on the classic cheese dip.
Nachos: Pour it over tortilla chips and top with your favorite nacho toppings for a delicious, autumn-inspired nacho dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store any leftover queso in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: When reheating, gently heat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a little milk to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
Freezing: You can freeze the queso for up to a month. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stove, adding milk if needed to restore its creamy texture.

4 FAQs

1. Can I make this pumpkin queso spicier?
Yes! You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or extra jalapeños for that extra kick.

2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin first to achieve a smooth consistency. You’ll need about 2 cups of pumpkin puree to replace the canned version.

3. Can I serve this cold?
While pumpkin queso is best served warm, you can serve it cold as well, though it won’t have that same creamy, melty texture. It still makes for a delicious dip!

4. Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, and the creamy, cheesy goodness makes it a perfect choice for any meatless gathering.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Queso is the perfect autumn dip that brings together the creamy comfort of cheese and the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, looking for something new to try on game day, or just craving something deliciously cheesy, this dip will definitely hit the spot. Warm, cheesy, and full of fall flavors—give it a try, and watch it disappear in no time!

Pumpkin Queso

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dip
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Instructions

Cook the Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the cream cheese over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once smooth, add the pumpkin puree and stir until combined.
Add the Spices: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add chopped jalapeños for extra heat if desired.
Melt the Cheese: Add the cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Heat and Serve: Taste the queso and adjust seasoning if needed. Keep the queso on low heat to maintain its creamy consistency. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.

Notes

Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dip, omit the jalapeños. For more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is best for the creamiest texture.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the queso in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat it over low heat, adding a little milk if needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg