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Last week, I put out a call on our Facebook page for pumpkin recipe requests. Many of them were the usual favorites — pumpkin bread, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin muffins, and all sorts of other pumpkin sweets that I love.
But I was excited to see how many people instead requested some savory pumpkin recipes! Believe it or not, I tend to pick savory over sweet any day. So I love that pumpkin is starting to be popular for both sides of the sweet and savory coin nowadays!
One of the savory requests came from my friend Matt, who even went a step further (gold star!) and sent me a recipe for his famous Savory Pumpkin Dip.
When I saw the ingredient list was full of cream cheese, green onions, pecans and lots of bacon, I was pretty much instantly sold. Plus I randomly had all of the ingredients on hand, along with my total impulse buy of the week — Ritz crackers.
(Sidenote: Had not bought Ritz crackers in about a decade, but after hearing Amanda talk about their supremacy over graham crackers in making s’mores, I was dying to pick up a box. And now, I totally can’t stop eating them. Best. Cracker. Ever.)
So with all of my ingredients and Ritz ready to go, I was able to whip up this dip in about the amount of time it took to cook the bacon. So quick and easy!
I did end up making a few changes from Matt’s recipe. His called for pumpkin butter, which I didn’t have onhand and didn’t have the patience to make. So I just substituted in some pumpkin puree and a pinch of cinnamon, which was terrific. And then I couldn’t resist throwing in a little cheddar cheese and seasoned salt — two of my favorite dip ingredients. :)
Sure enough, the dip was a hit! I ended up taking it to two parties for taste-testing, and everyone gave it the big thumbs up and it quickly disappeared. Most of my friends initially couldn’t put their finger on the main ingredient, as the pumpkin flavor is pretty subtle. But I liked how it wasn’t overpowering, and instead just gave a nice rich undertone to the dip.
Definitely a new savory pumpkin recipe that will go into my rotation. Perfect for game day, a quick appetizer, or even just a delicious snack.
Everyone will love this delicious and simple savory pumpkin dip — perfect for all kinds of dipping!
Ingredients
Scale
1 (8 oz.) brick cream cheese, softened (I used low-fat cream cheese)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
4–6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
Instructions
Stir all ingredients together using a wooden spoon or an electric mixer until combined. Serve garnished with extra bacon and green onions if desired, or cover and refrigerate until use.
I prefer savory pumpkin over baked pumpkin too! I love, love, love to just roast it and eat it for dinner, but this dip? With all that cheese and bacon? Oh my gosh, I could eat the whole bowl! Pass the crackers!
HUGE fan of pumpkin in savory dishes (and of ritz crackers! Love smearing them with PB and melted chocolate–be careful with that one, lol). Great work Ali (and Matt!)
I am LOVING this! I know that sweet pumpkin dip is always a go-to for so many people, but I’ve never been the biggest fan. A savory version though? YES!
Glad you liked it enough to put your own spin on it! It’s probably one of the most popular things I make in the fall, besides my pheasant puffs (which is almost exactly as it sounds… puffs filled with pheasant… and bacon and cream cheese, of course).
If you happen to have any dip left, which is a rare occasion at most gatherings, put it in the fridge and use it as a sandwich spread with some leftover cold turkey. Makes for a great sandwich!
Coryn —
I’m really excited about this recipe!
Matt– Would it be possible to get your pumpkin butter version as well? I’m slightly obsessed with Trader Joe’s and would love another excuse to use it. :)
I love Ritz crackers, too! Just bought some over the weekend that are Carmelized Onion! Oh my word, are they good! They are a limited edition, but I may buy up several boxes for holidays. If I can find them again, they seem to disappear fast! Going to try this dip and use these crackers, hope they taste good together!
Savory pumpkin recipes are so much fun, and I love this idea! I did a pumpkin alfredo last year and I’m counting down the days until I can make it again this year :)
I’m a huge pumpkin fan. I have to admit I’m not sure about this combination of ingredients, but I’m going to give it a try. On another note, I also live in the KC area and I’m going to check out Aldi tomorrow because of your past posts. I’m compiling my list now:)
While I love pumpkin sweets, I have a huge weakness for savory things like pumpkin lasagna, pumpkin chili, and pumpkin/sage dishes. This dip looks perfect for our next football game snack time. :)
I love this! I rarely see savory pumpkin recipes, I feel like, maybe there are? Hah this dip sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to try it out for our next Football party!
Oh my goodness, this dip is AWESOME! I have made it twice already since you posted it, as I grew a pumpkin patch this year and have been on the lookout for as many pumpkin recipes as possible. This one is a WINNER! I posted about it and linked back to you – just wanted to let you know! Thanks for such a great and different recipe.
I tried to make this the day before – and it did work out OK – but it is WAY better to make prior to serving. If you make it the day before, the cheese hardens up and the grease from the bacon solidifies. I would zap it in the microwave a little just to soften things up. It is still tasty, but the texture gets thrown a bit.
i’m going to make all 4 versions mentioned. the original, ali’s, and then one each adding sun dried tomaters, and chipolte peppers. pumpkin has been my sneaky addition for at least 25 years! i;ve added it to tomato based recipes to balance acidity as a rule. if something is too spicy or salty a bit of pumpkin helps balance the flavors. tried making chili without it but it’s not as tasty. definately have to increase some spices since pumpkin tends to zap some.
Thanks for this delicious recipe! I brought this to thanksgiving at my future mother in law’s and it was a hit! As a vegetarian, I substituted fake bacon (I prefer Morningstar Farms’ version–found in the frozen section of most grocers) and even the non-veggies liked it. I also served it warm so the cheese was all yummy and melty. Yum!
Yay! I’m writing an article for Hobby Farms website about creative uses for pumpkins and I’ll totally link to this. It looks awesome. Such a great veggie isn’t it!
i needed a dip for a meeting and was attracted to this recipe. i substituted for some of the ingredients with what i had. here is the result if you are interested. thanks for the wonderful idea.
Wow , this looks yummy ….. Just what I’m looking for … I am hosting a Ladies Christmas tea , and have been searching for some new “tea sandwich ” ideas ! I am thinking of spreading this on gingerbread ! Can’t wait to try it, and get the ladies reactions , to this savory ,pumpkin bacon , treat ! Thanks you !!
Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven —
That’s awesome Carol, we hope you enjoy it and that it’s a hit at your Ladies Christmas tea – how fun! :)
I made this for our work “Pumpkin Day”. Everyone loved it! I used wheat thins crackers since the Ritz seemed to break too easily with the thickness of the dip. This was a TOTAL HIT!
I wanted to make this for thanksgiving so we did a test run and sent it with my husband for their office party. It was a hit. I was a little worried it might be bland because when we first mixed it up and tasted you really couldn’t experience the flavor correctly. But after refrigeration over night those flavors really came together and were delicious!
The dip looks delicious! Your photographs are perfection!
You are an Aldi fan; have you tried their round buttery cracker? I prefer it over Ritz. You may want to try it.
I prefer savory pumpkin over baked pumpkin too! I love, love, love to just roast it and eat it for dinner, but this dip? With all that cheese and bacon? Oh my gosh, I could eat the whole bowl! Pass the crackers!
I’ve seen this dip without the pumpkin – I’ll bet it’s even more delicious with its addition! Looks delicious!
HUGE fan of pumpkin in savory dishes (and of ritz crackers! Love smearing them with PB and melted chocolate–be careful with that one, lol). Great work Ali (and Matt!)
Wow! I love the idea of savory pumpkin dishes vs sweet. You are now totally speaking my language! :)
ohhhhh love this! I haven’t ever made a savory pumpkin dip!
Oh Ali!!!! I’m in love with this dip! Can’t wait to make it! Gorgeous!
Yay for pumpkin!
This dip sounds so good!
What a genius idea! And Ritz crackers, man… SO GOOD. :) Need these combo in my life ASAP!
I am LOVING this! I know that sweet pumpkin dip is always a go-to for so many people, but I’ve never been the biggest fan. A savory version though? YES!
My face just fell off my head.
What do you think about using sun-dried tomatoes (maybe some chipotle chilis?) instead of the bacon to make it veggie friendly?
In love with this!
I LOVE the savory take on pumpkin, we are in full swing now! : )
ummm must go buy some ritz crackers asap!!
and totally trying this for one of our football sundays!
Wonderful!
Looks so yum!! I have to try this!! And YAY for Ritz!! :)
Um, this is flipping fantastic! Need to make this weekend for our watch party!
Glad you liked it enough to put your own spin on it! It’s probably one of the most popular things I make in the fall, besides my pheasant puffs (which is almost exactly as it sounds… puffs filled with pheasant… and bacon and cream cheese, of course).
If you happen to have any dip left, which is a rare occasion at most gatherings, put it in the fridge and use it as a sandwich spread with some leftover cold turkey. Makes for a great sandwich!
I’m really excited about this recipe!
Matt– Would it be possible to get your pumpkin butter version as well? I’m slightly obsessed with Trader Joe’s and would love another excuse to use it. :)
I love Ritz crackers, too! Just bought some over the weekend that are Carmelized Onion! Oh my word, are they good! They are a limited edition, but I may buy up several boxes for holidays. If I can find them again, they seem to disappear fast! Going to try this dip and use these crackers, hope they taste good together!
Fabulous! I make a very similar acorn squash dip, bot using pumpkin butter has given me all kinds of inspirations. Thanks. And Matt, too!
Love the sound of this dip and the bacon just pushes it over the top!
I. Am. Obsessed.
Savory pumpkin recipes are so much fun, and I love this idea! I did a pumpkin alfredo last year and I’m counting down the days until I can make it again this year :)
I’m a huge pumpkin fan. I have to admit I’m not sure about this combination of ingredients, but I’m going to give it a try. On another note, I also live in the KC area and I’m going to check out Aldi tomorrow because of your past posts. I’m compiling my list now:)
While I love pumpkin sweets, I have a huge weakness for savory things like pumpkin lasagna, pumpkin chili, and pumpkin/sage dishes. This dip looks perfect for our next football game snack time. :)
I am pretty sure I prefer savory pumpkin to sweet pumpkin so I adore this!! Great idea!
I love this! I rarely see savory pumpkin recipes, I feel like, maybe there are? Hah this dip sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to try it out for our next Football party!
Bacon, cream cheese and pumpkin?! Where do I sign up?!
Oh my goodness, this dip is AWESOME! I have made it twice already since you posted it, as I grew a pumpkin patch this year and have been on the lookout for as many pumpkin recipes as possible. This one is a WINNER! I posted about it and linked back to you – just wanted to let you know! Thanks for such a great and different recipe.
Best,
Natalie
oystersandpearls.net
https://oystersandpearls.net/savory-pumpkin-dip-recipe/
Has anyone served this dip warm???
It is even better served warm!! SOOOO good
I made this for my Pumpkin housewarming and it was a hit. Thanks!
Can I make this the day before and refrigerate? Will it still taste good?
I tried to make this the day before – and it did work out OK – but it is WAY better to make prior to serving. If you make it the day before, the cheese hardens up and the grease from the bacon solidifies. I would zap it in the microwave a little just to soften things up. It is still tasty, but the texture gets thrown a bit.
Just wanted to let you know, I just made this and my Hubby and I are stoked. Such an amazing recipe! Thank you!
i’m going to make all 4 versions mentioned. the original, ali’s, and then one each adding sun dried tomaters, and chipolte peppers. pumpkin has been my sneaky addition for at least 25 years! i;ve added it to tomato based recipes to balance acidity as a rule. if something is too spicy or salty a bit of pumpkin helps balance the flavors. tried making chili without it but it’s not as tasty. definately have to increase some spices since pumpkin tends to zap some.
If I don’t have “seasoned salt”, what other seasonings should I put in this?
This is totally on my Thanksgiving menu. Perfect for snacking on while I’m cooking dinner!
Thanks for this delicious recipe! I brought this to thanksgiving at my future mother in law’s and it was a hit! As a vegetarian, I substituted fake bacon (I prefer Morningstar Farms’ version–found in the frozen section of most grocers) and even the non-veggies liked it. I also served it warm so the cheese was all yummy and melty. Yum!
Yay! I’m writing an article for Hobby Farms website about creative uses for pumpkins and I’ll totally link to this. It looks awesome. Such a great veggie isn’t it!
i needed a dip for a meeting and was attracted to this recipe. i substituted for some of the ingredients with what i had. here is the result if you are interested. thanks for the wonderful idea.
I wonder what Sweet Potato would taste like instead of the pumpkin?
Hmmm we haven’t tried that Vicki, but we bet it would be delicious!
Wow , this looks yummy ….. Just what I’m looking for … I am hosting a Ladies Christmas tea , and have been searching for some new “tea sandwich ” ideas ! I am thinking of spreading this on gingerbread ! Can’t wait to try it, and get the ladies reactions , to this savory ,pumpkin bacon , treat ! Thanks you !!
That’s awesome Carol, we hope you enjoy it and that it’s a hit at your Ladies Christmas tea – how fun! :)
I substituted the pumpkin puree with canned pumkin, and followed the recipe as is, gotta say it turned out great, thanks for the recipe.
That’s great to hear Steve, thanks for sharing with us! :)
Canned pumpkin and pumpkin purée are the same thing
I made this for our work “Pumpkin Day”. Everyone loved it! I used wheat thins crackers since the Ritz seemed to break too easily with the thickness of the dip. This was a TOTAL HIT!
We’re so glad it was a hit, CJ! :)
What is in the “seasoned salt”?
Hi Carol! We just used Lawry’s seasoned salt for this.
can i freeze this receipe? for how long?
I wanted to make this for thanksgiving so we did a test run and sent it with my husband for their office party. It was a hit. I was a little worried it might be bland because when we first mixed it up and tasted you really couldn’t experience the flavor correctly. But after refrigeration over night those flavors really came together and were delicious!
Unexpectedly delicious. I was skeptical, but wow, the flavors blended beautifully. I will definitely make this one again!
Made this for a get together with friends and it was delicious! Perfect for a Fall menu!